Oxygen and Mashing Flashcards
(14 cards)
What has been called beer enemy number one?
Oxygen
Oxygen is known to accelerate beer staling after packaging.
What is the primary concern regarding oxygen during mashing?
Oxidation of the wort
Oxidation during mashing is linked to accelerated beer staling.
For which types of beers is control of oxygen in mashing essential?
All but short shelf life beers, beers destined for maturation in wood, or intentionally oxidised beers
These types are particularly sensitive to oxygen exposure.
What does ‘control’ of oxygen actually mean in the context of mashing?
Exclusion
Limiting oxygen’s access to the mash is crucial.
What is one method to exclude oxygen during mashing?
Fill vessels from the bottom
This method helps limit oxygen exposure.
What gas can be used to purge oxygen from the mill and vessels?
CO2 or nitrogen
Purging with these gases helps maintain an oxygen-free environment.
In what environment should the grist be milled to reduce oxygen exposure?
An oxygen-free environment
Milling in such an environment helps to prevent oxidation.
What type of water should be used during mashing to avoid oxygen?
Deoxygenated mashing water
This water minimizes the risk of introducing oxygen.
What speed should be used when mixing the mash to control oxygen exposure?
Low agitator speed
Lower speeds help reduce oxygen incorporation.
What is the recommended pump speed when transferring mash?
Low pump speed
This helps to limit oxygen exposure during transfer.
What design feature should pipework have to avoid oxygen incorporation?
Avoid sharp bends
Sharp bends can cause shearing of the mash and introduce oxygen.
What should be avoided at the end of mashing to prevent oxygen exposure?
Allowing the pump to run dry
Chasing out mash with deoxygenated water helps prevent this issue.
What is the goal of most large modern brewhouses concerning oxygen control?
To achieve all measures for oxygen exclusion
Modern brewhouses are designed with these controls in mind.
What will be discussed after understanding the factors affecting the mashing process?
Methods of mashing
The next topic will cover how mashing is actually performed.
