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Mashing
Craft Brewer Mashing Systems
Craft brewers use two types of systems in brewing. The first is the traditional "American" style mash/lauter and kettle combination and the other is the "European" style mash/kettle, lauter tun, and whirlpool combination.
Craft brewers throughout the United States and Canada commonly use combination mash/lauter vessel and kettle systems. The advantages of such a system are that it is simple to operate and costs less than other systems. Rice or corn cannot be used with this system; only sugar or some kind of pregelatinized extract can be used as an adjunct.
A combination mash/kettle, lauter tun, and whirlpool system allows for a more complicated brewing operation (Figure 9.3). The kettle becomes a multi-purpose vessel that is first used as a mash mixer and mash cooker. After mash-off, the mash is pumped to the lauter tun for sparging, and the kettle is quickly rinsed in preparation for the boil.
Click on the following topics for more information on mashing.