Burnt Wort?

[Natarch519]

I just got done making a batch of Pale Ale. In the last few minutes of the boiling process I noticed a burning smell. I stopped the boil, and poured the wort into the fermentation bucket. On the bottom of the boil pot there was some burnt wort. I realize now that I should have added more water than the 1 1/2 gallons that was recommended. Anyone ever run into this? Is my batch ruined???

 

[gandalfiii]

I once scorched some extract during boil and it added a bit of a roasty caramel flavor to that particular beer. Actually it tasted really good.

 

[jsv1204]

I doubt it. Call it "carmelized" and give it a cool name...

Cheers!

 

[duboman]

You did not ruin the beer but learned a lesson about volumes and boil off. In addition you can consider to moving to full boils and no more issues

 

[a6ladd]

RDWHAHB. The only thing that you did was caramelize a small portion of your wort. Next time make sure you stir it very well when adding LME/DME. This will properly mix your fermentables into the wort and greatly reduce the risk of scorching. Stirring occasionally during the boil is also a good idea.

 

[Yooper]

Taste the wort. If it has a burnt taste, the beer will also. If it doesn't the beer will be fine.

 

[mikemet]

Taste the wort. If it has a burnt taste, the beer will also. If it doesn't the beer will be fine.

Great point- as a newbie- these are some of the tricks we all need to pick up

I always taste the wort and hydro samples, and just about anything else I can taste during the process including hooking an airlock in my nostril and pinning myself to the carboy for 15 minutes. But YMMV

 

[jbaysurfer]

I once scorched some extract during boil and it added a bit of a roasty caramel flavor to that particular beer. Actually it tasted really good.

This. I had an "Extra Pale Ale" turn into a dark brown ale via scorching of the LME. It didn't turn out like I thought it would, but it did turn out to be the favorite of a few of my friends!

 

[Natarch519]

Thanks everyone! I was originally going to attempt a Raspberry Pale Ale - (Not a fan of wheat beer.) Looks like I will have to try that on the next batch!