wheatbeer mash help please!

[Baldbrewer]

Hi Guys,
I really like wheatbeers and want to do AG#2 as one but my main concerns are around the mash schedule.

Can I carry out stepped mashes with a coolbox mashtun?

I understand I should do various rests etc, is it as simple as carrying out rest then adding heated water at the temp for the next stage?
popping the lid back on the mashtun until the end of the next rest etc?

My HLT is controlled by a PID,SSR etc .

sorry for the newb questions I just want to make sure I make a good wheetie!
Cheers all.

[adomant]

These days, the only rest you really need is a ferule one around 44-50C for 20-30 minutes. You can do this with a thick mash to which you add hotter water to. You can also do it by taking a pot full of grains out and then putting on the hob for 20 mins at 60C and 1o mins at 100C (this will add a colour and taste profile), you put that back into the tun and repeat as many times as required to bring the heat up.

[jat147]

Hi, if it's AG#2 we're talking about, maybe a step mash/ferule rest is running before walking?
I've done over 100 (lost count tbh) and make my weizen with simple mash still, and guess what?
They come out really nice regardless. Best practice is all well and good, but learning to use the
kit you have and to become consistent is worth far more of your time.
FWIW, using liquid yeast and mastering fv temp control made my output miles better than I ever hoped.

[simco999]

Jat147 - love the tag line!!

+1 for the liquid yeasts - WLP300 is my fave. I've tried stepped mashes with various degrees of success and failure!! It can be difficult to control the temps - especially if you are using a coolbox - its easier for me as I have a 60 litre boiler and use BIAB.

I would concentrate on getting your technique right before trying a stepped mash.

[Baldbrewer]

Sorry should have mentioned I have built a stc fermenting fridge ,
I understand I should pitch the yeast at about 12C
Then raise to 18 over 4 days?

Perhaps I just do a standard 90 min mash

[simco999]

I would for now - plenty of time to try fancy step mashes.

Sounds like your in it for the long haul. Congrats on the STC fridge.

Welcome to the dark side!!

[Cazamodo]

MY first wheat beer I tried a step mash in my insulated MT. Mashed in thick to begin with, which Id never done so then had to mess about to hit the correct rest temp. Then the calculations to bring it up to the normal mash temp didnt quite work out! Basically it can be done, but is never as easy as you think it is haha. I have since brewed the same beer with a standard mash and cant tell too much of a difference. Not that I can put down solely to the mash schedule at least.