Using distilled water

[Wolfgang]

OK, question. When I do extract, I usually bring the water to a boil, take it off the heat then add the extract. Then I bring it back to a boil and add hops etc. I've heard about adding the extract late in the boil and it make sense, but I guess I need a little clarification. Are you boiling the water and adding the hops as usual and basically making a "hop tea" then add the extract for the last 10-15 minutes of the boil?
Other then keeping the color from getting too dark, what other benefits are there to this proceedure?
Sorry if this takes this thread OT a bit. Probably should have posted a new topic.
Thanks!

[BDawg]

You can do it that way, but from what I've heard, it can leave the beer with a grassy flavor. The recommendation is to take some (1/4) of your extract and add that so that the hop resins have some proteins to bind with. They will come out with the hot break proteins in the boil. Then add the rest near the end (last 0 to 15 mins of the boil).

[Wolfgang]

Ahhh, OK.
Thank you, much appreciated!

[BDawg]

let me clarify:

use only 1/4 of your total extract for the whole boil time and add your hops just as though it's still a full-strenght wort. Then add the remaining 3/4 at the end of the boil for sanitization and to achieve your full gravity.

[Wolfgang]

Got it!

Thanks, BD

[TapItGood]

This is what I do with great results. With 30 minutes left in the boil I heat the Liquid Malt Extract with about a quarts of distilled water in a seperate kettle. Make sure not to scortch this mixture. With about 15 minutes to go in the boil add this heated LME and Distilled water mix to the boil kettle. Make sure you leave enough room in the boil kettle to add this so you are not too close to the top of the kettle where you have boil over trouble. When your adding the mixture turn the heat off on the boil kettle and after you've poured your LME Mixture and stired it in, then turn the heat back on and bring it back to a boil and finnish the last 15 minutes of the boil as you normally would. hope this helps!

[rlsmith621]

Distilled vs. tap water is not a conversation I've heard before. IMO, Tap water is always preferred, as long as the water profile is known by the brewer. You can call your local water utility and have them send you their annual water analysis report. Some are fairly comprehensive while others are extremely basic - not enough info. Make sure you ask for the comprehensive report. They won't charge you for this service.
Then you can adjust your tap water profile to fit the recipe you're brewing. A good filtering system is always a good thing to use, each brew day. Cheers.

[LoganO]

I requested the water report today so should have it soon. I just cant remember what show Doc said that the extract should have all the minerals needed so distilled water should be ok and using tap water could over do the minerals needed.