All-Grain - Special Bitter (1st place HBT Comp) - Page 3

**malweth** · 11-11-2011, 10:01 AM

Making this one this weekend! It's my 2nd all grain.

**Boar Beer** · 11-11-2011, 12:37 PM

Let us all know how it comes out.
Its a great beer
Have fun and good luck

**malweth** · 11-13-2011, 02:22 AM

Brewed it this evening. Here's how it went:

Modified the recipe for 5-6 gal:
9.5 lbs Maris Otter
1/4 lb Cara-Pils }
1/4 lb Crystal 40L } LHBS didn't have Crystal 20L
1/2 tsp Gypsum
1/2 tsp K-Meta (to off-gas Chlorine)

2 oz EKG @ 60
1/2 oz EKG @ 30
1/2 tsp Irish moss @ 10
1/2 oz EKG @ 1

Hit my mash temps almost dead on. After letting it settle I measured 155 degrees F.

I hit a snag when measuring the hops. My East Kent Goldings are at 5.8%AA. I'd already added the 2 oz, so hopefully it's not too bitter. My further changes (due to hop bag actual weights): 0.6 oz @ 20 instead of 0.5 oz @ 30; also, 0.8 oz @ 1 instead of 0.5 oz. BeerSmith2 says I'm a bit too bitter for style... but I'm sure it'll be fine... it's not like these beers are APAs.

I'll try to come back to this thread when I crack the first bottle!

**malweth** · 12-12-2011, 01:27 PM

Bottled this yesterday, but I did drink the entire hydrometer sample! English beers are good with a bit less carbonation anyway (though flat isn't optimal

).

It's excellent thus far! A nice bitter beer... since BS2 says I'm on the bitter edge, that makes sense. NOW I'm looking forward to Christmas (well... that and hopefully a Kindle Fire).

**Boar Beer** · 12-12-2011, 03:19 PM

Looks like you are on your way to a great beer

**malweth** · 01-04-2012, 05:28 PM

This is an excellent recipe! It's especially good after it warms up from fridge temps just a bit (so maybe around 45°F). As I expected, it's just a bit on the bitter edge when cold, but balances out as it gets warmer.

The only problem with this beer is that I only have 3 bottles left (plus a 6-pack I'm reserving for a competition coming up). There may be a few more bottles out there somewhere (I left some as gifts), and they'll hopefully be put to good use!

**malweth** · 02-27-2012, 02:01 AM

I took 1st in category at the 2012 Boston Homebrew Competition with this recipe! Judging was yesterday... so no score sheets yet.

http://www.wort.org/boston-homebrew-competition/2011-boston-homebrew-competition-results-winners.html
^^Yes, it says 2011, but it's 2012. I'll keep an eye on it in case the URL changes.

**Boar Beer** · 02-27-2012, 12:27 PM

Love to see the score sheets when you get them. OK i think i may have to make this beer again.

**malweth** · 03-06-2012, 11:47 PM

Here are the score sheets... I'm too lazy to go to the scanner, and not too lazy to type them out, so here you go:

SHEET 1

Judge: Non-BJCP
Category: 8
Subcategory: (b) Special/Best/Premium Bitter
Bottle inspection: (checked), no comments

Aroma: (10/12) Malty / doughy aroma. Slight sweetness. No hop aroma.

Appearance: (3/3) Medium amber. Slight lacing. Carbonation is persistent.

Flavor: (17/20) Medium biscuity malt flavor. Hops are present as a balance but do not linger. Clean sweetness in the finish. Earthy element present.

Mouthfeel: (5/5) Carbonation works well w/ crisp flavor. Very refreshing.

Overall impression: (8/10) Refreshing mild, pale ale with just enough strength for special/premium status. Fine job.

Total: (43/50)
Stylistic Accuracy: Classic Example o x o o o Not to Style
Technical Merit: Flawless x o o o o Significant Flaws
Intangibles: Wonderful o x o o o Lifeless

SHEET 2

Judge: unknown
Category: 8
Subcategory: (b) Special/Best/Premium Bitter
Bottle inspection: (checked), no comments

Aroma: (10/12) Low fruitiness and very crisp.

Appearance: (3/3) Great color and clarity true to form. Appears refreshing.

Flavor: (17/20) It tastes great, has sweet (fumes?) and mustiness & smoky tart and sour very crisp and sharp

Mouthfeel: (5/5) Great body not too light but not medium a great middle, carbonation great and pleasing taste

Overall impression: (8/10) Great as a session beer, taste is great and gives a refreshing feel. Body allows for good amounts of consumption. Give me another one.

Total: (43/50)
Stylistic Accuracy: Classic Example x o o o o Not to Style
Technical Merit: Flawless o x o o o Significant Flaws
Intangibles: Wonderful o x o o o Lifeless