NASA 2017 Pilsner

3L yeast starter done on 12/27, it went for about 14 hours, second 3L starter started 12/29. Projected pitch of 875 billion cells with a 1.70M cells / mL / °P.

This is a multi-step mash. Start with 5 gallons of low carbonate strike water. This is a ratio of 2 quarts per pound of grain to provide a thin mash with high enzymatic activity. Follow this mash schedule: Start at 131 and hold for 10 minutes for the protein rest. Raise the grain bed to 145 and hold for 30 minutes for beta amylase conversion. Raise the grain bed to 158 and hold for 10-15 minutes until starch conversion is complete. Finally raise the grain bed to 170 for mash out. Sparge with enough water to collected 7.1 gallons of wort pre-boil. Add the first wart hops during the sparge. Bring the wort a boil, and add the hops. Boil for 90 minutes.

Chill to 48-50 and pitch. Ferment at 52 until 1.012, then let the temperature rise to 56-58 for a diacetyl rest. After 72 hours at terminal gravity 2-3 degrees per day until you reach 40. Transfer to secondary and slowly cool to 28 (or as close as you can) for 6 to 8 week until clear for optimum results.