Step mash in a MLT

[Michael Murphy]

Hi all, have any of you all attempted to do a step mash in a Mash/lauter system?
I usually do a single step which I prefer, but Im performing one right now.
Other than driving the grain under the false bottom and not having even heating, anything else I should be aware of?

[Michael Murphy]

Say no more thats the last time I will try to step mash in a MLT...

[Namazu]

If you don't mind sharing the details as a warning for others, I would be interested in reading more... it might keep me out of trouble. ;)

[Kbrotherman]

Is your MLT jakceted for steam or was it the hot water you added that drove the grain underneathe the screen?
I agree, if you'd be willing to share your experiences, I'd love to hear them.
thanks,
Kevin

[Michael Murphy]

I used both hot water and steam jackets to get to the next step, and it worked well. I went from 52 to 63C in less than 5 mins which maybe was too fast. But Im pretty sure it was all the extra raking the mash which created a milky white flour bed under the false bottom.

The run off started a little slow and I was expecting a longer lauter, but after 20% of the wort was collected it went from bad to worse... I ended up with 15 hl instead of 26 hl at the desired Plato. There was alot of sugars left in the malt and off course you guys should know how a stuck run off feels...

I was going for a beer with a higher RDF, I guess for the next batch I will mash a bit cooler and longer to get the same or simular results.

[JoeV]

I do a step mash in a insulated mash/lauter tun. First I pre-heat the MLT by re-circulating hot water (at the appropriate strike temperature to reach my desired first step temperature) from kettle to Hot Liqour Tank to MLT back to kettle. I fill the MLT up with some foundation water add grain and add the water for my first infusion at the same time. By the time all the grain is in and all the water is in I have reached my first step temp. and the grain is evenly hydrated. Then for the second step i just add more hot water (again at whatever temp. I need to reach my second step temperature). After mashing is complete I would recomend recirculating wort from the bottom of the mash tun to the top without disturbing the grain bed. This filters out much of the sediment under the false bottom. It works out pretty well.

[Buckley]

Maybe I am missing something, why has no one mentioned using an underlet valves to help avoid grain through the screens/sediment issues?? I would imagine underletting and mixing the mash would work well....I would grain in with a high grist:water for first step then the underlet and mix to desired temp. just my thought.....

[tariq khan]

"I was going for a beer with a higher RDF"

What does RDF mean ?

[MikeJordan]

"I was going for a beer with a higher RDF"

What does RDF mean ?


RDF is Real Degree of Fermentation.