huckdavidson
Well-Known Member
Decoction in and of itself is a useful process for stepping the temperature of a mash and getting peak extract from malt.
The decoction does not contribute to or add malty flavors to a beer. Adding more and various kinds of malt will do this (while also varying the IBUs). It may raise extract a couple points but not to the extent that would make a significant difference.
The decoction does not caramelize in the kettle. The kettle is boiling a mass that is not heated over boiling temperature. There is too much mass (more proteins than starches) and not enough heat.
The decoction does not form melanoidins in the kettle. Same as boiling, there's not enough heat and too much protein to effectively drive melanoidin formation. The pH is also too neutral. It would take a very alkaline pH and mash pH is only slightly acidic.
The change in color of the decoction when boiled is simply proteins coming out of solution.
People who do a decoction and claim a difference are simply justifying their work or trying to match an industrial process that they've been convinced (by media) makes a better beer.
The decoction does not contribute to or add malty flavors to a beer. Adding more and various kinds of malt will do this (while also varying the IBUs). It may raise extract a couple points but not to the extent that would make a significant difference.
The decoction does not caramelize in the kettle. The kettle is boiling a mass that is not heated over boiling temperature. There is too much mass (more proteins than starches) and not enough heat.
The decoction does not form melanoidins in the kettle. Same as boiling, there's not enough heat and too much protein to effectively drive melanoidin formation. The pH is also too neutral. It would take a very alkaline pH and mash pH is only slightly acidic.
The change in color of the decoction when boiled is simply proteins coming out of solution.
People who do a decoction and claim a difference are simply justifying their work or trying to match an industrial process that they've been convinced (by media) makes a better beer.