Torrefied Wheat in UK Ales

[Bribie]

I note that GW lists Torrefied Wheat in many recipes. Is it used principally for:

• head retention
  extra flavour
  avoiding set mashes

All of the above, some of the above etc

I have been using a bit of semolina (stuff you make puddings out of) in the mash for head retention and a bit of a creamy flavour addition and that works very well. Currently there is a bit of conversation about Torrefied Wheat on my Aussie forum as it's not a widely used ingredient, I thought I'd get the word from some UK ale brewers who are more familiar with the stuff.

Cheers

[Zatoichi]

I've used it before but never noticed any significant taste or head retention qualities, Spoken to a few local professional brewers who informed me that they never use it and that the best thing for head retention is plenty of late addition hops in a brew.

[Graham]

It is used for head retention. Its flavour contribution is minimal at the low levels that it is usually used at. It is more likely to contribute to a set mash than prevent it. Unmalted grains are rich in beta-glucan gums, which is why they are used for head-retention. However, beta-glucans increase wort viscosity so if used to excess they would impede mash run off.

[Bribie]

Thanks Graham, I've passed that on - should clear up some points that have been raised.

Cheers
Bribie