Lesson 4 - The Mashing Process
This lesson discusses the process of mashing. It provides an overview and sets out the objectives of the process before explaining what parameters need to be controlled to ensure success. It describes the various methods used to mash and their impact on the wort produced. Finally, it details the composition of wort produced by mashing.
Preface
Mashing can almost be regarded as the point where the beer is born. The appetising aroma of a mash being made is one of the main perks of being a brewer.
The mashing process appears simple: mix water and grist together, hold the resultant mix at the correct temperature(s) and then move on to wort separation. Simplicity couldn’t be further from the truth. A great many elements interact, and complex and competing physical, chemical, and biochemical processes occur to provide us with the wort we desire.
This lesson will explain these elements and processes and detail how to best control the parameters and operation of mashing.