I've been brewing for 16 years but never tried to lager. I'm putting together my first recipe for a pilsner (Prima clone) and am pretty confused on the mashing times. Some with double or triple decoction to straight up 90 minutes or less. I'm thinking of starting with just a simple mash time then move from there. Can anyone tell me, or explain what I should be considering in determining mash times?
Thanks so much!
Swannee
Pilsner Mashing Times
Moderator: slothrob
Pilsner Mashing Times
Swannee
Re: Pilsner Mashing Times
You can make a great pilsner with a 60 minute single-infusion mash. Pilsner malt is high in enzymes because it is lightly kilned and tends to convert very easily.
Some brewers might choose to mash longer to try and sqeeze a little more efficiency out of the mash, since Pilsners are often mashed at a low temperature, like 148°F. To get my full efficiency, I increase the mash temp to 158-162°F for the last 10-20 minutes, but the gain is relatively small. Decoction is unnecessary with all but very specialized malts, so that is something some brewers might do because of a slight flavor difference they perceive, but I wouldn't make my first one that way.
Some brewers might choose to mash longer to try and sqeeze a little more efficiency out of the mash, since Pilsners are often mashed at a low temperature, like 148°F. To get my full efficiency, I increase the mash temp to 158-162°F for the last 10-20 minutes, but the gain is relatively small. Decoction is unnecessary with all but very specialized malts, so that is something some brewers might do because of a slight flavor difference they perceive, but I wouldn't make my first one that way.
BTP v2.0.* Windows XP