Using the mash tun for decoction

[WelshPaul]

I was planning to do an old-fashioned tripel recipe this weekend and when it comes to raising the temperature for each stage (ie, acid rest, protein rest, saccrification rest) I was wondering if I could simply open the tap on the mashtun to collect the required amount of wort and bring this to the boil before adding it back, or do I really need to get some of the grain in there as well?

 

[pittsy]

Hi , if you want to increase the temp then what i do is use the least amount of water in mash in and add more water along the way to raise temps and if i get to the last temp/s and no more room i will drain liquid only and heat that and add to get temp up, this is not decoction , for decoction you are heating the grain with liquid and making the grain go through changes etc .
Just a note , when decoction pulled it should be thick like porridge but watch out for scorching grains in pot but also don't splash as you can ruin brew with oxygen , and you should always raise temp slowly (around 10 to 15 mins) first to 71c and hold here for 15 mins then raise to boiling slowly and hold for 15mins (if double decoction) or around 30 mins (if single decoction used) then return to main mash .