First Parti-gyle

[quixoticgeek]

I have a plan to do a parti-gyle recipe in the coming weeks. I'm using batch sparging, and will run off the first batch as beer 1 (about 1080), and the second as beer 2 (about 1040).

I am pondering the idea of capping the mash for the second one with some carapils and some caramunich. There is already Carapils in the main grain bill, but the thinking here is to add a little bit more to aid the head of the small beer.

First question, is that a silly idea? Do I need to add more carapils, or will the carapils in the main mash still have head retentive properties into the second runnings?

Secondly, if I do cap the mash with caramunich, how long do I leave it before running off the liquid?

I've seen some references to steeping this capping grain seperately before including that wort into the second runnings. Does anyone have any thoughts on this as an idea?

Thanks

Julia