How many gallons of water per pound of grain mash?

When it comes to the brewing process, the amount of water lost during the mash is an important consideration. One factor that contributes to this water loss is grain absorption. Grain absorbs water during the mash, and the amount absorbed can vary depending on factors such as the type of grain used and the milling process.

On average, it is commonly recommended to account for about 1/2 quart of water absorption per pound of grain. This translates to approximately 1 pint or 0.125 gallons of water per pound of grain. However, it is worth noting that some sources suggest a higher absorption rate of around 0.2 gallons per pound.

I have personally experienced varying degrees of water absorption depending on the specific grains used in a particular brew. For example, grains with a higher protein content tend to absorb more water compared to those with a lower protein content. Additionally, the milling of the grains can also impact the absorption rate. Finely milled grains may absorb more water compared to coarsely milled grains.

To put this into perspective, let's consider a hypothetical scenario where we have 10 pounds of grain for a batch of beer. Based on the average absorption rate of 0.125 gallons per pound, we would expect the grains to absorb approximately 1.25 gallons of water during the mash process.

It's important to keep in mind that this calculation only takes into account grain absorption during the mash. Other factors such as evaporation during the boiling process and losses due to trub (sediment) can also contribute to water loss throughout the brewing process. Therefore, it is essential to consider these factors in order to accurately determine the total amount of water required for a specific brew.