Nelson Saison for comments

[bmaupin]

Saison Nelson
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Batch Size 5.500 gal
Boil Size 7.300 gal
Boil Time 1.000 hr
Efficiency 90%
OG 1.043 sg
FG 1.003 sg
ABV 5.2%
Bitterness 25.9 IBU (Tinseth)
Color 3.2 srm (Morey)

Fermentables
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Name Type Amount Mashed Yield Color
Pilsner (2 Row) Bel Grain 5.000 lb Yes 79% 2.0 srm
Weyermann - Vienna Malt Grain 1.000 lb Yes 81% 3.9 srm
White Wheat Malt Grain 1.000 lb Yes 86% 2.0 srm
Oats, Malted Grain 8.000 oz Yes 80% 2.5 srm
Weyermann - Acidulated Malt Grain 4.000 oz Yes 80% 3.2 srm
Total grain: 7.750 lb

Hops
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Name Alpha Amount Use Time Form IBU
Willamette 6.5% 1.000 oz Boil 1.000 hr Pellet 22.0
Nelson Sauvin 11.7% 0.500 oz Boil 5.000 min Pellet 3.9
Nelson Sauvin 11.7% 0.500 oz Boil 0.000 s Pellet 0.0
Nelson Sauvin 11.7% 0.500 oz Aroma 20.00 min Pellet 0.0
Nelson Sauvin 11.7% 1.000 oz Dry Hop 3.000 day Pellet 0.0

Yeasts
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Yeast Bay - Saison Blend II

This is my first time using Nelson. My main question is if the Nelson will be too much?

 

[Lefou]

Dry ales or lagers will tend to show their hop character much more but a slightly higher ABV can balance it out.
Your version of a saison is no exception but personal preference is all that matters when it comes to commonly accepted bitterness-to-gravity ratios. In my opinion, you chose a moderately high AAU hop mix for bittering and aroma so your BU:GU ratio will put your recipe on the more hoppy side but not on the order of an IPA or 2IPA.
Personally, I see no problems with your grain or hopping choices. My beers typically run from .3-.5 on the bittering to gravity scale with noble hops. You'll never know until you brew it unless there's a comparable commercial beer you like that's similar.

 

[catdaddy66]

You can NEVER have too much Nelson!!! Lol

Seriously, it's one of my favorite hops, though I personally have never brewed with it (a friend makes a half/full Nelson APA that is freaking delicious!).

I really like your recipe! You should end up with great hop character. I may add a pound or two more base malt if I were to attempt it, but I like a bigger saison usually.

 

[deadwolfbones]

Looks good to me. I wouldn't change a thing (unless there's a cheaper/more anonymous hop you can use for the 60min charge).

 

[bmaupin]

I should have said that I've made quite a few saisons, and I made a Simcoe/Amarillo saison last year that I really liked, so I like some hop flavor with a saison. I really like TYB Saison Blend II in any saison, usually with Styrian Golding or Hallertau for flavor, which allows the yeast to stand out. I have made some bigger saisons up to 7.5%, but I'm looking for a lighter abv summer drinker in this one. I have a half pound of Nelson so I will be making another Nelson saison after I review this one. I'm making this tomorrow.

I do have some Magnum that I could bitter with, but I was thinking of using something that had a little flavor from the bittering as I find Magnum super smooth and flavorless when used to bitter (never used it for anything but bittering).

 

[Lefou]

So if you're doing this particular brew why not post another thread showcasing your work? I'd be interested in your results, maybe a couple opinions, and pictures if possible. Using the grist as a base foundation for a version of lighter Belgian specialty ale would be an interesting sidetrack, too.
Not that I'm piddling around with a comparable idea, mind you, but I am.
Right now I have enough grains for another three brews waiting but they aren't saison styles.

 

[brownni5]

You can NEVER have too much Nelson!!! Lol

Seriously, it's one of my favorite hops, though I personally have never brewed with it (a friend makes a half/full Nelson APA that is freaking delicious!).

I really like your recipe! You should end up with great hop character. I may add a pound or two more base malt if I were to attempt it, but I like a bigger saison usually.

I tend to agree. If i could get/afford Nelson, I might use anything but! Funkwerks NelsonSauvin Saison is awesome.

 

[leesmith]

This is a Wyeast Farmhouse Ale/ Brett B mixed ferm.

All Pilsner malt.
And Nelson.

I’ve done this twice now and really like it. Nelson is fantastic in a Saison.

This second batch is a little too strong on the leather and pepper but very refreshing and satisfying...dry.

Aroma is killer...vibrant.

Please let us know how yours comes out and what you think.

 

[brownni5]

I would like to experience this "too strong on the leather and pepper."

 

[bmaupin]

I ended up adding 5oz dextrose 1.049/1.005 OG/FG. I wish I would have added more Nelson. The way it is, it is a good saison. Nelson character is definitely there, especially on the finish and invites another sip. Thanks for the comments everyone.

I just bottled a 1.062/1.008 Belgian Blonde with WLP530 and 2oz Nelson in whirlpool and another 2oz dry. A comparison will be interesting.

 

[bmaupin]