Thursday, October 20, 2016

Rauchbier 2016

Brewed 9/4/16.

Pitched @ 45F, but oxygen regulator broke, so shook carboy. Good thing I made a large starter w/ reused yeast from a previous batch.  Still fermentation seemed to go well.

Fermented at 50F, once complete raised to 65F for diacetyl rest, cooled to 35F. Racked to keg and force carbed. Still lagering as of 10/20/16.



BeerSmith 2 Recipe Printout - http://www.beersmith.com
Recipe: Bamberger Rauchbier 2016
Style: Rauchbier
TYPE: All Grain
Taste: (30.0)

Recipe Specifications
--------------------------
Boil Size: 7.64 gal
Post Boil Volume: 6.51 gal
Batch Size (fermenter): 5.50 gal  
Bottling Volume: 5.00 gal
Estimated OG: 1.057 SG
Estimated Color: 13.7 SRM
Estimated IBU: 28.4 IBUs
Brewhouse Efficiency: 70.00 %
Est Mash Efficiency: 79.5 %
Boil Time: 90 Minutes

Ingredients:
------------
Amt                   Name                                     Type          #        %/IBU        
5.50 gal              Boston, MA                               Water         1        -            
3.00 g                Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate) (Mash 60.0 mins Water Agent   2        -            
2.00 g                Calcium Chloride (Mash 60.0 mins)        Water Agent   3        -            
4 lbs                 Pilsner (2 Row) Ger (2.0 SRM)            Grain         4        32.7 %       
4 lbs                 Smoked Malt (Weyermann) (2.0 SRM)        Grain         5        32.7 %       
1 lbs                 Caramel Malt - 20L (Briess) (20.0 SRM)   Grain         6        8.2 %        
1 lbs                 Munich I (Weyermann) (7.1 SRM)           Grain         7        8.2 %        
1 lbs                 Munich II (Weyermann) (8.5 SRM)          Grain         8        8.2 %        
8.0 oz                Cara-Pils/Dextrine (2.0 SRM)             Grain         9        4.1 %        
8.0 oz                Vienna Malt (3.5 SRM)                    Grain         10       4.1 %        
4.0 oz                Carafa II (Weyermann) (415.0 SRM)        Grain         11       2.0 %        
2.00 oz               Tettnang (Tettnang Tettnager) [4.00 %] - Hop           12       26.7 IBUs    
0.50 oz               Tettnang [2.00 %] - Boil 10.0 min        Hop           13       1.1 IBUs     
0.50 oz               Tettnang [2.00 %] - Boil 5.0 min         Hop           14       0.6 IBUs     
1.0 pkg               Old Bavarian Lager (White Labs #WLP920)  Yeast         15       -            


Mash Schedule: 150F, Mash Out, Batch Sparge
Total Grain Weight: 12 lbs 4.0 oz
----------------------------
Name                    Description                                          Step Temperat Step Time    
Mash Step               Add 16.31 qt of water at 162.8 F                     150.0 F       60 min       
Mash Step               Add 9.80 qt of water at 203.7 F                      168.0 F       10 min       

Sparge: Batch sparge with 2 steps (Drain mash tun , 2.83gal) of 168.0 F water
Notes:
------


Created with BeerSmith 2 - http://www.beersmith.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Czech Lager 2016


Rebrew of previously brewed Czech Lager.

Result: Very similar to last time, but this time the result is slightly drier, and less rounded maltiness. Didn't do decoction this time. Still a wonderful beer as it is quite tasty but not highly alcoholic. Highly sessionable. Next time, use decoction.

BeerSmith 2 Recipe Printout - http://www.beersmith.com
Recipe: Czech Pale Lager 2016
Style: Czech Pale Lager
TYPE: All Grain
Taste: (30.0)

Recipe Specifications
--------------------------
Boil Size: 7.54 gal
Post Boil Volume: 5.89 gal
Batch Size (fermenter): 5.25 gal  
Bottling Volume: 4.85 gal
Estimated OG: 1.044 SG
Estimated Color: 4.3 SRM
Estimated IBU: 36.4 IBUs
Brewhouse Efficiency: 72.00 %
Est Mash Efficiency: 77.5 %
Boil Time: 90 Minutes

Ingredients:
------------
Amt                   Name                                     Type          #        %/IBU        
5.25 gal              Boston, MA                               Water         1        -            
7 lbs 8.0 oz          Pilsner (2 Row) Ger (2.0 SRM)            Grain         2        86.9 %       
7.0 oz                Caravienne Malt (22.0 SRM)               Grain         3        5.1 %        
6.0 oz                Wheat Malt, Ger (2.0 SRM)                Grain         4        4.3 %        
5.0 oz                Acid Malt (3.0 SRM)                      Grain         5        3.6 %        
0.50 oz               Magnum [11.00 %] - First Wort 60.0 min   Hop           6        23.7 IBUs    
1.00 oz               Tettnang [3.90 %] - Boil 15.0 min        Hop           7        7.6 IBUs     
0.50 oz               Saaz [2.80 %] - Boil 10.0 min            Hop           8        2.0 IBUs     
0.50 oz               Saaz [2.80 %] - Boil 5.0 min             Hop           9        1.1 IBUs     
1.00 oz               Saaz [2.80 %] - Steep/Whirlpool  10.0 mi Hop           10       2.0 IBUs     
1.0 pkg               Saflager Lager (DCL/Fermentis #W-34/70)  Yeast         11       -            


Mash Schedule: 154F, Batch Sparge, Mash Out
Total Grain Weight: 8 lbs 10.0 oz
----------------------------
Name                    Description                                          Step Temperat Step Time    
Mash Step               Add 13.78 qt of water at 168.2 F                     156.0 F       45 min       

Sparge: Batch sparge with 2 steps (Drain mash tun , 5.87gal) of 180 F water
Notes:
------
http://byo.com/stories/issue/item/3244-czech-pale-lager-style-profile
5 g calcium chloride (CaCl2) to the mash
3 g CaCl2 to the sparge water.

Created with BeerSmith 2 - http://www.beersmith.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

APA 2016

Been busy, so recipes and reviews will be short and to the point.

Results: Very hazy since skipped Irish moss. Good but delicate hop aroma, fruity juicy. Taste was also a bit juicy, but slightly harsh bitterness. Overall very pleasant New England style APA. Next time should be slightly less bitter.

Recipe: APA October 2016
Style: American Pale Ale
TYPE: All Grain
Taste: (30.0)

Recipe Specifications
--------------------------
Boil Size: 6.89 gal
Post Boil Volume: 5.89 gal
Batch Size (fermenter): 5.25 gal  
Bottling Volume: 4.85 gal
Estimated OG: 1.051 SG
Estimated Color: 6.1 SRM
Estimated IBU: 41.5 IBUs
Brewhouse Efficiency: 70.00 %
Est Mash Efficiency: 75.3 %
Boil Time: 60 Minutes

Ingredients:
------------
Amt                   Name                                     Type          #        %/IBU        
5.25 gal              Boston, MA                               Water         1        -            
6.00 g                Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate) (Mash 60.0 mins Water Agent   2        -            
3.00 g                Calcium Chloride (Mash 60.0 mins)        Water Agent   3        -            
8 lbs 8.0 oz          Pale Malt (2 Row) US (2.0 SRM)           Grain         4        81.0 %       
10.0 oz               Munich Malt (9.0 SRM)                    Grain         5        6.0 %        
10.0 oz               Victory Malt (25.0 SRM)                  Grain         6        6.0 %        
8.0 oz                White Wheat Malt (2.4 SRM)               Grain         7        4.8 %        
4.0 oz                Caramel/Crystal Malt - 20L (20.0 SRM)    Grain         8        2.4 %        
1.00 oz               Azacca [15.00 %] - Boil 5.0 min          Hop           9        10.8 IBUs    
2.00 oz               Azacca [15.00 %] - Boil 1.0 min          Hop           10       4.7 IBUs     
1.00 oz               Nelson Sauvin [12.00 %] - Boil 1.0 min   Hop           11       1.9 IBUs     
1.00 oz               Azacca [15.00 %] - Steep/Whirlpool  15.0 Hop           12       13.4 IBUs    
1.00 oz               Nelson Sauvin [12.00 %] - Steep/Whirlpoo Hop           13       10.7 IBUs    
1.0 pkg               Safale American  (DCL/Fermentis #US-05)  Yeast         14       -            
2.00 oz               Azacca [15.00 %] - Dry Hop 4.0 Days      Hop           15       0.0 IBUs     


Mash Schedule: 154F, Batch Sparge, Mash Out, 6.8 gal
Total Grain Weight: 10 lbs 8.0 oz
----------------------------
Name                    Description                                          Step Temperat Step Time    
Mash Step               Add 17.12 qt of water at 165.7 F                     154.0 F       60 min       
Mash Step               Add 8.40 qt of water at 201.5 F                      168.0 F       10 min       

Sparge: Batch sparge with 2 steps (Drain mash tun , 2.76gal) of 168.0 F water

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Raspberry-Brett Saison

Originally planned as a cherry-brett saison, this one transformed into a raspberry beer since I could not find fresh sour cherries. In any case this beer is now a few months old and ready to drink.

Appearance: Medium pink in color with thin white head. Nearly clear but slight haze. Stunning body color, with hings of yellow pils malt color at the bottom of the glass. Lots of bubbles are rising to the surface from the bottom of the glass.
 
Aroma: Pronounced raspberry essence with bretty funk in the nose. A bit of a dry acidic quality. The raspberry aroma is not overpowering of the bretty funk - leaving a pretty balanced aroma. Not clear how much of the aroma is bretty fruit esters or raspberry.

Taste: Again good mix of raspberry taste with some acidic and tannic quality, but mixed with bretty funk. Dry. Bitterness is medium and it is a herbal, floral character. Fortunately the flavors all meld pretty well together. Malt flavors are very low as the fruit, yeast, and hops are the stars here.

Mouthfeel: Dry, a little tannic and fairly light and well carbonated.

Overall: This turned out very well. It's well balanced between the different flavor elements involved. The raspberry blends well with the brett and the bitterness. I may bottle a bit more of this to see how it ages, but otherwise I like it fresh. Will bring bottles to the brew club meetings to see what the club members have to say.

Monday, August 15, 2016

Oktoberfest 2 Brewday


BeerSmith 2 Recipe Printout - http://www.beersmith.com
Recipe: BCS Oktoberfest 2
Style: Märzen
TYPE: All Grain
Taste: (30.0)

Recipe Specifications
--------------------------
Boil Size: 7.64 gal
Post Boil Volume: 6.51 gal
Batch Size (fermenter): 5.50 gal  
Bottling Volume: 5.00 gal
Estimated OG: 1.054 SG
Estimated Color: 11.2 SRM
Estimated IBU: 22.3 IBUs
Brewhouse Efficiency: 65.00 %
Est Mash Efficiency: 73.9 %
Boil Time: 90 Minutes

Ingredients:
------------
Amt                   Name                                     Type          #        %/IBU        
5.50 gal              Boston, MA                               Water         1        -            
2.00 g                Calcium Chloride (Mash 60.0 mins)        Water Agent   2        -            
2.00 g                Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate) (Mash 60.0 mins Water Agent   3        -            
5 lbs                 Caramel Pils (BestMälz) (2.5 SRM)        Grain         4        38.5 %       
3 lbs                 Vienna Malt (Briess) (3.5 SRM)           Grain         5        23.1 %       
2 lbs                 Munich I (Weyermann) (7.1 SRM)           Grain         6        15.4 %       
2 lbs                 Munich II (Weyermann) (8.5 SRM)          Grain         7        15.4 %       
1 lbs                 Caramunich II (Weyermann) (63.0 SRM)     Grain         8        7.7 %        
1.50 oz               Tettnang [2.00 %] - Boil 60.0 min        Hop           9        9.6 IBUs     
0.50 oz               Sterling [7.00 %] - Boil 60.0 min        Hop           10       11.2 IBUs    
0.50 oz               Tettnang [2.00 %] - Boil 15.0 min        Hop           11       1.6 IBUs     
1.0 pkg               Old Bavarian Lager (White Labs #WLP920)  Yeast         12       -            


Mash Schedule: 150F, Mash Out, Batch Sparge
Total Grain Weight: 13 lbs
----------------------------
Name                    Description                                          Step Temperat Step Time    
Mash Step               Add 17.25 qt of water at 162.8 F                     150.0 F       60 min       
Mash Step               Add 10.40 qt of water at 203.6 F                     168.0 F       10 min       

Sparge: Batch sparge with 2 steps (Drain mash tun , 2.53gal) of 168.0 F water
Notes:
-----

Brewed 8/14/16. OG was 1.061, a bit too high. Got ~5.5 gallons. Cooled to 45F overnight.

Pitched decanted starter on 8/15/16, 7pm. Aerated by shaking carboy as oxygen regulator was not working. May pitch a packet of S-34/70. The beer will slowly rise to 50F over a 24-hr period.

8/16/16, 7pm, about 24 hours after pitching, no visible signs of fermentation. Beer was close to the 50F fermentation temp.

8/17/16: About 48 hours after pitching, beer had been at 50F for ~24 hours, and despite lack of proper oxygenation there was a decent krausen and airlock activity going. Nevertheless to ensure complete and fast fermentation I pitched 1 packet of S-34/70 yeast after rehydrating it first in boiled water.

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Sculpish IPA Review

Well this is now my 2nd beer designed at least partly to blow through some old hops. Granted in this case the hops were still in sealed bags that had been cold-stored, but they were fairly old. As this results of this brew demonstrate, fresh ingredients are very important, especially for hops. And, there are probably some other problems with the recipe.

Appearance: Deep orange body. Hazy, but not unappealing. Slightly tan off-white head with good persistence and decent lacing. Carbonation bubbles stick to side of glass.

Aroma: Low intensity classic American hop mix. Well-balanced between dankness and fruit. But does not jump out of the glass like it should.

Taste: Eh. Mix of bitterness, with kind of weird crystal malt character. Not offensive but not great. Maybe a little bit of diacetyl. Dry, but the crystal malt comes through.

Mouthfeel: Good body, carbonation a little high for IPA. Dry. Leaves a fairly clean bitterness in the aftertaste.

Overall: It does not approach the Sculpin' IPA. It's OK. Need more hop oomph. Probably I would not use crystal malt but rather Munich and maybe some Carapils.


Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Sculpish IPA Clone Attempt

Continuing on my purge of rather old hops, I decided to make something like the great Sclupin IPA. A clone recipe was posted in the latest issue of Zymurgy, but I made some ingredient substitutions. Also the hops are from several years ago. (Sadly my proclivity to buy them was greater than my proclivity to brew with them). In any case they probably have less AA and overall hoppy goodness than would be optimal, even though they have been stored in the freezer the whole time and are in unopened vacuum-sealed bags.

BeerSmith 2 Recipe Printout - http://www.beersmith.com
Recipe: Sculpish IPA

Style: American IPA

Recipe Specifications
--------------------------
Boil Size: 7 gal
Post Boil Volume: 5.98 gal
Batch Size (fermenter): 5.25 gal  
Bottling Volume: 4.75 gal
Estimated OG: 1.074 SG
Estimated Color: 10.8 SRM
Estimated IBU: 67.7 IBUs
Brewhouse Efficiency: 70.00 %
Est Mash Efficiency: 76.7 %
Boil Time: 60 Minutes

Ingredients:
------------
Amt                   Name                                     Type          #        %/IBU        
14 lbs                Pale Ale Malt 2-Row (Briess) (3.5 SRM)   Grain         1        92.6 %       
10.0 oz               Caramel/Crystal Malt - 75 (Bairds) (75.0 Grain         2        4.1 %        
8.0 oz                RedX (BestMälz)  (15.2 SRM)              Grain         3        3.3 %    

    
0.75 oz               Columbus/Tomahawk/Zeus (CTZ) [15.50 %] - FWH     4        37.4 IBUs    
0.50 oz               Chinook [9.00 %] - Boil 20.0 min         Hop           5        8.0 IBUs     
0.50 oz               Crystal [2.00 %] - Boil 20.0 min         Hop           6        1.8 IBUs     
0.50 oz               Chinook [9.50 %] - Boil 10.0 min         Hop           7        5.0 IBUs     
0.50 oz               Chinook [9.00 %] - Boil 5.0 min          Hop           8        2.6 IBUs     
0.50 oz               Crystal [2.00 %] - Boil 5.0 min          Hop           9        0.6 IBUs     
1.00 oz               Amarillo [7.00 %] - Steep/Whirlpool  15. Hop           10       5.1 IBUs     
0.50 oz               Chinook [13.00 %] - Steep/Whirlpool  15. Hop           11       4.7 IBUs     
0.25 oz               Columbus/Tomahawk/Zeus (CTZ) [14.00 %] - Hop           12       2.5 IBUs      


1.0 pkg               Brettanomyces Bruxellensis Trois (White  Yeast         13       -    

        
1.00 oz               Amarillo [8.00 %] - Dry Hop 7.0 Days     Hop           14       0.0 IBUs     
1.00 oz               Columbus/Tomahawk/Zeus (CTZ) [15.50 %] - Hop           15       0.0 IBUs     
1.00 oz               Crystal [2.00 %] - Dry Hop 7.0 Days      Hop           16       0.0 IBUs     


Mash Schedule: 150F, Mash Out, Batch Sparge
Total Grain Weight: 15 lbs 2.0 oz
----------------------------
Name                    Description                                          Step Temp Step Time    
Mash Step               Add 4.73 gal of water at 162.9 F                     150.0 F       60 min       
Sparge            Drain tun Add 2 gal of water at 170 F                     168.0 F       10 min       

Sparge            Drain tun Add 2 gal of water at 170 F                     168.0 F       10 min    
 Notes:

AA% are approximate, likely to be lower than stated. 

Boston Water, 1/2 g CaCl and 1g gypsum per 5 gal of brewing water.

--------- 

7/2 - Starter with re-used Sac. Trois. 1L.

7/4 - Brewed. A little high (152F) on the mash temp.
 Split my sparging into 2 equal-sized batches instead of 1 big one. Preboil OG was ~1.057. Post-boil was 1.068.
Got ~5.5 gal into fermenter, leaving about 3/4 gallon of hoppy trub in the kettle. 
Cooled to 60F. Oxygenated 60 seconds, pitched decanted starter. Placed carboy in 66F ambient basement.

7/5 - Good fermentation activity. Lots of krausen. 

7/6 - Moved to 70F ambient area. Still good airlock activity and krausen.