Does Aeration Affect Mash?

[LLoyd]

A bloke from Twinings, in an interview, said that the oxygen in the water is important for extracting flavour (don't boil kettle for too long). How much affect do oxygen levels have on the mash?

 

[newguy]

Never thought about it before. By heating up my strike water I'm driving some oxygen out because gases are less soluble in water at higher temps. Those brewers who preboil their water beforehand must start off with even less.

I've never tried deliberately oxygenating my mash so I can't tell you what the effect would be. Interesting question though.

 

[katzke]

A bloke from Twinings, in an interview, said that the oxygen in the water is important for extracting flavour (don't boil kettle for too long). How much affect do oxygen levels have on the mash?

But you are talking tea there. O2 in the mash when making beer is not good because of all the complicated chemical reactions. I am not saying this is a problem for home brewers but we should do what we can to not introduce more O2 when mashing.