19 replies to this topic

[Poptop]

On my drive home yesterday, the temp dropped down to 92 F and it got me thinking of making an Amber in celebration of the cool weather. A nice malt presence but not overly IBU'd or hoppy. The following is based on what is on hand with all intentions of using up my stock. Initially my hops ended with the Motueka to go in an "Alt'ish" direction, but I haven't used Columbus in a long time and I'm jones'ing for that resiny, piney, dank flavor. I added the Mosaic for a little floral/fruit flare.

Thoughts?

Boil Size: 8.24 gal, Batch Size (fermenter): 5.25 gal, Estimated OG: 1.061 SG, Estimated Color: 13.8 SRM
Estimated IBU: 34.3 IBUs, Boil Time: 90 Minutes


5 lbs Munich Malt (9.0 SRM) Grain 1 36.9 %
5 lbs Pilsner (2 Row) Ger (2.0 SRM) Grain 2 36.9 %
2 lbs 8.0 oz Pale Malt (2 Row) US (2.0 SRM) Grain 3 18.4 %
8.0 oz Caramel/Crystal Malt - 60L (60.0 SRM) Grain 4 3.7 %
6.0 oz Caramel/Crystal Malt -120L (120.0 SRM) Grain 5 2.8 %
3.0 oz Brown Malt (65.0 SRM) Grain 6 1.4 %
0.60 oz Magnum [14.00 %] - Boil 60.0 min Hop 7 29.4 IBUs
1.00 oz Motueka [7.00 %] - Boil 5.0 min Hop 8 4.9 IBUs
1.00 oz Motueka [7.00 %] - Steep/Whirlpool 0.0 Hop 9 0.0 IBUs
0.50 oz Chinook [12.50 %] - Steep/Whirlpool 0.0 Hop 10 0.0 IBUs
0.50 oz Columbus (Tomahawk) [14.00 %] - Steep/Wh Hop 11 0.0 IBUs
0.50 oz Mosaic [12.00 %] - Steep/Whirlpool 0.0 Hop 12 0.0 IBUs
2L starter WLP090 San Diego Super

[neddles]

I'd be interested to see what kind of a note you get from the Brown malt when used sparingly like that. I'd also wonder if it is going to be too hoppy to notice it?

[Poptop]

I added to 'warm' the color a bit, not sure if it will show up on the palate. Too hoppy? Do you mean because of the combo added in the finish?

[neddles]

I added to 'warm' the color a bit, not sure if it will show up on the palate. Too hoppy? Do you mean because of the combo added in the finish?

I meant too hoppy to pick up the subtleties of the brown malt, if any.

[Poptop]

Maybe I should up it a little?

[neddles]

Maybe I should up it a little?

IDK. Depends on if you want it for flavor or color. I have yet to use it so I can't advise but that's why I was curious.

[Poptop]

A little for flavor is very nice, but I don't want to turn this batch into a brown ale......... But I know that "some" will round out the caramel. A lot of hmmmmmmmm going on right now. I got time tho. This batch is set for next Saturday.

[HVB]

my gut is you will not even notice 3oz of brown malt in that grain bill but I have been wrong about 3 dozen times today so take my thoughts with a grain of salt

[positiveContact]

my gut is you will not even notice 3oz of brown malt in that grain bill but I have been wrong about 3 dozen times today so take my thoughts with a grain of salt

 

i agree.  brown malt is fairly subdued.

[Poptop]

So I removed the brown malt. To achieve my color along with some caramel in the backbone I am going with a C120/CaramunichIII combo.

Was also wondering about how much is too much Columbus at zero minutes. Right now at flame out I am going to add an ounce each Amarillo and Mosaic and a 1/2 ounce Columbus. I want the dank resin in the end but don't want to overpower.

Thoughts?

[neddles]

I get more herbal spiced orange/citrus fruit out of Columbus at FO/Whirlpool and dry. 1/2 is not too much IMO. I think the Mosaic will be the dominate one of the trio you have there.

[Poptop]

I don't want to overpower the finish. Maybe lessen the Mosaic and let Amarillo take center state??

[neddles]

Your gonna have to run with your own tastes on that one. 

[Poptop]

Indecision may or may not be my problem.

[neddles]

Indecision may or may not be my problem.

Been there.

[positiveContact]

Indecision may or may not be my problem.

 

sometimes you just need to go with your gut.  I'm pretty good at imagining what I get out of malts and yeast.  I have a hard time with hops sometimes.

[Poptop]

I tend to over due hops, and that's just not my taste lately. I'm think about a conservative approach at flame out as listed above but less Mosaic. Then if the taste needs a punch when I prepare to secondary I'll DH with a similar combo.

[neddles]

I tend to over due hops

No, no, whirlpool and dry is perfect timing!

[HVB]

No, no, whirlpool and dry is perfect timing!

agree

[Poptop]

I'm on it. I have 2L of WLP090 on the stir plate. I think my current design is going to bring much malty enjoyment to the palate. An Imperial Amber of sorts.