Malt Conditioning

[Budzu]

I just tried a new technique this past week while brewing a blonde ale, and its definitely worth mentioning. Malt Conditioning! I put 140ml water (ratio of 11lb grain/100ml of water) in a spray bottle and misted down the grainbill, rolling it in a bucket to evenly distribute, before crushing. When I crushed, I had almost no dust, and the husks were noticeably more intact. Also while doughing in, I didn't get a single doughball. Efficiency stayed the same, but this is definitely something I'll be doing EVERY batch. Try it out if you are crushing your own malt! Takes very little time, and you can spray at night, crush in the morning since the amount of water is so small.

Cheers

[tony]

Nice dude. I'm going to be steaming my malt to try this. You recommend doing it the night before? I need to read the Zymurgy article again...

[Budzu]

I don't see any problem with doing it the night before. The grain isn't "wet" or anything, just slightly more moist. I tasted the malt in the morning and it was fine. Here's my source of info: http://www.homebrewtalk.com/wiki/index. ... nditioning

[tony]

Excellent. I think I shall have a beer to celebrate this information.

[StubbornMan]

I will try this on Sunday. Rain or shine.

[Starderup]

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/wiki/index.php/Malt_Conditioning

Here is where I first saw it mentioned. I just got my Barley Crusher today, and will be trying this tonight or tomorrow. BTW, Tony, thanks for helping me get in on the bulk grain buy. It was a steal!!!!

[tony]

Malt conditioning in the summer time makes your house / garage smell delicious.....