Witbier Austin Homebrew's Belgian White Beer

[gtpro]

Okay, this beer has been in primary for 2.5 weeks now and basically it smells like crap. Anybody else had this? I'm not sure if its th sulfur byproducts of this yeast or what but it is not pleasant. Should I just let it primary longer?

 

[xt-lee]

Well, I'm drinking mine now...lol

The yeast originally gave a band-aid/plastic taste to the beer which seems to have dissipated. From what I read, phenolic is most likely the taste. It took about 3 weeks from start of fermentation. I have since re-used the yeast cake and the second batch does not have the plastic character.

As for taste, I am very picky about light beers. I generally like sweet beers over bitter ones. This one is a bit bitter but also tart. Very interesting flavor. I can't really compare it to anything commercial but it is indeed a Belgium style. If anything, it has the light taste and color of Hoegaarden but the spice of Alexander Keith's White. Citrus taste is there but not pronounced. There is more citrus aroma than taste. Blue Moon has a high citrus taste compared to this. A sliced orange seems to compliment this beer. I carbonated at 2.9 vol. which seems to be good. Not overly gassy, but just enough.

Out of all the beers I've Brewed, this one is outstanding! I would definitely make this again.

 

[gtpro]

so are you saying the smell cleared up with some time in the bottle?

 

[Toivo]

I plan on brewing this next week but I have a couple questions. The boil time is listed as 5o minutes in the recipe but a post from Austin homebrew says it is 30 minutes. Which is correct? Also would it be ok to leave this in the primary for 2 to 3 weeks and not even secondary it? Plan is to then bottle it and then condition it in the basement.

Thanks for helping a rookie.

 

[HalfPint]

Okay, this beer has been in primary for 2.5 weeks now and basically it smells like crap. Anybody else had this? I'm not sure if its th sulfur byproducts of this yeast or what but it is not pleasant. Should I just let it primary longer?

The Belgian Wit yeast tends to give off a bad sulfur odor. It should clear up with time.

 

[HalfPint]

I plan on brewing this next week but I have a couple questions. The boil time is listed as 5o minutes in the recipe but a post from Austin homebrew says it is 30 minutes. Which is correct? Also would it be ok to leave this in the primary for 2 to 3 weeks and not even secondary it? Plan is to then bottle it and then condition it in the basement.

Thanks for helping a rookie.

If Forest says that it's a 30 minute boil, then it's a 30 minute boil. I guess it was a typo in the OP. I don't see why 3 weeks in the secondary would be a problem.

 

[Berock]

I'm making a similar beer but I guess what I confused about is the white wheat malt. I've read that white wheat needs a protein rest but this recipe doesn't call for it. Does it need a protein rest? I've only done single-infusion and not sure If I want to complicate the process in my cooler for the protein rest.

 

[HalfPint]

I'm making a similar beer but I guess what I confused about is the white wheat malt. I've read that white wheat needs a protein rest but this recipe doesn't call for it. Does it need a protein rest? I've only done single-infusion and not sure If I want to complicate the process in my cooler for the protein rest.

No, it doesn't necessarily need one. I always just mash mine in the normal Sach rest range and I get great efficiency.

J

 

[kylegoodmaster]

brewed this today. 1.048 effic... 5 gallons.

 

[Dinklefwat]

When I put this recipe into BeerAlchemy, I get about 13 IBU. Does this sound right to someone who's brewed this? (I'm not 100% sure I trust BeerAlchemy yet, so I'd like confirmation that I'm using it right, if it's not too much trouble.) Thanks!

 

[GreenGal]

Does anyone have a suggestion of how to turn this into an extract w/ specialty or possibly partial mash (if I can get away with just a grain bag - I have no $ for any extra equipment right now). The wheat is really throwing me for a loop. Thanks!

 

[philrose]

sure, go on the AHS website and buy the appropriate kit.

done and done.

 

[GreenGal]

Thank you, that is so helpful! I am a moron, after all!

Why even post the recipe if the only option is to buy everything from the AHS website? Why is it different for Extract, but fine for AG?

Maybe I don't need the majority of the supplies in the kit. Maybe I want to pick up the rest at my LHBS. Maybe I just want to learn something about how to sub wheat.

But thanks!

 

[philrose]

Thank you, that is so helpful!

I do what I can

Wheat extract is readily available at most lhbs, it would get you pretty much there.

Partial mash is crazy easy to pull off. Its like a steeping grain recipe with a bit more grain and a little more fussing to maintain temps.

Google "deathbrewer easy stovetop," plug half the fermentables into brewing software and make up the rest with wheat extract.

 

[kcpup]

Thank you, that is so helpful! I am a moron, after all!

Why even post the recipe if the only option is to buy everything from the AHS website? Why is it different for Extract, but fine for AG?

Maybe I don't need the majority of the supplies in the kit. Maybe I want to pick up the rest at my LHBS. Maybe I just want to learn something about how to sub wheat.

But thanks!

GreenGal -

It appears you're frustrated with "having" to buy a kit from a company to get their PM recipe. Ok. I hear that. If you search for Partial Mash Wit Recipe or similar, you can find one with out having to buy a kit.

On the other hand...Austin Homebrew consulted with Pierre Celis on this recipe. He's the man who resurrected this style of beer from obscurity! Paying for the collective experience of AHS and one of the experts in this particular style is reasonable. (As a plus this kit is inexpensive.) AHS has excellent recipes. I've brewed about 30 different PM kits from AHS. Their kits are worth the money, and they clearly show the ingredients included, instructions, and measures.

No, I don't work for Austin Homebrew - I'm just a satisfied customer.

+1 on Deathbrewer's PM instructions. His overview gave me the courage to move to PM after only two batches of beer under my belt. I've never looked back! Look those up.

Finally, here's a link to specific instructions on how to convert all grain recipes to PM. You can use this primer to convert this all grain wit recipe or any others to PM. I've used it and it works very well.

http://members.cox.net/steve.krieske/Extract Brewing Guide.pdf

You can also buy some software like BeerSmith or ProMash and convert the all grain recipe to PM. BrewTarget is free and opensource but I don't think it has that "convert" feature. However, I use BrewTarget and like it just fine.

However you choose to brew the wit, cheers!

 

[philrose]

Paying for the collective experience of AHS and one of the experts in this particular style is reasonable. (As a plus this kit is inexpensive.) AHS has excellent recipes. I've brewed about 30 different PM kits from AHS. Their kits are worth the money, and they clearly show the ingredients included, instructions, and measures.

Agreed. Why not kick back business if you're making the exact recipe a respected vendor works hard to provide?

 

[GreenGal]

Thank you for the advice. I have actually read deathbrewer's guide a half dozen times. I also found the PM conversion guide this morning and read through it - it is quite helpful. The reason that I had asked my question about substituting the wheat (which perhaps would have been treated more reasonably if I had not posted it here) is that I had just spent six hours reading through the forums trying to figure it out and failing. I like to have everything as planned out as thoroughly as possible in advance including recipe and equipment (which would be new for me in a PM, and I do not have the setup Deathbrewer has available to me at the moment). I will likely figure this all out on my own, but thought I would ask if there were suggestions from the experienced. And since those seem to be 'figure it out' anyway, I'll just go on my own.

I understand that the AHS kits are great, etc. I understand. What I don't understand is how an AG recipe can be posted in this forum and get treated positively, questions are asked and answered and all is fine. People are welcome to brew the AG recipe without kits and there is no problems. Then, when I ask about extract/partial mash I get the third degree for some reason. Is extract/partial mash so offensive?

I would never have presumed to ask about this recipe if there had not already been nine months of discussion (all apparently sanctioned by the creator) of the recipe prior to my question. I'm not really trying to be subversive here. I really like to see recipes. I cook a lot, maybe that is why. I just feel horrible that my question is being interpreted as "how can I scam AHS out of some money." Of course, now that my integrity is being questioned I feel much less likely to buy this kit on principal- something that I was actually considering before.

I apologize if I have done something wrong, but I just do not know what. Is it that I don't post a lot? Is it that I lurked for a long time before becoming a member? This is all rather demoralizing - maybe I have just not noticed other people being treated this way before because I was not paying attention.

 

[EricCSU]

Thank you for the advice. I have actually read deathbrewer's guide a half dozen times. I also found the PM conversion guide this morning and read through it - it is quite helpful. The reason that I had asked my question about substituting the wheat (which perhaps would have been treated more reasonably if I had not posted it here) is that I had just spent six hours reading through the forums trying to figure it out and failing. I like to have everything as planned out as thoroughly as possible in advance including recipe and equipment (which would be new for me in a PM, and I do not have the setup Deathbrewer has available to me at the moment). I will likely figure this all out on my own, but thought I would ask if there were suggestions from the experienced. And since those seem to be 'figure it out' anyway, I'll just go on my own.

I understand that the AHS kits are great, etc. I understand. What I don't understand is how an AG recipe can be posted in this forum and get treated positively, questions are asked and answered and all is fine. People are welcome to brew the AG recipe without kits and there is no problems. Then, when I ask about extract/partial mash I get the third degree for some reason. Is extract/partial mash so offensive?

I would never have presumed to ask about this recipe if there had not already been nine months of discussion (all apparently sanctioned by the creator) of the recipe prior to my question. I'm not really trying to be subversive here. I really like to see recipes. I cook a lot, maybe that is why. I just feel horrible that my question is being interpreted as "how can I scam AHS out of some money." Of course, now that my integrity is being questioned I feel much less likely to buy this kit on principal- something that I was actually considering before.

I apologize if I have done something wrong, but I just do not know what. Is it that I don't post a lot? Is it that I lurked for a long time before becoming a member? This is all rather demoralizing - maybe I have just not noticed other people being treated this way before because I was not paying attention.

The problem is that it is someone else's recipe.

I would feel fine converting one of my recipes for you. But this isn't my recipe to manipulate or distribute.

This is not a all grain vs partial mash thing at all.

If you want a Belgian Wit recipe, there are quite a few here.

If you specifically want Austin Homebrew Supply's Belgian Wit recipe, why not just buy it from them? Why the resistance to paying someone for their hard work?

I don't think anyone is trying to attack you, so please don't take it that way. We have pointed you to specific links on how to convert recipes, which is what you asked for.

Eric

 

[GreenGal]

I appreciate the links and I am not (was not) asking for anyone to provide any further information for me, don't get me wrong.

Just to be sure, what you are saying is the following:

1) it was alright for someone else to post this recipe from AHS (and others from AHS), even if they are not the recipe author.
2) it is alright to ask about extract substitutions in other recipes listed in this forum. This includes the AHS Blue Moon Clone recipe discussion of extract substitutions here for example, which was not posted by the recipe author either.
3) it is not alright for *me* to ask about extract substitutions for this one recipe. Why this one recipe?

If there is some rule about posting which separates the AHS Belgian Wheat Recipe from all others including the AHS Blue Moon Clone recipe, then perhaps it should be posted somewhere. I just do not see the logic behind this mystery rule. I would like to follow this rule. Are there any other recipes that I am not allowed to ask questions about? I mean, I read the rules.

I guess being singled out when there is so much precedent before me is making me feel attacked, yes.

 

[EricCSU]

I appreciate the links and I am not (was not) asking for anyone to provide any further information for me, don't get me wrong.

Just to be sure, what you are saying is the following:

1) it was alright for someone else to post this recipe from AHS (and others from AHS), even if they are not the recipe author.
2) it is alright to ask about extract substitutions in other recipes listed in this forum. This includes the AHS Blue Moon Clone recipe discussion of extract substitutions here for example, which was not posted by the recipe author either.
3) it is not alright for *me* to ask about extract substitutions for this one recipe. Why this one recipe?

If there is some rule about posting which separates the AHS Belgian Wheat Recipe from all others including the AHS Blue Moon Clone recipe, then perhaps it should be posted somewhere. I just do not see the logic behind this mystery rule. I would like to follow this rule. Are there any other recipes that I am not allowed to ask questions about? I mean, I read the rules.

I guess being singled out when there is so much precedent before me is making me feel attacked, yes.

I think you are taking this very personally and this in not personal. If you want to make someone's product, then buy it. If you want to try to convert the recipe, we have given you lots and resources to solve that problem.

No one said it wasn't all right for you to ask. But if no one comes forward to give out someone else's recipe without their permission, please don't take it personally. It is not personal.

No one is attacking you. I think it is time to move on.

I hope you make some great beer.

Eric

 

[GreenGal]

Seriously?

I never insisted on anything. I never asked for someone's recipe. I did not post the first recipe. I did not start this thread. I asked for help and was just told to buy the kit, which is not an answer so much as a smartass comment.

I mean, it has been 24 hrs. I was honestly expecting either no response or something to the tune of "you might try subbing wheat extract and mashing the flaked wheat with some of the Pilsner Malt" after a few weeks of waiting.

When actually given suggestions, which I was, I thanked people. Perhaps I am being misunderstood.

Regardless, I still think it is jerky to keep insisting that I am a too cheap to pay for someone's hard work. Why are we even sharing recipes? Incidentally, this is what made it personal. I just wanted some advice, man. I mean really, did I need to be told four times to buy the kit? Was that necessary?

But fine, I have learned my lesson and will not post on HBT anymore. Back to lurking it is.

 

[CBK]

New all grain brewer here going to buy this kit from AHS. Been trying to get into water profiles any suggestions for this style of beer? Antwerp?

 

[Toivo]

I started my second batch of this brew yesterday since the first one mysteriously disappeared. Everything went fine and I ended up with a 78% efficiency. The only change was I used Wyeasts 3944 Belgian Witbier yeast. This was the only yeast available at the home brew shop I went to. Today 15 hours later I still don't have and signs of fermentation. I shook the pail and now I wait. This is my first time using Wyeasts product. Hopefully it starts soon.

 

[Austinhomebrew]

Seriously?

I never insisted on anything. I never asked for someone's recipe. I did not post the first recipe. I did not start this thread. I asked for help and was just told to buy the kit, which is not an answer so much as a smartass comment.

I mean, it has been 24 hrs. I was honestly expecting either no response or something to the tune of "you might try subbing wheat extract and mashing the flaked wheat with some of the Pilsner Malt" after a few weeks of waiting.

When actually given suggestions, which I was, I thanked people. Perhaps I am being misunderstood.

Regardless, I still think it is jerky to keep insisting that I am a too cheap to pay for someone's hard work. Why are we even sharing recipes? Incidentally, this is what made it personal. I just wanted some advice, man. I mean really, did I need to be told four times to buy the kit? Was that necessary?

But fine, I have learned my lesson and will not post on HBT anymore. Back to lurking it is.

You can always ask AHS. 1-800-890-2739.

We are always here to help.

I appreciate people trying to help me but procedure is not a trade secret.

Forrest

 

[HalfPint]

I must say that the folks at AustinHomebrew have always helped me every time I've called and asked a question.

As far as the conversion GreenGal, here is the recipe for 5 gallons at 75% Eff.

3.61 lb pale lme
3.00 lb White Wheat Malt
2.5 lb Flaked Wheat
0.50 oz Cascade (7.5%) (30min)
0.50 oz Cascade (7.5%) (5 min)
0.50 oz Orange Peel, Bitter (Boil 15.0 min)
0.50 oz Coriander Seed, Crushed (Boil 15.0 min)
1 Pkg Belgian Wit Ale (White Labs #WLP400)

Now this won't be exact b/c you're not using pilsner malt, but it will be close. Just do a PM with the wheat in a grain bag.

Hope this helps

 

[jar234psu]

Sorry for the bump, but I just kegged this recipe and wanted to post a little feedback.

Overall this is a really nice beer that I would definitely make again. I let it sit in the primary for 3 weeks and at kegging it has a really nice spiced orange and coriander flavor. It's a teensy bit on the spicy side now, but once that flavor mellows and fades a little bit into the background I can definitely see this being indistinguishable from Hoegaarden flavor-wise. The only thing that seems off is the color. It's a wonderful lemon yellow, but Hoegaarden has almost a bone color that this one doesn't quite match.

Looking forward to trying it after a few weeks of conditioning in the keg. Definitely recommended if you like wits !

 

[FatherJack]

Wow, been like a year. This thread needs some TLC.

I want to make this beer in the coming months but I have a couple of problems:

1) I don't have access to Belgian pilsner malt. I do have access to Weyermann/Durz Malz pilsner malt. Acceptable?

2) Liquid yeast making it to Japan just doesn't happen. Buying it here can be extremely difficult, if not impossible. I do have Fermentis T-58 and S-33 dry yeast. Acceptable?

I realize these modifications wouldn't make the same beer as indicated in the recipe, but will it get me in the ballpark at least?

 

[atcmello]

Seara Geppu,

1) Yes, it is acceptable.

2) I prefer T-58 for a Belgium Wit.

Like you said, you won't have the same result but you can alwats have a nice surprise.

Good luck!

Atcmello

 

[kcpup]

Wow, been like a year. This thread needs some TLC.

I want to make this beer in the coming months but I have a couple of problems:

1) I don't have access to Belgian pilsner malt. I do have access to Weyermann/Durz Malz pilsner malt. Acceptable?

2) Liquid yeast making it to Japan just doesn't happen. Buying it here can be extremely difficult, if not impossible. I do have Fermentis T-58 and S-33 dry yeast. Acceptable?

I realize these modifications wouldn't make the same beer as indicated in the recipe, but will it get me in the ballpark at least?

Here's a thread with perspectives on your yeast question:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f12/dry-yeast-equivalent-white-labs-belgian-wit-wlp400-177751/

re: grain - if necessary, you could even go 2-row, but pilsner is best regardless of brand, in my opinion, for this style.

 

[Toivo]

I have made this brew 4 times now and the last one I used T58 for the yeast and everyone thought it was better than the previous batches. Polished off a keg of it at my son's rehearsal dinner and now ia have to make another since the SWOB likes it and is stating to drink a beer now and then.