maltmashtønder

Maltmashtønder, often translated as mash tun, is a crucial piece of equipment in the brewing process, specifically in the mashing stage. It is a large vessel, typically made of stainless steel or copper, used to convert starches in malted barley into fermentable sugars. The mashing process involves steeping the malted grains in hot water within the mash tun. This warm, moist environment activates enzymes present in the malt, which then break down the complex starches into simpler sugars like maltose.

The mash tun usually has a false bottom, a perforated plate that separates the liquid wort from the spent grains. After the mashing is complete, this false bottom allows the brewer to drain the sweet wort from the tun while retaining the grain husks. This draining process is known as lautering. Mash tuns can vary in design, with some featuring agitators to ensure even temperature distribution throughout the mash and facilitate enzyme activity. Temperature control is critical during mashing, as different enzymes function optimally at specific temperatures, influencing the final sugar profile of the wort and thus the character of the beer. The size of the mash tun is determined by the volume of beer the brewery intends to produce.