So, what exactly are steeping, partial mash and mashing? All are steps in the process of home brewing that lead up to all grain home brewing. It is important to note that although each style is a progressive step leading to all grain, all grain home brewing isn't the ultimate goal for all home brewers. While many brewers get deep into this hobby and work towards eventually brew the all grain way, many brewers are happy to stop at some point along the way and continue to brew in that way.
Some never make it to all grain home brewing, and have no interest in trying it. This is completely fine, and that is what home brewing is all about. Find what way to make beer works best for you and stick with it. You may decide at some point to try something new, or you may just be happy to continue doing what works for you. Each progressive step allows the home brewer to have more control over the final flavor of their beer.
Steeping grains allows you to add flavors that you won't get with extract. Partial mashing, also known as mini mashing, allows you to introduce base malt from grains, and mashing is all grain home brewing. Each step offers more ingredients to choose from, and new variables to your beer recipe. It is very similar to cooking. In cooking you can learn about new ingredients and spices which will allow you to create a wider variety of dishes.
Here is a simplistic look at the home brewing spectrum. Most brewers start out with a kit, which is extract brewing. They get hooked, but want to expand their options in order to have more control over the final product. The next step would be to add steeped specialty grains to the mix. After that, the next step would be to partial mash, in which you replace some of the malt extract with the base grain. Finally, there is all grain home brewing in which you brew completely from grains and use no malt extract.
Again, it is a personal decision if you want to try all of these methods, a couple of them, or just stick with one. You don't necessarily have to start with extract brewing, but it is a good idea to get a few batches under your belt so you better understand the basic process of home brewing before trying all grain. Plus, all grain requires additional equipment and steps. No matter what way you want to go, don't be afraid to experiment and try new methods of home brewing. The best part is that along your journay you will get to enjoy some great beer!
Some never make it to all grain home brewing, and have no interest in trying it. This is completely fine, and that is what home brewing is all about. Find what way to make beer works best for you and stick with it. You may decide at some point to try something new, or you may just be happy to continue doing what works for you. Each progressive step allows the home brewer to have more control over the final flavor of their beer.
Steeping grains allows you to add flavors that you won't get with extract. Partial mashing, also known as mini mashing, allows you to introduce base malt from grains, and mashing is all grain home brewing. Each step offers more ingredients to choose from, and new variables to your beer recipe. It is very similar to cooking. In cooking you can learn about new ingredients and spices which will allow you to create a wider variety of dishes.
Here is a simplistic look at the home brewing spectrum. Most brewers start out with a kit, which is extract brewing. They get hooked, but want to expand their options in order to have more control over the final product. The next step would be to add steeped specialty grains to the mix. After that, the next step would be to partial mash, in which you replace some of the malt extract with the base grain. Finally, there is all grain home brewing in which you brew completely from grains and use no malt extract.
Again, it is a personal decision if you want to try all of these methods, a couple of them, or just stick with one. You don't necessarily have to start with extract brewing, but it is a good idea to get a few batches under your belt so you better understand the basic process of home brewing before trying all grain. Plus, all grain requires additional equipment and steps. No matter what way you want to go, don't be afraid to experiment and try new methods of home brewing. The best part is that along your journay you will get to enjoy some great beer!