I have a starter from some leftover yeast in a belgian golden strong ale with WLP 570 right now and I was thinking about making something in the family of a braggot/sahti/golden strong ale with it since I have it. My planned recipe goes as follows:
Batch size: 5 gallons
6lbs Belgian Pilsner
2lbs Wheat Malt
1lb Rye Malt
9lbs Honey
1oz Styrian Goldings @ 60 min
1oz Red Juniper Berries @ 5 min
1/2 gallon starter of WLP 570
According to the Tastybrew calculator this should land me around 1.095 and could reach a pretty low FG considering WLP 570's high attenuation.
My question is this: Considering the strong flavors in this: estery/phenolic yeast, juniper berries, Rye malt, and hops; what kind of honey would be able to contend without completely overpowering the rest of the ingredients? Basswood perhaps? Or Buckwheat? Maybe Orange Blossom? Or should I throw caution to the wind and use wildflower honey? I have little experience in matching honey varietals with adjuncts since I've never made anything besides a few traditional meads. Any experiences or advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks, GS
Batch size: 5 gallons
6lbs Belgian Pilsner
2lbs Wheat Malt
1lb Rye Malt
9lbs Honey
1oz Styrian Goldings @ 60 min
1oz Red Juniper Berries @ 5 min
1/2 gallon starter of WLP 570
According to the Tastybrew calculator this should land me around 1.095 and could reach a pretty low FG considering WLP 570's high attenuation.
My question is this: Considering the strong flavors in this: estery/phenolic yeast, juniper berries, Rye malt, and hops; what kind of honey would be able to contend without completely overpowering the rest of the ingredients? Basswood perhaps? Or Buckwheat? Maybe Orange Blossom? Or should I throw caution to the wind and use wildflower honey? I have little experience in matching honey varietals with adjuncts since I've never made anything besides a few traditional meads. Any experiences or advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks, GS