Grist Analysis Box

Grist Analysis Box

The Grist Analysis Box or Grist Separator is a small wooden sieve box that is a user-friendly tool for a quick test of grist consistency. It features two sieve sizes, 1.98mm and 0.212mm aperture, making separating the grist into husks, nodules, and flour easy.

Analysing the mill's grist is crucial to diagnosing or preempting brewing issues. The gold-standard analysis uses a grist fraction box or grader to calculate the different fractions of malt.

Grist boxes come in all shapes and sizes, but we recommend the simple three-layer box to assess husk, grits, and flour fractions. Grist  should be evaluated by taking a representative sample from the mill  (brewing mills will have a sample port to allow a sample to be taken  immediately after malt milling) and following the procedure as follows:

• Take a sample of crushed malt. 100g will make working out final percentages easier
• Place the sample on the top layer (this should be the course sieve) and replace the lid.
• Shake for 2 minutes. For consistency, we recommend doing this on a flat, smooth surface. Mark two lines on the surface, either side of the box; this will be the distance to which you should move the box. Place the box on the surface and move from side to side.
• Weigh the malt in each section once done. This will give you the fractions of each layer.
  

Keep a note of the grist fractions on your brew sheet or in a record book next to the mill. While grist doesn't need to be assessed every time you brew, we recommend doing it on a set schedule. This could be every 10 brews, at the change of season, or if you change malt type, ensuring that your brewing process is consistently optimised.

Optimising your malt crush is a key to improving your brewing. From enhancing brewing efficiency to achieving cost savings, crushing malt correctly can significantly elevate your brewing experience, inspiring you to strive for the best.