BO13 - Decoction mashing

Tuesday, 23 May. 10:15 to 11:45

Qualification:

Technical

Description:

Decoction mashing is a tradition brewing regime, still in use in many breweries in Central Europe. It’s part of tradition, but does – does it? – play an important role in the flavour profile built-up of the beers. Whilst it is adhered to sometimes almost religiously, a debate takes place in the brewing community on whether it makes sense to continue with this practice. In addition to taste and tradition, sustainability is also adding its 5 cents to the debate: climate change is raising the starch gelatinisation temperature. Is decoction a way to circumvent possible gelatinisation problems? But this decoction can be quite energy-intensive. Can we still afford that, price-wise and environmental-wise?

Moderator:

• John Brauer, EBC Executive Officer

Speakers:

• Petr Kosin, Head Technologist for beer production, Budvar Budejovice
• Tobias Zollo, Weihenstephan Brauerei
• Anders Brinch Kissmeyer