What Flavor Does Caramelized Brown Sugar Impart?

ultravista · Mar 19, 2011

I plan an all grain DFH Indian Brown clone. The recipe calls for 8 ounces of caramelized brown sugar.

This is my first batch using brown sugar and I have a few questions.

1) does brown sugar ferment out?
2) what flavor does caramelized brown sugar impart?
3) will adding 16 ounces vs. 8 ounces impact the flavor (if so - how)?

TipsyDragon · Mar 19, 2011

ive used 3 pounds of dark brown sugar that you buy at the store. didn't caramelize it. it made the beer darker and fermented out completely. there is a noticeable caramel note to the beer. of course adding twice as much will add twice the flavor.

ultravista · Mar 19, 2011

Would you add the brown sugar pre-boil or somewhere near the end of the boil?

McNulty · Mar 19, 2011

It is my understanding that the longer it's in the boil the less fermentable and more flavorful the sugar will be, due to the Maillard reaction.
It seems kettle caramelization melds sugars together over time with high heat to form more complex sugars that are not easily or as readily fermented. This is where the magic happens.

McNulty · Mar 19, 2011

Also, WHEN you add the sugar affects the IBUs slightly.

What Flavor Does Caramelized Brown Sugar Impart?

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What Flavor Does Caramelized Brown Sugar Impart?

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ultravista

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