Belgian Extract SRM

[bgpbrew]

On one of the northern brewer review pages, I read that one way to get the SRM lighter in a belgian kit is to add the extract at about 15 minutes, rather than up front at 60 minutes. Has anyone tried this? Any thoughts?

 

[chickypad]

It's a very common technique - you can also add the extract at flameout. Google late extract addition.

 

[bgpbrew]

It's a very common technique - you can also add the extract at flameout. Google late extract addition.

Thanks. So, with extract, is there any reason to add it so early in the boil at all?

 

[chickypad]

No not really. As I understand it the conventional wisdom was you needed some sugars in the boil for proper hop utilization, but the Brewing network guys did an experiment where they seemed to debunk that idea by boiling hops in plain water. Most folks don't boil plain water though. If you have some steeping grains you can just do your boil with the steeping water and add all your extract at the end, or if no steeping grains maybe boil with a small portion of extract (like 1/4 to 1/3) then add the rest at the end.

Edit: my mistake, I meant to say the Brewing radio guys

 

[bgpbrew]

Thanks, this really helps.