Multi-Step Mashing - Is It Necessary?

What is 60 minute single step infusion mashes for brewing beer.

This strategy involves heating water to a strike temperature that is above your target mash
temperature, so that when you add your grains in, the temperature will drop down to your
target temperature.(calculate it)and then you maintain this temperature for 60 minutes.

What is a multi-step mashing schedule including rests at

different temperatures, generally trending from lower to
higher temperatures as you go along?
The purpose of these rests are to activate enzymes that will assist in converting starches into
fermentable sugars. There are a few typical rests that can be used in multi-step mashing:
1. Beta-Glucan Rest:
Conducted at about 35°C to 45°C,
this rest helps break down beta-glucans in grains like rye or barley, which have high
beta-glucan content. This rest can reduce the viscosity of the mash, making it easier
to handle and less prone to issues like stuck sparges.
2. Protein Rest:
Typically held at temperatures between 45°C to 55°C,
the protein rest helps break down large proteins into smaller peptides, which can aid
in yeast nutrition and improve head retention. It's especially useful when using grains
with high protein content or under modified malts.

3. Saccharification Rests:
There are generally two key temperatures:
• Beta-amylase Rest: Held at 55°C to 65°C,
this rest favors the activity of beta-amylase enzymes, which produce more
fermentable sugars, resulting in a drier beer.
• Alpha-amylase Rest: Held at 68°C to 72°C,
this rest activates alpha-amylase enzymes, which help in breaking down
starch into less fermentable sugars, contributing to a sweeter, fuller-bodied
beer.

Is Multi-Step Mashing Really Necessary?

The answer generally is no.
Multi-step mashes were important in the past because kilning and malting was not well
understood, so the malt was generally under modified with low enzyme levels. Today, with
modern malts have very high enzyme levels, making multi-step mashing mostly unnecessary.
There are certain recipes that could benefit from multi-step mashing, particularly ones with a
high percentage of unmalted ingredients, including wheat or uncooked cereals.