The Brew Bag Blog — sparge

Brewing Process Logic - A Comparison of Methodology

May 19, 2015 • BIAB • brew in a bag • hop spider • how to brew • mash tun • no sparge • sparge • sparging • The Brew Bag • wort

When using a fabric filter and the full volume of mash water without sparging, the gravity is set when the mash is complete - unless adjusting for volume in the kettle or the fermenter - it is never diluted. In addition the pH is fixed in both the mash tun and the kettle. The entire sparge process can be eliminated, saving time, effort, equipment and energy expense. The use of one kettle, one burner, and one bag with no mash out produces comparable results to sparging.

Tannins & Squeezing the Bag are Not Synonymous

May 18, 2015 • BIAB • brew in a bag • brew in a bag sparge • how to brew • mash tun • no sparge • sparge • sparging • The Brew Bag • wort

Squeezing the bag of grain and tannins are not synonymous. Excerpted and paraphrased from the books “Water - A Comprehensive Guide for Brewers” and “Malt - A Practical Guide From Field to Brewhouse” - Tannins, a subset of polyphenols, are present in grain husks and cell walls. They are released at mash temps and bind with proteins to form haze. In conjunction with a pH above 6, excess tannins are extracted and impart an astringent flavor - they can not be produced by pressure.

Water to grist ratio - is any one method correct?

March 10, 2014 • BIAB • brew in a bag • efficiency of beer • fly sparging • home brewing • mash tun • sparge • water to grain ratio

Why, yes Wilbur, there can be too much water in the mash tun. But can there be too little as well? Let's start by listing the ways wort can get into the boil kettle. In no significant order: 1. Batch sparging - mashing at water too grain ratios of ~1.25 per pound and then adding water in large batches to rinse the wort into the boil kettle - faster than fly sparging - no arm or pump needed. 2. Fly Sparging - a spinning arm held above the wort delivers water in an even composition so as to gently wash...