Jasmine Honey Kolsch (PM)

SeaMonster · 03-11-2008, 07:20 PM

I've been toying with this recipe for awhile in my head and finally decided I might as well give it a go. My hope is to make a light, refreshing brew with that initial, intoxicating aroma of jasmine and floral citrus(from the honey).

The jasmine would come from here. It's really expensive but, again, I think the aroma would really be nice. I may go with one of the cheaper options for the first batch to see if the brew will be any good before I jump in and spend the extra money.

Here's the recipe ala Partial Mash

3# Munich Malt (steeped at 150F for 60min)
4# Briess Pilsen DME (60min)
1# Clover Honey (15 min)

1.5oz Pearle for (60min)

1oz Jasmine (10min)
1oz Jasmine (flameout)
1oz Jasmine (secondary dry hop)

Wyeast 2565 Kolsch Yeast

What do you think? Any suggestions would be welcomed. This is only my 2nd or 3rd recipe I've made up myself (and only my 5th batch made).

Thanks.

RoaringBrewer · 03-11-2008, 07:42 PM

My thoughts are this. Don't spend the money on the jasmine just yet... that's going to be an expensive batch of light beer... And without it being proven, not sure if its worth the risk.

You may want to do some research on using tea in your brew, instead. Brewtopia and some others (even commercial brewer Dogfish Head) have successfully used black, green, or white bulk tea steeped in the brew-water to get certain flavors or aromas. The beer I am thinking of is a peach-ginger weizen (obviously different from what your brewing), but I know they make jasmine teas. This would be a more affordable and easy option?

Otherwise looks good IMO. Just make sure you keep the temps down with the Kolsch yeast for the cleanest profile...

SeaMonster · 03-11-2008, 07:47 PM

I did do some internet searching and didn't find a whole lot. I know Evan's done some basil beer but I would guess that's more for flavor than aroma.

I think I may try one of the cheaper loose leaf Jasmine Green Teas (like $5 for 4oz) available at some specialty tea shops in the area first.

Thanks for the advice.

RoaringBrewer · 03-11-2008, 07:51 PM

Yeah, you can find jasmine green tea for cheap. I think from what I've read 3-4oz. steeped in wort prior to boil is what most have done...

Green tea is about as bland/mild as it comes, so I don't think the tea itself should contribute much flavor... hopefully the jasmine will be quite strong though and come through in the final product.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out. It's through experimentation of folks like yourself that we get content/experiences related to this on the web! If there isn't much out there now, it's just calling for you to be one of the few who takes the shot!

DeadDoc · 03-13-2008, 01:13 PM

There is a book for brewing with herbs.... pretty much has all of them. I know it has jasmine in it, which I do love jasmine tea. I will take a look at it later when I get home to see what the qty is of jasmine is.

RoaringBrewer · 03-13-2008, 01:18 PM

Is this that "Homebrewers Garden" book or something? Saw it at borders once and it looks pretty cool... I will need to pick it up sometime.

DeadDoc · 03-13-2008, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoaringBrewer

Is this that "Homebrewers Garden" book or something? Saw it at borders once and it looks pretty cool... I will need to pick it up sometime.

Thats more on the growing of everything from malt to hops to herbs and using them. Its the Sacred and Herbal Healing Beers is the one about pure herbal beers sans hops. But some recipes in there speak of hops.

but hmm im surprised its not in any of the books I have.

SeaMonster · 03-14-2008, 05:57 AM

Well...I'm definitely going to go ahead with this one. Ordering all the ingredients today. I will definitely keep this thread updated throughout the brewing process.

I really think this will turn out to be good, if not on the first try then maybe the 3rd or 4th.

DeadDoc · 03-14-2008, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaMonster

Well...I'm definitely going to go ahead with this one. Ordering all the ingredients today. I will definitely keep this thread updated throughout the brewing process.

I really think this will turn out to be good, if not on the first try then maybe the 3rd or 4th.

Do keep us updated!

I am looking at trying a few herbal beers out this year I think.

**SenorWanderer** · 03-14-2008, 07:46 PM

between boiling for 15 min and fermentation, you're going to lose all the flavor from the honey. if you want some honey flavor, add 6-8 oz of honey malt. i'm drinking a kolsch that is all pilsner malt and 6oz of honey malt (5g batch) and it's delicious.