Which Altbier recipe is better?

mymbtheduke · 08-25-2008, 06:46 PM

I am considering two different kits as my second brew. I am leaning towards Northern as it has more extract and would be less bitter than the Midwest kit. Right? I am looking for a Diebels Alt clone. Are one of these close to Diebels?

I don't like paying $40 plus shipping for a kit though. Ouch. Thanks for any help.

Midwest:
6 lbs. Amber liquid malt extract,
12 oz. Caramel 10°L
4 oz. Chocolate Malt
3 oz. of hops
With German Ale Smack = $30

Northern:
Specialty Grains
1 lbs. Weyermann Caramunich II
6 lbs. Amber Malt Syrup
1 lbs. Amber Dry Malt Extract
1 oz. Perle (60 min)
1 oz. Perle (45 min)
1 oz. Spalt (15 min)

dry yeast
Safale K-97. Optimum temperature: 59-75° F.
Add bottling sugar and it is almost $40

McGarnigle · 08-25-2008, 07:02 PM

More extract would create the effect of lower bitterness, assuming the hops are even. But you don't know the % (ounces doesn't tell the full story). I haven't brewed either so can't recommend.

mymbtheduke · 08-27-2008, 05:03 PM

Does anyone have a Diebels Alt clone recipe that I can compare to these kits? I would appreciate it.

**DeathBrewer** · 08-27-2008, 05:47 PM

i would use just grains for your color, flavor and stick with pale extract.

This looks alight:
12 oz. Caramel 10°L
4 oz. Chocolate Malt

perle and spalt sound good for the hops, too.

not sure on the yeast.