Mash Tun
A mash tun is a key piece of equipment in the brewing process where grains are mixed with hot water to create the base liquid that will become beer. It's like a large cooking pot or vessel that helps brewers extract sugars from grains, similar to how you might steep tea. When someone mentions experience with a mash tun in their resume, it shows they understand a fundamental part of the brewing process. This equipment can range from small vessels used in craft breweries to large industrial-sized units in major brewing operations. Other common names for this process include "mashing" or "grain steeping."
Examples in Resumes
Operated and maintained Mash Tun systems in craft brewery setting
Optimized Mash Tun temperatures to improve efficiency and yield
Supervised Mash Tun operations for multiple brewing batches daily
Typical job title: "Brewers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Brewers
Professional Associations
Online Communities
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you troubleshoot efficiency issues in the mash tun?
Expected Answer: A senior brewer should discuss checking temperature control, grain crush quality, water chemistry, and process timing. They should mention ways to measure and improve sugar extraction rates.
Q: How do you plan and implement equipment maintenance schedules for mash tuns?
Expected Answer: Should explain regular cleaning procedures, preventive maintenance checks, and how to coordinate maintenance with production schedules to minimize downtime.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when setting up a mash schedule?
Expected Answer: Should discuss water temperature, grain-to-water ratios, timing, and how different temperatures affect various grain types and final beer characteristics.
Q: How do you ensure consistency between different batches using the mash tun?
Expected Answer: Should mention temperature monitoring, proper measurement techniques, record keeping, and quality control procedures.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic safety procedures when operating a mash tun?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain hot liquid safety, proper protective equipment usage, and basic operational procedures.
Q: Describe the basic cleaning process for a mash tun.
Expected Answer: Should explain the importance of sanitation, basic cleaning steps, and common cleaning chemicals used in brewing.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic mash tun operation
- Following safety procedures
- Basic cleaning and sanitation
- Understanding temperature control
Mid (2-5 years)
- Troubleshooting equipment issues
- Recipe adjustment
- Quality control procedures
- Equipment maintenance
Senior (5+ years)
- Process optimization
- Training and supervision
- Advanced problem solving
- Production planning
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of basic brewing processes
- Lack of safety awareness around hot liquids and equipment
- No knowledge of cleaning and sanitation procedures
- Unable to explain temperature control importance
