Mash Efficiency

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The Epworth Brewer

Mash Efficiency

Post by The Epworth Brewer » Sun May 17, 2009 6:15 am

Finally getting round to experimenting with my own recipes after sticking to Dave Line, then more recently Graham Wheeler for a number of years. As I have never really got too technical (if it tastes and looks good why worry?) I know jack +++t about PH, mash efficiency etc but I guess I am now going to have to learn.
Anyway, to cut to the chase, yesterday I did the following :-
3.68Kg Marris Otter
460grms Flaked Maize
230grms Wheat Malt
230grms Crystal Malt
Double infusion 2x10 litres then sparge to collect about 30 litres in total (too much for my Brupak which I believe is 29l capacity)
Just for the record hops used were 50grms Challenger @ 6.5% A/A for 90mins and 20grms Fuggles last 15 @ 4.8%. No idea what it will taste like and don't yet know whether to dry hop as I have a few grms of Brewers Gold, Cascade and Styrian to use.
I have ended up with 5 gallons @ 1.045. Could someone please give me an indication of what mash efficiency I am achieving?
I switched to double infusion 3 brews ago and I seem to be getting much better results.
Cheers :?:

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simple one
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Re: Mash Efficiency

Post by simple one » Sun May 17, 2009 7:12 am

If the total you got after the boil is is 5 gallons at 1045 then your total efficency works out to be about 78-9%. Which is quite good. Your mash efficiency will be higher than this.

If the total you got after the mash was 5 gallons at 1045 prior to the boil and adding hops. Then your mash efficiency is around 78-9%, and your total efficiency will be lower due to future losses to hops and dead space in the boiler.

I am new to efficiencies to, but I think I am right.

I just use GW beer engine to work out my efficiency. And I fluctuate around 75%. At the moment I am down at 71%. :(

The Epworth Brewer

Re: Mash Efficiency

Post by The Epworth Brewer » Sun May 17, 2009 9:18 am

Thanks for that Simple One. Yes it was 5 gallons AFTER boil and run off, with temp @20c so that will do nicely. Now to name the brew.
I think my ales will have a 'Rock'nRoll' theme cos that's what I like and that's what I tend to do after a few pints! So in view of the fact I am about to take early retirement, leaving more time to brew (and MUCH less money to go to the pub)this one will be 'Celebration Day' off Led Zep III. I just hope I don't have to change it to Alice Coopers' 'You're Poison' ! :lol:

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