does this recipe make sense?

[Anders9962]

Hi folks,

I would like some experienced input on this recipe, for peace of mind, confirmation etc =)

8.5 lb pale malt (gambrinus)
12 oz crystal 60
8 oz cara-pils
8 oz victory
0.75 centennial 60 min
1 oz amarillo 30 min
0.25 amarillo 15
0.25 amarillo 5 min
1/2 whirlfloc
wlp001

mash 60 min @ 152
4 week primary


I keep second guessing myself on this one...

 

[Upthewazzu]

I can't speak for the grain, but I'd move the 30min hop addition to 20 or 15 (if 15 then move the current 15 to 10). I guess it depends on what you're aiming for, an IPA I assume? If so, then up the .25 addition to .5 at least (I assume you have 2 full ounces of Amarillo, no sense in wasting a half an ounce). Also, dry hop!

 

[Yooper]

Yes, it's fine!

I would change some minor things, like moving the 30 minute hops with 1/2 at 15 minutes and 1/2 to 5 minutes so that it's less bitter and more hoppy (.25 oz additions are very low, and will not really be detectable), but it's fine.

I never do something like a 4 week primary, but if you do, that also is fine.

 

[alane1]

Looks like it would be a tasty APA, a little too many specialty grains for my taste but still looks like a good drinkable ale.

 

[Anders9962]

Thanks alot for your help guys,

I agree with the spec grain might be a bit much.

Yooper, I thought 4 weeks primary then bottle was a good idea. Would you do 3 weeks then bottle?

 

[stru]

For an ale like that I would do two weeks primary, dry hop (in primary) for one week, bottle.

I actually make one with a similar grain bill, and it's quite good! I'd bump the crystal down just a touch. The carapils and victory are perfect amounts for my taste.

 

[duboman]

Not sure you need the carapils and I agree with Yooper on the hops

As for 4 week primary, if you pitch healthy yeast, aerate well and control fermentation temperature properly the beer should be done fermenting in about a week, another week to dry hop and clear and then package. This beer would be best fresh, extended primary time is really not necessary, with the previous mentioned assumptions you could be enjoying the beer in about 21 days😉

 

[Yooper]

Thanks alot for your help guys,

I agree with the spec grain might be a bit much.

Yooper, I thought 4 weeks primary then bottle was a good idea. Would you do 3 weeks then bottle?

Some brewers do a long primary, but I'm not a fan of them. I dislike the yeast character imparted by a lengthy time in the fermenter, although many people like it.

A well made beer needs maybe 10 days in the fermenter. I tend to package by about day 14-17, depending on whether I've dryhopped or not. Others may prefer the longer primary time.

 

[Anders9962]

Thanks everyone for the help. This is why I love this forum!!!!