Czech vs. US Saaz

C4PNJ4ZZ · 10-01-2009, 01:20 AM

I'm brewing up a Belgian Golden Strong. For a 6gallon batch the recipe calls for a 90 min Czech saaz addition of 2.25 oz. AHS carries US Saaz at 6.5% (vs 3.5% for Czech).

Would I be better off substituting something like styrian goldings, or just reducing the amount and using the US Saaz. I'd like to stay on style, but I imagine its not such a big deal since I'm only doing a 90 minute addition.

**BargainFittings** · 10-01-2009, 01:26 AM

I would use the US Saaz. Its not the same as Czech saaz for aroma and flavor, similiar but not exactly alike. To me its a bit more herbal than the czech saaz.

C4PNJ4ZZ · 10-01-2009, 01:37 AM

I think I'm going to go with Sterling 6%AA and knock it back a little bit for bitterness

elmetal · 10-01-2009, 03:36 AM

knock it back almost half

C4PNJ4ZZ · 10-01-2009, 03:50 AM

Im going with 1.3oz, which should give me about 33 IBU

elmetal · 10-01-2009, 03:59 AM

nice! what's the OG on this?

**Yuri_Rage** · 10-01-2009, 04:01 AM

For a 90 minute addition, use whichever is cheapest (likely US) and adjust the amount based on the AA %. For a late flavor/aroma addition or a dry hop, use the Czech hops.

C4PNJ4ZZ · 10-01-2009, 04:13 AM

OG 1.072
I'm doing a hybrid of the Duvel clone on here and the Golden strong from Brewing classic styles. I just don't think I will be able to wait the 4 months for it to condition.

I did find a 3 year old bottle of Duvel in SWMBOs closet this week! She got it for me for xmas a few years ago and has been using it as a bookend. That will hold me over one snowy night.

**Cpt_Kirks** · 10-01-2009, 02:10 PM

I like to use Saaz and Saaz.

I use the higher AA US Saaz for bittering, and the milder Czech Saaz for flavor and aroma. It has worked out very nice every time I have tried it.

C4PNJ4ZZ · 10-02-2009, 12:51 AM

AHS is out of biscuit until tomorrow, so I have a little time before I order. So you think I won't notice a difference with US Saaz? i've read it can have a harsher bitterness.