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In general, the malts that "need" a step mash that includes a protein rest are under-modified malts. They need it because their protein matrix has not yet been sufficiently broken down.
Under-modified malts are pretty uncommon these days. Can you get the specs for your malt? If so, look for a Kolbach Index (or "KI" or "Soluble Nitrogen Ratio" or "SN/TN" or "S/T"). A number of less than 36 is generally considered under-modified. (Note: If you see "Windisch-Kolbach," that's something different.)
Wind Malt is also pretty uncommon. It's barley (or wheat, etc.) that has been malted, but not kilned. Note that the degree of modification is not related to whether or not the malt has been kilned or how long it has been kilned (contrary to somewhat popular belief). Degree of modification is a result of how long the barley was allowed to germinate.
So, is Wind Malt generally under-modified? Maybe. From a practical standpoint, it would depend on your particular wind malt. If you can't get the specs for your malt, and if the supplier doesn't know, etc., it might be safer to assume it's undermodified. When I've seen Wind Malt available for sale, it has been from boutique maltsters who tout that it's under-modified. But that's a choice the maltster made, and not a requirement for wind malt. |
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