HELLES

Mill the grains and mash in at 128°F (53°C) for 15 minutes at a ratio of 1.4 quarts per pound (2.9 l/kg). Raise the mash temperature to 152°F (67°C) for 60 minutes or until a starch test is negative. Raise the mash to 172°F (78°C) and hold for 10 minutes, then mash out. Vorlauf until the runnings are clear (about 10 minutes), then run off into the kettle. Sparge and top up as necessary to obtain 6.7 gallons (25 liters) of wort—or more, depending on your evaporation rate. Boil for 75 minutes, following the hops schedule.

After the boil, chill the wort to slightly below fermentation temperature, about 50°F (10°C). Aerate the wort and pitch the yeast. For the last 10 percent of fermentation, allow the temperature to free rise to 65°F (18°C) for a diacetyl rest, and hold for at least 5 days after the beer has reached terminal gravity. Step down the temperature by no more than 5°F (3°C) per 12–15 hours, until you have reached about 32°F (0°C). Hold at lagering temperatures for at least 2 weeks.