This method describes the determination of the extract content of malt through the application of a complete extraction technique.
Malt intended for use in beer brewing or elsewhere in the food industry
Since the Congress mash method does not accurately quantify the extract content of malt, an attempt was made to eliminate the sources of error present in the method. The method described below incorporates the procedure for producing a Congress mash according to the EBC, followed by a complete extraction of the dissolved substances with a suitable apparatus. After the extraction is complete, the weight is determined. This method is preferred for determining brewhouse yield (e.g., during brewhouse equipment commissioning tests).
Determination of the total extract in the spent grain through enzymatic digestion
Wet spent grain, dry spent grain
The total extract is obtained through boiling the spent grain followed by enzymatic digestion with technical enzymes (Termamyl 120 L and SAN Super 360 L). The available residual extract represents the difference between total extract and soluble extract.
Determination of the total extract in the spent grain using the diastase method
Wet spent grain, dry spent grain
The total extract is obtained through boiling the spent grain followed by enzymatic digestion with diastase obtained from malt. The available residual extract represents the difference between total extract and soluble extract.
Determination of the brewhouse yield/hot wort yield in order to evaluate brewhouse operations
Cast-out wort after the completion of wort boiling prior to hot break separation
The brewhouse yield/hot wort yield represents the extract present in one batch of wort relative to the raw materials used to produce the wort. The malt, any supplements added to the mash, and brewhouse operations determine brewhouse yield.
An assessment of brewhouse operations and processes is possible through comparison with the laboratory yield, prepared using the same malt and supplements in the mash. However, the brewhouse yield does not allow a distinction to be made regarding where extract losses occur in the brewhouse, i.e., whether they stem from the mashing or lautering process and in which proportions. For this, a spent grain analysis is required.
Determination of the cold wort yield in order to monitor brewhouse operations
Wort from the midpoint of chilling/pitching wort
Instead of brewhouse yield, quite often the cold wort yield is calculated. Cold wort yield is particularly recommended for wort produced using adjuncts. Extract yield is understood as the amount of extract in a batch of wort relative to the amount of extract in the raw materials used to produce the wort.
Determination of the fermentation cellar yield in order to monitor brewhouse operations
Wort from the midpoint of chilling/pitching wort
The fermentation cellar yield is calculated using the value determined for the amount of extract contained in a batch of wort relative to the amount of extract present in the raw materials used to produce the wort.