From IBUs and IPAs to BJCP and BIAB, it’s hard to make it through a conversation at ye olde LHBS (local homebrew store) without running up against an acronym or two.
Among the more mysterious acronyms to new all-grain brewers are RIMS and HERMS, which are two advanced systems for maintaining mash temperature, automating the brewing process, and improving consistency from one batch to another. Here’s what you need to know about them.
Recirculating Infusion Mash System (RIMS)
In a Recirculating Infusion Mash System (RIMS), wort is pumped from the base of the mash lauter tun (MLT) through a heater and returned to the same vessel near the top. Recirculating the wort in this way promotes clarity by filtering wort through the grain bed during the mash. It also helps maintain an even temperature throughout the mash and permits brewers to raise the mash temperature easily when necessary.