helles yes Brew Session

-Brewed 8/10 -Protein rest @ 132F (20 min) -Sachh Rest @152 (added small amount of room temp RO to hit temp) (40 min) -Vorlaufed briefly, then checked mash pH @ 5.46 -Pulled between 1/4 and a 1/3 of the mash into a separate pot to decoct. Babied the flame, and took considerable time to come to boil. Boiled this decoction for 10 minutes, then added back to mash. Only brought mash temp up to 155F-ish. -Vorlaufed for 5 minutes after adding decoction back to main mash, and lautered. -5.37 mash/1.062 first runnings. -5.55/1.026 2nd runnings (@3.5gal) -5.65/1.015 final runnings (@kettle full) -5.46/1.036 pre-boil. (added 5mL phos@boil start, rechecked, then added 5mL phos 30 minutes into boil). -1.045 O.G., 5.35 post-boil pH. -K/O'd@76F, waiting to pitch yeast when below 60F. Repitching Bayern lager yeast from the pils. Tips... -Be more precise with water volumes! -For a decoction, a double boiler may be more efficient/quicker. While the pot I use for decoctions is well suited to the purpose, it may still "cost" too much "time" to go with direct heat. Anyhow, ultimately an easy day, considering all the differences in process (single infusion mashing is quick!). Waiting for wort to chill, then pitching a LOT of yeast. :) 8/18@1.016. Removed from ferm chamber. 8/19. Racked into CO2 flushed keg, harvested (lots of) yeast. 8/24 began lagering. 9/1@1.009. Coming along, tasting good.