The Art of Parti-Gyle Brewing: Getting Two Beers from One Mash

What Is Parti-Gyle Brewing?

Parti-gyle brewing is a centuries-old technique that was once the standard practice in British breweries. The method involves collecting multiple runnings from a single mash to create two or more beers of different strengths. The first runnings produce a strong, rich beer, whilst the subsequent runnings yield a lighter, more sessionable brew.

This approach was how traditional British breweries created their range of milds, bitters, and strong ales without needing separate mashes for each. Today, it offers home brewers an economical and creative way to double their output from a single brewing session.

How Parti-Gyle Works

The principle behind parti-gyle brewing is straightforward:

• First runnings: The initial wort collected from your mash tun contains the highest concentration of sugars, producing a high-gravity beer
• Second runnings: After draining the first wort, you add more hot water to the grain bed and collect a second, weaker wort
• Separate boils: Each wort is boiled separately with its own hop schedule, creating two distinct beers

The beauty of this method is that you're extracting more value from your grain bill whilst creating beers with different characteristics, despite sharing the same base ingredients.

Planning Your Parti-Gyle Brew Day

Successful parti-gyle brewing requires a bit more planning than a standard brew day. Here's what you need to consider:

• Grain bill size: You'll need approximately 50% more grain than usual to ensure adequate sugars for both beers
• Mash thickness: A thicker mash (around 2.5 litres per kilogram) works well for the first runnings
• Sparge water temperature: Keep your second addition of water at 75-78°C to maximise extraction
• Vessel requirements: You'll need two fermentation vessels ready to go

Having quality fermenting equipment ready is essential, as both worts will need to be cooled and pitched within a reasonable timeframe.

Classic Parti-Gyle Combinations

Some beer styles naturally pair well in parti-gyle brewing:

• Barley wine and bitter: The first runnings create a rich, complex barley wine, whilst the second produces a classic English bitter
• Scottish wee heavy and 60 shilling: A traditional Scottish approach yielding a strong ale and a lighter session beer
• Imperial stout and dry stout: Perfect for stout lovers wanting both intensity and drinkability
• Old ale and mild: Another classic British pairing with historical authenticity

When selecting your brewing ingredients, consider how they'll perform across both strength levels. Characterful base malts and specialty grains with good depth work particularly well.

Tips for Success

To get the best results from your parti-gyle brew day, keep these points in mind:

• Take gravity readings: Monitor the gravity of each runnings to ensure you're hitting your targets
• Adjust hop rates: Your weaker beer will need proportionally fewer hops to maintain balance
• Consider different yeasts: Using different yeast strains for each beer can create even more variety
• Plan your timing: The second boil will start later, so account for a longer brew day
• Keep detailed notes: Parti-gyle brewing involves more variables, making good records essential for replication

The Economic and Creative Benefits

Beyond the practical advantages, parti-gyle brewing connects you to brewing history. You're using the same techniques that produced the legendary beers of Victorian England. There's something deeply satisfying about transforming one grain bill into two completely different drinking experiences.

For home brewers with limited brewing time, parti-gyle offers remarkable efficiency. One extended brew day yields two batches, each with its own character. You'll have a strong beer for special occasions and a session beer for everyday enjoyment.

Shop at BrewCo

Ready to try parti-gyle brewing for yourself? BrewCo has everything you need to get started. Browse our extensive range of brewing ingredients to build your grain bill, and ensure you have adequate fermenting equipment for handling two batches. For all-grain brewers looking to expand their capabilities, explore our complete all-grain brewing collection. Visit brewco.uk today and discover the joy of getting more from your brew day.