Cream Ale Cream of Three Crops (Cream Ale)

[MarcusKillion]

Stone ground corn meal has some of the hull and germ left in it and that gives it more corn taste as opposed to steel ground which has almost all the hull and germ removed .
Polenta is ground corn meal with all the germ removed .

so the question is , do you need that germ ( the reproductive part of the seed that sprouts ) ?
I do think you would need to do a cereal mash on meal .

you could go to the feed and seed store or coop and buy field corn and then grind it and cereal mash it and be good to go . I am pretty sure flaked corn is made from field corn and not sweet . Something to do with the starches needed for mash .

 

[MarcusKillion]

I just bottled my hopped up version of this . Cascade , hallertauer and chinook . Tasted pretty good right out of fermenter . How ever I think it needs even more hops to get the flavor . Tasted a bit different than the original but not much really .
I think this is going to be good . If it comes out tasting real good I will post the recipe . 5.64% ABV

 

[jasonduff84]

Brewed this a couple of times however my last turned out cloudier than normal.

 

[kombat]

Has anyone tried making this recipe using Vienna malt for the base malt instead of pale malt? Someone gave me a bag of Vienna and I want to try some different recipes with it.

Does Vienna have the diastatic power to self-convert in an all-Vienna mash?

 

[emjay]

Does Vienna have the diastatic power to self-convert in an all-Vienna mash?

Yes.

But using Vienna will make a very different beer.

 

[user 131481]

I've been planning to make this since April and was hoping it would be my summer quencher. I finally got around to it today and made a few adjustments... Did 5 gals and used only 1# of flaked maize and substituted corn sugar for the second. I was hoping to avoid heavy corn characteristics... Had the batch in the primary at 3pm and its already bubbling away thanks to a 1 quart starter of s-05.

 

[shadows69]

Yes.

But using Vienna will make a very different beer.

Very different for sure. I made it and wasn't impressed.

 

[TrickyDick]

Huge thread.


Want to brew this weekend. Running shy on flaked maize, by about half the amount or more. i know i have one pound on hand possibly two. Could order more flaked maize, pay the $8 s&h and hope it gets here by Saturday.
OR
Could try using instant grits, without any additives
I've seen debate on necessity of a cereal mash or pre-boil.
OR
Could try to find a corn flake cereal product without any added ingredients or preservatives. Perhaps from a health food store.
OR
Just make if the difference with more malt.

I've been reading up on gelatinization, and cereal mashes, but I'd like to keep it simple. Corn flakes seem ideal, but I know the big players add stuff like preservatives. Local chain adds malt syrup, HF corn syrup, sugar, and salt, but no BHT or fortification that I can tell based on the label.

Suggestions?

TD

 

[MarcusKillion]

I've been planning to make this since April and was hoping it would be my summer quencher. I finally got around to it today and made a few adjustments... Did 5 gals and used only 1# of flaked maize and substituted corn sugar for the second. I was hoping to avoid heavy corn characteristics... Had the batch in the primary at 3pm and its already bubbling away thanks to a 1 quart starter of s-05.

the corn taste does go away but it takes a month or so in the bottle . I was hoping my version of it I bottles a couple weeks ago would give a good reference since I used less corn but I think something is wrong with it as it has a spoiled taste . maybe it will go away so i can check for corn taste .

 

[MarcusKillion]

Trickydick;
My suggestion would be to just use the two pounds you have . Add instant rice to beef up the ABV if you think you need to as this will not change the mouth feel or flavor of the brew .
Do not use corn flakes . I read several posts from people who did and said it tastes like crap.
If you must add in more corn because you think you need it , in my opinion you do not , then perhaps use some corn meal . Look at post 2101 . I posted the explanation of each kind of meal . I think 2 pounds would make a good beer and without the waiting for the corn taste to go away maybe .
Instant anything is ready to toss in the mash tun. The work has already been done for you.

that is my two cents worth any way

 

[theIrish]

I'm about to rack 10g of Centennial Blonde that's been in primary for 4 weeks (half on Nottingham, half on WLP080).

If I were to brew this cream ale tomorrow and pitch onto those yeast cakes, would there be any flavor transfer from the blonde?

Can I re-use the better bottles "as is" after racking or should I try to get rid of the trub by diluting with distilled water and pour off the yeast into new, sanitized buckets?

I've been a bit gun-shy about reusing yeast cakes (I'm never ready to brew again when I rack)... but I will need both of these beers ready 3 weeks from today for a party and this seems like a good opportunity to have a huge starter.

 

[BigGoat]

Do it!

 

[MarcusKillion]

I just tried both of my customized versions of this recipe and they are quite good . Cream of three crops is indeed a good base beer to play with .
what i called a Crystal Cream Ale came out quite crisp and clean tasting . Hops are very light and in fact I would like to use more next time .
What i called hopped up three crops is not as hoppy as I would have liked but is good . Hallertauer chinook & cascade .
they are only a few weeks old in bottle so expect them to taste even better if I can hold on to some for a month.

Recipes will be posted in the recipe section since they came out so good .

Once again , Thanks to BierMuncher for this great Cream of Three crops

EDIT : I would still consider both of these to be a lawnmower beer .
the reason I want to add more hops next time is so I have a sitting on the couch watching TV beer . I like hops .

 

[JOJO76]

I used quick grits and minute rice instead of flaked corn and rice and it was the best batch i've made yet. served it at a party with 50 people and they all loved it, even the wine drinkers were drinking it. Keg was kicked by the end of the party.
I just tossed the grits and rice in with the grains, no cereal mash.
I used US-05 and made sure to keep the fermentation around 65 F the first 5 days by placing fermenter in water and placing a towel around it with a fan blowing on it.
Definitely will be my summer porch beer next year.

 

[MarcusKillion]

I always use instant rice for ABV raise . I use the store brand type as it is real cheap .
quaker grits 7.20 a pound in Walmart . OUCH. Can not get a price on the store brand . You can get flaked maize for about 7.50 5 pounds plus shipping . but the flavor might be different since grits are white corn . Might have to try it myself

 

[TrickyDick]

Trickydick;
My suggestion would be to just use the two pounds you have . Add instant rice to beef up the ABV if you think you need to as this will not change the mouth feel or flavor of the brew .
Do not use corn flakes . I read several posts from people who did and said it tastes like crap.
If you must add in more corn because you think you need it , in my opinion you do not , then perhaps use some corn meal . Look at post 2101 . I posted the explanation of each kind of meal . I think 2 pounds would make a good beer and without the waiting for the corn taste to go away maybe .
Instant anything is ready to toss in the mash tun. The work has already been done for you.

that is my two cents worth any way

Thanks. I may not end up being able to brew this one this weekend after all.

TD

 

[MarcusKillion]

I used two pounds of corn in my latest versions and it is good but I do think next time I may go with the three pounds or maybe 2 and 1 of grits . I like the taste after the corn taste dies down . Also was thinking of adding in 6 row half with 2 row for a bit more grain flavor .
I do not think you can mess this up as long as it is not changed too much . It is great beer for playing around with.
getting ready to brew up another batch of the original recipe . Like to keep it around and I only have a 12 pack left

 

[shadows69]

When adding grits instead of corn maze, does this change the final color? Mine runs around 2.8. Are you guys adding crystal to make up for the color difference?

 

[dtarman]

I bottled this July 26, and it was initially almost undrinkable. Six weeks later it is fantastic and has a wonderful taste and pleasant feel. I'm going to brew another batch.

 

[OCBrewin]

Here's my latest. 3rd time brewing this. 6# 2 row, 2# corn, 2# rice. Magnum to bitter. After 3 weeks in keg taste 100% better than after 1st week. Nevrr had a beer mellow so much, so fast. What was an ok beer turned into one I am really proud of and will continue to brew as is.

 

[branman]

^^^ very nice! Just brewwed this for the first time. Had 2 stuck sparges, melted the sight tube on my kettle, burned my hands twice, missed my strike temp., so frustrated by the end of the night didn't even check my numbers... hope it comes out alright and planning a redo this weekend .

 

[Brewskii]

Here's my latest. 3rd time brewing this. 6# 2 row, 2# corn, 2# rice. Magnum to bitter. After 3 weeks in keg taste 100% better than after 1st week. Nevrr had a beer mellow so much, so fast. What was an ok beer turned into one I am really proud of and will continue to brew as is.

Yup... This one has something magical happen around the 3-4 week mark. Like turning on a light; one day its a disappointment, the next day it's a totally different story.

 

[user 131481]

I'm a bit perplexed... Im currently at two weeks in primary. I took a reading last Monday and it was .007. Took one today and its .006 so I think fermentation is done; however, there's still a thin layer of yeast on top. Did a diacetyl test by heating to 150 degrees and I get buttery corn. Not sure if I should plan on bottling this weekend or waiting until next (would give it 4 weeks in primary). Any thoughts??

 

[JayDubWill]

If you're still dropping points then fermentation is still happening. That being said, .006 is really low if it keeps dropping I would suspect an infection. I would give it a couple more days and test the gravity again. If the reading is stable you can cold crash it in a fridge if you have the capability, transfer to secondary, or just let it sit another week or two (or more) until the yeast drops out to the point your happy with the clarity.

 

[justkev52]

^^^ very nice! Just brewwed this for the first time. Had 2 stuck sparges, melted the sight tube on my kettle, burned my hands twice, missed my strike temp., so frustrated by the end of the night didn't even check my numbers... hope it comes out alright and planning a redo this weekend .

That happened to me B4. Sucks. The reward is coming

 

[branman]

That happened to me B4. Sucks. The reward is coming

I hope so.. thanks

 

[MarcusKillion]

^^^ very nice! Just brewwed this for the first time. Had 2 stuck sparges, melted the sight tube on my kettle, burned my hands twice, missed my strike temp., so frustrated by the end of the night didn't even check my numbers... hope it comes out alright and planning a redo this weekend .

missed strike temp probably will not matter . Just bandage up them hands and put some double sided tape on the bandage so you can grip your beer bottle .

I just opened one of these . Had 4 left . they are in bottle for probably 3 months I would guess . Maybe more . It was very good . Has a slight kind of citrus taste now .

EDIT: I have not had one stuck sparge ever since I started wraping my false bottom with a nylon paint strainer

 

[dtarman]

I brewed my second Cream Ale two days ago.

5.5 # pale 2 row
One box instant grits
A container of leftover white rice from take out
A packet of deluxe rice with brown rice, wild rice and quinoa.

Williamette and Mt. Hood hops. 90 minute boil.

I used the Belgian trappist yeast and it's bubbling like crazy, with a delicious banana aroma.

 

[MarcusKillion]

I brewed my second Cream Ale two days ago.

5.5 # pale 2 row
One box instant grits
A container of leftover white rice from take out
A packet of deluxe rice with brown rice, wild rice and quinoa.

Williamette and Mt. Hood hops. 90 minute boil.

I used the Belgian trappist yeast and it's bubbling like crazy, with a delicious banana aroma.

very interesting . I would like to know if the brown and wild rice leave a flavor in the beer as I think they might . Both are very tasty rice . Please let us know when it is done

 

[MarcusKillion]

I just tried a bottle of my hopped up cream of three crops . 1 month in bottle and it is not too bad . Would have liked more hops I think . I really liked the Crystal Cream version I made.