[BrewBama]

My next brew will be a Dunkel Weizen. I plan to use a Decoction Mash in the interest of tradition - my first.  I plan for Protein, Beta, Alpha rests, and Mash out. Any advice, or pitfall avoidance from the more initiated?

[dmtaylor]

Skip the protein rest, it will only hurt your head and body.  Double meanings intended!

[majorvices]

Interestingly enough on today's malts protein rests and decoction's are no longer very traditional. My understanding is not very many German breweries bother with decoction mashing any longer. It's too expensive and unecessary.

[wobdee]

I think everyone should try a decoction at least once and find out for themselves if it makes a difference or not. Personally I think if its done properly it makes great beer. I brew all my Lagers with a single decoction called the Schmitz process, it cuts a lot of time off a traditional double or triple decoction but gives similar results.

[hopfenundmalz]

Interestingly enough on today's malts protein rests and decoction's are no longer very traditional. My understanding is not very many German breweries bother with decoction mashing any longer. It's too expensive and unecessary.

Step mashes are used as I understand. Energy is expensive in Germany.

There are some breweries that are still traditional.

[reverseapachemaster]

If you are using an undermodified pils in that beer you might want to perform a protein rest (at least a short one) but otherwise I agree that you can do without the protein rest.

[BrewArk]

Decoction is great when you miss your target mash temperature (provided you are on the coll side).  Otherwise, I tend to avoid it.


Some people can read it in a book,

Some people can be taught,

Is decoction for those that need to pee on the electric fence for themselves?

(personally, it's not that big a deal, just do it, experience it, retire from it)

[majorvices]

Decoction is great when you miss your target mash temperature (provided you are on the coll side).  Otherwise, I tend to avoid it.


Some people can read it in a book,

Some people can be taught,

Is decoction for those that need to pee on the electric fence for themselves?

(personally, it's not that big a deal, just do it, experience it, retire from it)

If I'm low I just run some wort into my kettle, bring it to a near boil and add it back to MT. And I totally agree everyone should try it. It's really not that bad.

[leejoreilly]

I've been under the impression that decoction was a technique designed for mash temperature control in the days before the availability of accurate thermometers. Do you think it may add something to the beer beyond this? Or do you think it's just an interesting technique that's worth trying, but has been supplanted by Thermapens?

[Stevie]

Slightly on topic... I was at a newer Dallas Brewery last night for a club meeting. The brewer mentioned that they purposely use under modified base malts and run through step mashes as they find it produces a superior end product. Maybe there is some truth to this akin to Coke with sugar v. Coke with corn syrup. Nothing drastic, just that certain jean es se qua.

[denny]

I've been under the impression that decoction was a technique designed for mash temperature control in the days before the availability of accurate thermometers. Do you think it may add something to the beer beyond this? Or do you think it's just an interesting technique that's worth trying, but has been supplanted by Thermapens?

My experience is that flavor wise it doesn't add anything to the beer.

[majorvices]

I've been under the impression that decoction was a technique designed for mash temperature control in the days before the availability of accurate thermometers. Do you think it may add something to the beer beyond this? Or do you think it's just an interesting technique that's worth trying, but has been supplanted by Thermapens?

Since I have never done a side by side batch with decoction vs non decoction I can't really comment as to the flavor. But I will say that decoction definitely increases your efficiency. Is it worth the extra time and energy? Hell no.

[BrewBama]

I've been under the impression that decoction was a technique designed for mash temperature control in the days before the availability of accurate thermometers. Do you think it may add something to the beer beyond this? Or do you think it's just an interesting technique that's worth trying, but has been supplanted by Thermapens?

That's my intent. Traditional step mash for nothing more than the experience. If a better beer results all the better.

[HoosierBrew]

Is it worth the extra time and energy? Hell no.

 ^^^   I remember the first time I tried it, I was excited that I'd just made this incredible BoPils, except that I couldn't find much difference.  Probably wouldn't do it again. Never say never though.

[denny]

Is it worth the extra time and energy? Hell no.

 ^^^   I remember the first time I tried it, I was excited that I'd just made this incredible BoPils, except that I couldn't find much difference.  Probably wouldn't do it again. Never say never though.

I still do it once or twice a year to see if I've changed my opinion.