So I've put some thought to this topic, here is what I have come up with. This list is by no means all encompassing. It is meant to share the reasons I generally brew the partial mash way.
Advantages of PM
- More fun than extract - you still get to mash grains and sparge and the fun stuff.
- It feels like brewing. Sometimes when I do an extract batch, it doesn't feel like brewing. I'm just heating up some stuff on the stove and throwing hops into a boil, for me mashing is the difference that feels like real brewing.
- Better Taste than extract - Real all grain flavor -
- I defy anyone to tell the difference between a high percentage grain partial mash and an all grain brew. I think only industry people and BJCP judges might be able to pick out the differences.
- More recipe options than extract, you can brew anything.
- Less cost than extract - extract is expensive.
- More reliable than all grain or BIAB -
- The extract (DME) is an insurance policy that protects your needed gravity.
- You don't have to stress over pH levels water chemistry etc…
- Affordable equipment - electric turkey fryer is about $100.00 All in equipment is about $250.00
- Don’t have to do a full volume boil to ensure your ferment-ability.
- You can, but you don't have to. I always do full volume boils now, even on my extract batches, it makes a huge difference and is a key to great beer. But you don't have to do it.
- Decotion and step mashing are available to you.
- It’s reliability is repeatable you can brew the same beer with the same results more easily.
- You control the amount and % of grain that you are using. I have recipes that are 75% grain. The DME is there as a buffer, an insurance policy if you will.
- Takes way less time than all grain. It’s about the same as BIAB
- Costs more than all grain
- Decoction mashing is more difficult, possible but more difficult. (Brewing an octoberfest soon, where we will be doing decotion... I may revise this position)
- Takes more time than Extract
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