mash tun

A mash tun is a key vessel used in brewing beer. It’s where crushed grains, typically malted barley, are combined with hot water. This process, called mashing, activates enzymes in the grains that convert starches into fermentable sugars. The mixture creates a thick, porridge-like substance called mash. Heat and time help extract these sugars, which are essential for fermentation. After mashing, the liquid, known as wort, is separated from the solid grain residue and then boiled with hops before fermentation, leading to the final beer product.