All Grain Decoction

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Two Step Decoction for an All Grain Pilsner

This series is a picture album of a two step decoction using pilsner malt grain. Following is the recipe for decoction:

Two Step Decoction Method

  • For 10 lbs of pilsner malt, use 3.25 gallons water.
  • Figure on about three hours to mash and sparge.

  • Strike temperature to reach 125F, stir well and rest for 20 minutes.
  • Stir and take one third of the mash.
  • The decoction should be the consistency of thick oatmeal.
  • Heat decoction to 158F, rest for 20 minutes.
  • Bring to a boil for 20minutes.
  • Stir the malt while boiling to prevent scorching.
  • Return to reach 150F, rest for 20 minutes.
  • Take one quarter of the mash, boil for 20 minutes.
  • Return to reach 158F, rest 30-60 minutes.
  • No mash out, sparge immediately.
The recipe came from the Decoction FAQ.

I followed this recipe, however, I found that the final decoction of 1/4 of the mash was not enough to raise the temperature to 158F. So I did another 1/4 mash decoction and boiled it. After returning it to the mash I hit 159F.

I'm not sure why it didn't work as shown in the recipe. Probably I took less than 1/4 of the mash out. It is really just an estimate, judging the amount by eye. Next time I will take about 1/3 of the mash for the last decoction.

On to the pictures!

All Grain Decoction - German Pilsner

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