Mash

Mash is a brewing process where grains, typically malted barley, are soaked in hot water to convert starches into fermentable sugars. This creates a sugary liquid called wort, which serves as the foundation for brewing beer or spirits. The process involves precise temperature control to optimize enzyme activity, ensuring the grains release their sugars efficiently. After mashing, the liquid is separated from the solid grains and then boiled with hops (for beer) or fermented with yeast to produce alcohol. Mash is essential for extracting flavors and sugars, shaping the final characteristics of the beverage.