brewfun said:
I'm not understanding where you can add heat that then lowers the temperature.
But, your main issue was why it would rearrange the temp steps to ascending order. Besides referring you back to my confusion :-\ I would ask "why wouldn't BeerSmith correct an error?" I realize it isn't in your case, but don't you think it'd be one otherwise?
I couldn't even reduce mash temperature in commercial brewing software packages I've used.
There are procedures that are just assumed. Oxygenation of wort, sanitizing fermenters and bttles. These are not outlined in BeerSmith, either.
Classic decoction involves 10 minute rests at each of the major enzyme ranges above the starting temperature, before boiling for 20 minutes. You account for that in the rise time of the decoction. For a third decoction, no rests are required. It's just a procedure that an experienced brewer will know and follow, as suits their needs.
Thanks for the feedback. I understand that it is a bit confusing. Just for reference, the author of the procedure is a well respected brewer and former President of our countries oldest brew club, The Maltose Falcons. Brad has met Steve. I am a newbie, I respect his methods.
So how does the temperature decline? I will try to explain.
If the main mash is at 150 F and one third is removed and boiled at 212 F, when the boiled mash is returned to the main mash, the temperature of the main mash will rise, but will not rise to the 212 F. The temperature of the boiled mash is likewise now the same as the main mash, which is less than the 212 F.
The temperature of the combined decoction portion and the main mash will equilibriate somewhere in between. This is the temperature decline that you are making reference to. The decoction mash temperature declines.
So the steps go 150 -> 212 -> 180
main decoc main
and BS rearranges them on import to:
150 -> 180 -> 212
Which is clearly not correct.
Yes, confusing. And yes, a procedure that is unusual, but with results that are unbelievable. Best Hefe I have ever tasted.
Finally, my issue is not with the brewing procedure, but that BS software overrides the recipe that is properly configured with an alternative based on an erroneous assumption that BS knows better.