Question About Commercial Breweries Mash

[Batz]

Can someone tell me if breweries stir the grain as it is mashing?

I have seen a mash tun (small AGers) on the web with a stirring paddle fitted , seems like a good idea too me.

Anyone have any experience in this?

Batz h34r:

 

[Hoops]

Not really answering your question here Batz but had a mate in Brisbane who was doing step mashes using steam to heat the grain. He found it very inconsistent and ineffective as the heat didn't seem to rise much. Then he decided to stir it and holy cow the temp shot up past what he was aiming for.
I think if you are going to be heating your mash up what better way than a stirrer with a motor (I'm all for lazy brewing!)

Hoops

 

[Doc]

That is a big yes Batz.
The have a big stiring mechanism that stirs the mash tun as hot liquor and the grist is added.
I have some pics of a brewery I visited last year somewhere and I think I took a picture of the Mash tun during dough in.
I'll see if I can dig it up.

Yep here one is.

Beers,
Doc

Edit: They also use it to give a gentle stir during the mash too.

 

[Batz]

Cheers Doc,

I think I'll look into adding a stirrer to stir my mash also , old windscreen wiper motor would do the trick

Batz h34r:

 

[Doc]

I think I'll look into adding a stirrer to stir my mash also , old windscreen wiper motor would do the trick

Sure would.
I have a short video of that one in action too if you want me to email it to you.

Beers,
Doc

 

[Batz]

Yes I'll like to see it Doc , it's not mine in my HLT is it? , I sent out a couple of those ages back.

Thinking of something like this

http://oz.craftbrewer.org/Library/Gear/Axe...Inside_Mash.jpg

Batz h34r:

 

[Batz]

The stirrer on my HLT

 

[Doc]

No its not yours. It is the one from the picture I posted which is the Shed 22 Brewery in Wellington NZ.

I've uploaded it to here in case anyone else wants to download it.
Size is 3.7Mb.

Beers,
Doc