Extract - Orange Blossom Special - Page 3

jerzeedevil13 · 03-31-2011, 09:34 PM

So this is what I did:

6 Lbs Wheat DME added for full 60 min boil - Full 5 gallon boil BTW.
In a separate pot I held about 2 quarts water at 160 while I steeped zest from and peeled oranges ( 3 extra large navel ) for 30 min. and also dissolved 1.5 Lbs corn sugar into this pot.
1oz Hallertau @ 60
1oz Hallertau @ 5
At flameout I poured the orange/sugar mixture and 1 Lb. Orange Blossom honey. It only took me a few quarts of cold water to top it off to 5.5gal
Cooled to 80, O.G. was 1.072

Pitched WLP-300 Held around 68-70 degrees
On day 12 it's still bubbling away, only a bubble every few seconds but still going. Just took a reading and it's 1.020 , gonna give it another 5-10 days and check but it smells awesome. If the F.G ends up around 1.015 or lower this thing is going to be 7.5% or higher... Crisp, tasty Hefe with a whopping ABV, can't wait.
I'll keep you posted

jerzeedevil13 · 04-09-2011, 12:54 AM

So... it got down to 1.010 so my final gravity measured 8.1% and I Bottled about 5 days ago, couldn't wait and cracked open a bottle.

Although it's not finished it did have signs of decent soft carbonation.
Cloudy yellow haze appearance with a dull gold body. Distinctive hefe yeast banana and clove taste with upfront zesty tangy orange fruit. Very drinkable but deceptive as the high ABV is like a mule kick. Definitely some fluffy heat but at the same time smooth and mellow.
I expect it to get highly carbonated in the next week or two and get more action towards the head and lacing but the flavor is there and is typical of a great wheat-y Hefe except that it's 8.1%
This is a keeper.
Feels like a session/lawnmower beer but is truly a sipper because the ABV catches up to you fast.
Thanks for the ideas /comments.
I'm really enjoying this one.