Starting to put together a lager recipe. I am thinking of going for an easy drinking Czech Pilsner, 4-5%, and Saaz hopped.
I have just listened to an excellent podcast on Czech lagers on beersmith (#113) and would be interested in thoughts around the mash process. There was a lot of discussion around the need for a decoction mash with the Pilsner style - which looks dreadfully difficult to achieve with my basic 3 vessel set up. For my first attempt I don't want to overcomplicate with new process so want to just stick with a simple infusion mash. I see a couple of options here.
1) just mash at 67-69 C. It'll be fine as modern bohemian pilsner malts are well modified.
Or
2). Chuck in some melanoidin malt (2-3% of the grain bill) to simulate the effect and get some of those flavours that a decoction will bring.
Or even
4). You really need to decoction mash so do it.