Does a double, or triple decoction mash provide a higher extraction efficiency than an infusion mash?
We did a double decoction yesterday, and we anticipated an OG of 1.051, but got 1.058.
Yep, that's pretty normal.
Good to know! I actually enjoyed the process. Not any more difficult than a triple step infusion mash. Other than the required stirring.
Might be doing more of this in the future.
You can do my share, then! I've done them enough to dislike the process and uncertain of the benefits. But I have one in my future. I have a bag of Crisp Hana malt, which is supposedly the original pils malt variety. It's undermodified and apparently benefits from decoction.
Yesterday's brew was another 5D Pilsner, in case the first one tastes like plastic.
50% of the malt was Weyermann Floor Malted Bohemian Pilsner. They actually told me a decoction mash is recommended anytime you brew a Pils.
One big thing I noticed during the wort chilling was the cold-break formation. It had great definition, and was very thick. It looked like a cross of the Milky Way, and Northern Lights and my favorite Egg Drop Soup.
I always get a good cold-break, but with a decoction it was much more pronounced than in the past. Not sure what (if anything) this will contribute to the finished beer.