Can i get a recipe critique?

[sivdrinks]

Have this on tap for about a week now and it's just not what I thought it would be. Fairly bitter up front that dies out at the end lending some sticky fruit flavors that I love but not much. Doesn't seem to have enough malt to carry the beer either. It's only been about 5 weeks total, I've been putting my last couple beers on early after reading the "aging" thread. Maybe the beer is just too young yet. Not having the luck others are drinking beer from grain to glass in 3-4 weeks.


http://hopville.com/recipe/1037426/american-ipa-recipes/five-magics

 

[runitis]

I seem to run into the same problem, my beers are never ready in 3-4 weeks. I'm usually closer to 6 weeks.
As far as the malt character goes, I would try using less victory and more caramel. I have a recipe very similiar. The second time I brewed it, I used more caramel than victory and it was better. That's just my opinion.

 

[sivdrinks]

I like my IPA unbalanced so I stay away from the bigger caramel malts. Maybe I'm not understanding their purpose. Was going for a smaller version of Hopslam. Don't notice the honey malt either, thought 1/2 lb might be too much.

 

[runitis]

With mine, I use a pound of caramel 40 and a half pound of victory. I don't use the honey. I find the taste is perfect for me, the hops come through more than the malt does. I also dry hop in the keg with an oz.

 

[sivdrinks]

I'm still learning alot so I dont really know how to correctly construct a recipe. Had the carapils, honey and victory on hand so I used them. Went with the C20L for a lighter color, kinda like Widmer X114. I guess the carapils/20 combo is kinda weak though. Damnit!

 

[defenestrate]

i dont think you need the C20 and the honey and the c pils. if you want a litte more malt add some munich(maybe aromatic) or use a darker basemalt like MO. victory isn't really "malty" its more like a biscuity flavor.

i like my ipa's with a little c60, munich and 2 row- just my preference.

 

[joetothemo]

How is your water? Gypsum may contribute some of that crispness you are looking for... as long as you don't overdo it.

Also, there is carapils in that extract. I'd cut the additional 8oz as that may be offsetting your hop bitterness.

 

[sivdrinks]

Not sure why I see all my mistakes now as I read this. Not sure about water profile, I fill up with "spring water" outside of Weis markets.

 

[sivdrinks]

If it doesn't improve the silver lining is that I have my Pink Elephant on next to it, maybe mix the two for a Raging Bitch style.

 

[BrewMU]

That's a pretty big beer - it probably just needs some time. Why do you list the same LME twice? Is that an accurate OG? Looks like you have plenty of malt in there. If the finish isn't bitter enough, move some of that massive hop-pile back in the boil. A bigger boil would get more out of your hops.

 

[sivdrinks]

3 of the 6 lbs LME is a late addition. I thought most of the hops would be considered late, 30 min in.

 

[asterix404]

30 min is about the latest you can add bittering hops but technically they don't do much but add some (though not much) flavor.

The thing I am very surprised about is that you didn't dry hop with your bittering hops. You ended up using 4 different hop varieties which will really complicate the flavor. Try sticking with just simco and amerillo (I know both of those work really well together) and use about 1 ounce of each for bittering at 60m. Add 1 ounce of each at 15m, 10m, 5m and dry hop with 2 ounces of each for a week. You should get a very clean and crisp bight to it.

 

[phuff7129]

I personally think its too soon to really tell how its going to taste when it is done. I usually do 2 weeks in primary, 2 weeks in secondary, and 2 weeks in the bottle to carb and condition. Usually at 6 weeks the beer is drinkable but never exactly what I was looking for. Usually by 8 weeks it is really coming into its own, so you just may need a little more time to let it condition. Good Luck!

 

[sivdrinks]

30 min is about the latest you can add bittering hops but technically they don't do much but add some (though not much) flavor.

The thing I am very surprised about is that you didn't dry hop with your bittering hops. You ended up using 4 different hop varieties which will really complicate the flavor. Try sticking with just simco and amerillo (I know both of those work really well together) and use about 1 ounce of each for bittering at 60m. Add 1 ounce of each at 15m, 10m, 5m and dry hop with 2 ounces of each for a week. You should get a very clean and crisp bight to it.

I was under the impression Zythos was a mix of all the "C" varieties. But yes, I will add finishing hops no earlier than 15 from now on.

 

[sivdrinks]

Just checked my recipe, my hop schedule looks pretty good I thought?

 

[midfielder5]

I would consider getting a larger BK (if you can, full boils are better & esp hoppy recipes- you could use less & get same IBU);
and to post a new recipe for critique *before* brewing it

Third, avoid toss it all in-kitchen sink grain bills (the last is just my opinion).
Good luck!

 

[sivdrinks]

I'm sure you're right about the kitchen sink, at least for an IPA. I just spent some money on a new BIAB setup. Keg, Blichmann, bag and chiller. Have three kits ready to go.