Newbie question about Bru'n Water and mash out

[lhommedieu]

This is probably a very simple question - but should the volume of water used to mash out be counted as part of the sparge water volume?

Best,

Steve

 

[vinpaysdoc]

No.

(oops, missed the 'out' part of the 'mash out'. In that case I'd say yes. my bad.)

 

[mabrungard]

In my opinion, yes. The mash out water addition is typically a boiling water addition to raise the mash to the upper 160F range. Since the conversion is largely complete, the mash pH is less a concern. Considering that the mash out addition is just a component of the overall sparging additions is appropriate for that reason.

 

[Denny]

No. You add it before you start sparging so it's a mash addition. But you can simplify by just skipping mashout and sparging with hotter water.

Martin's explanation makes sense in terms of water treatment, but strictly speaking I disagree with his definition.

 

[lhommedieu]

Thanks for your responses. Would you, then, treat the mash-volume differently then the mash-out volume (my water has very low alkalinity)?

Best,

Steve

 

[vinpaysdoc]

Yes. You can see in Bru'n Water that no sodium bicarb is added to the sparge water. Also, you might want to acidify your sparge water.