Maple Questions

Caine · 04-03-2008, 05:42 AM

I'm trying to settle on a couple of things for my maple brown ale. First, it sounds like one of the best ways to get the most maple flavor would be to prime with some Grade B syrup, but I can't seem to find anywhere with a clear recommendation as to just how much to use for 5 gallons of brown ale, whether or not a syrup/corn sugar mix is required, and if so, what would be a recommended mix. Anyone have any guidance here?

Secondly, I'm considering adding some maple syrup during topping off when racking to the secondary. Can I add -too- much maple syrup here? I'm guessing that I would have to boil the syrup in water before adding and assuming (total WAG) that I had to add maybe 1/2 gallon of water to top off, I was considering adding maybe 1 quart of syrup in a 50/50 mix with water. Any thoughts/suggestions here?

Thanks!

drsocc · 04-03-2008, 05:59 AM

The only experience I have had with grade b maple syrup is adding it half way through the boil. I haven't sampled the finished product yet. I'm predicting that the maple flavor won't really be as apparent as i would have liked.

CEMaine · 04-03-2008, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caine

Secondly, I'm considering adding some maple syrup during topping off when racking to the secondary. Can I add -too- much maple syrup here? I'm guessing that I would have to boil the syrup in water before adding and assuming (total WAG) that I had to add maybe 1/2 gallon of water to top off, I was considering adding maybe 1 quart of syrup in a 50/50 mix with water. Any thoughts/suggestions here?

I have given up on adding it to the boil. It just goes away. Now, perhaps some maple candy would work...

I do the addition to secondary. I usually add 1 to 2 quarts to 5 gallons with decent results, so your 50/50 mix should be fine. Try to find a grade B Amber or even a C will work with little or no color effect.

Caine · 04-03-2008, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CEMaine

I have given up on adding it to the boil. It just goes away. Now, perhaps some maple candy would work...

I do the addition to secondary. I usually add 1 to 2 quarts to 5 gallons with decent results, so your 50/50 mix should be fine. Try to find a grade B Amber or even a C will work with little or no color effect.

Question: Do you also add any maple syrup as primer? If not, what do you use and how would you describe the intensity of the maple taste? Subtle? Noticeable? Intense? etc.

Thanks!

AndrwHock · 04-03-2008, 09:07 PM

I don't have any knowledge to add to this... but mmmmmmmm, sounds mighty tasty.