Cascade Lakes 20" Brown Clone

[MadScienceTeacher]

Since they say that mimicry is the sincerest form of flattery I want to mimic the best brown I've had. KevinW did an all grain version that is here ( https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f66/20-brown-clone-204566/ ). I'm set up for a partial and here was my thought. Mostly I'm looking for advice on the grain bill and whether or not I can substitute Columbus for Centennial hops (I was given a lot of Columbus. I also have Sorachi Ace and Ahtanum on hand if those would be better substitutes). I have made a few really good beers but, being only 40gal into brewing I don't have a lot of experience under my belt putting together a complex grain bill. Here is the description of the beer:

"Named after the enormous Brown Trout found in Northwest streams, this beer lives up to the legend. 20" Brown is medium bodied and has an extremely complex malty character. Using 6 varieties of Northwest grown malt, we created a masterpiece of color, aroma and flavor. Set your hook in one of these and you won't be disappointed!"

Grains: 2-Row, Vienna, Crystal, Chocolate, Victory
Hops: Willamette, Centennial
Original Gravity: 1.053
Final Gravity: 1.013
I.B.U.'s: 35
Alcohol: 5.3

And here is what I'm thinking of doing as a clone:

5lb Light extract syrup
1lb Victory Malt
1lb American 2-row Pale
8oz Crystal 40L
8oz Crystal 80L
8oz Vienna Malt
2oz Chocolate Malt

.5oz Columbus (60min)
.5oz Columbus (15min)
.5oz Willamette (15min)
.5oz Columbus (5min)
.5oz Willamette (5min)

Using beercalculus I'm getting a predicted OG=1.055, FG=1.014, SRM of 16, 43.3 IBU (but my hops are a little old so it'll brew to more like 38-40) and an abv of 5.5%.

I appreciate any and all advice. Don't worry about constructive criticism hurting my feelings. I just want to make the best beer I can.

Thanks! Cheers!

 

[Boy]

The only thing I would change would be the mix of 40 and 80 crystal. IMHO combining into one add of 60 will get you a more solid caramel taste. I'd also raise the vienna and lower the victory. The Vienna will give you the nuttiness. I'd try and use centennial if you can get it but columbus will work fine albeit probably more piney than the original. Good Luck.

 

[MadScienceTeacher]

I really appreciate the feedback. After my American Wheat clears and I finish the latest mods to my version of the "Son of Fermentation" (adding heat because I ferment in the garage and it gets cold at night now) I was going to get this going. I've got enough Willamette around for this and I'll just have to see if I can round up some Centennial.

When you say raise the vienna and lower the victory how much do you think? 1lb of vienna and 8oz of victory? I've not brewed with either so I'm trying to get a feel.

Thx!!!

 

[Boy]

20" seems more nutty than bready to me so I would almost inverse them. But that clone seems pretty reliable so maybe roll with it and see what you think.