When it comes to a 5-gallon mash tun, the amount of grain that can be accommodated depends on the water-to-grist ratio. At a standard ratio of 1.5 quarts of water per pound of grain, you can easily fit around 10-12 pounds of grain in the mash tun.
This water-to-grist ratio is often recommended for most brewing scenarios, as it strikes a balance between achieving good extraction of sugars from the grains while still allowing for a manageable consistency in the mash. With 10-12 pounds of grain, you can expect to produce a beer with a moderate to high gravity, depending on the type of grain used and the efficiency of your system.
However, it’s worth noting that if you’re willing to use a lower water-to-grist ratio, you can fit more grain into the mash tun. For example, if you reduce the water-to-grist ratio to 1 quart per pound of grain, you can comfortably fit around 14 pounds of grain in the mash tun.
Using a lower water-to-grist ratio can be advantageous in certain situations. It can help you achieve a thicker mash, which can be beneficial for certain beer styles or when using specialty grains that require a higher concentration for optimal flavor extraction.
In my personal experience, I have found that sticking to the standard 1.5 quarts per pound ratio works well for most of my brewing needs. It allows for a good balance between ease of handling during the mashing process and achieving desirable results in terms of wort composition.
To summarize, a 5-gallon mash tun can accommodate 10-12 pounds of grain at a water-to-grist ratio of 1.5 quarts per pound. However, if you’re willing to use a lower water-to-grist ratio, you can fit around 14 pounds of grain in the mash tun. As always, it’s essential to consider your specific brewing goals and adjust the parameters accordingly to achieve the desired outcome in your beer.