GF Chocolate Vanilla Ale

[robodeath]

I've already posted in another thread about this, and concluded that it's NOT an infection, but did anyone else get this after about a week in the primary?

I did. It's the first beer I've made with wheat beer yeast so I figured that was why it looked like that.

 

[luke_d]

Okay cool! Others also said it could be from the oils in the cocoa powder.

 

[Ash_Mathew]

Dude, beer is supposed to have a 'rocky head' to it whilst fermenting. That's what I look out for to know I have done a good one. It's perfectly normal.

 

[luke_d]

Here it is! Just over six weeks in the primary, and three weeks in the bottles! It's amazing!!! My father in law is used to drinking Red Bridge. Now, he is enlightened. Thanks for the recipe!! The anise came though nicely to complement the hops.

 

[MapleTreeBrewCo]

Luke_D - Looks great!! We're glad the recipe turned out well for you! Save a bottle for us

 

[robodeath]

I just ordered the stuff for 2 more batches of this for a friends wedding. Maybe i'll just tell him I made 1 batch

 

[luke_d]

Yea, it tastes great!! My first GF brew, but I am pleasantly surprised. From what I've had (Bard's and Red Bridge), I have to say I wasn't too keen on GF beer. But now I am as long as its homemade!!!

 

[mtbskier]

Anyone care to elaborate on what this beer tastes like, strong on the burbon?

 

[MapleTreeBrewCo]

Yea, it tastes great!! My first GF brew, but I am pleasantly surprised. From what I've had (Bard's and Red Bridge), I have to say I wasn't too keen on GF beer. But now I am as long as its homemade!!!

That was my experience as well. The GF beer marketed isn't bad, but after Guinness, Schlafly and Sam Adams, it wasn't anything to write home about. Now if our siphons would behave, homebrewing would be a fun time all around!

Anyone care to elaborate on what this beer tastes like, strong on the burbon?

I think it mainly tastes like a nut brown ale. The anise, cocoa, and molasses are more subtle and give it some earthy flavors for more of a porter taste. The vanilla didn't come out too strong but it lightens the flavor and brings out the chocolate a bit. I often drink this with a finger of vanilla vodka to boost the vanilla/chocolate flavors (yum). Now that the bottles have sat longer, I can't really smell the bourbon like I could on the early bottles. There were enough flavors that I could never pick out the bourbon taste-wise. Hope that helps!

 

[luke_d]

Has anyone ever picked up on any grassy flavors? I'm getting a little bit initially at each sip. Not sure if it needs to condition a bit longer, but I was also thinking that it's the hops and anise together creating the flavor.

And in my opinion it's really actually a pleasant grassiness. It melds well with the earthiness of the flavors. But I was wondering if anyone else got that in theirs? Thanks!!

 

[robodeath]

Has anyone ever picked up on any grassy flavors? I'm getting a little bit initially at each sip. Not sure if it needs to condition a bit longer, but I was also thinking that it's the hops and anise together creating the flavor.

And in my opinion it's really actually a pleasant grassiness. It melds well with the earthiness of the flavors. But I was wondering if anyone else got that in theirs? Thanks!!

I left the anise out. And I can't overstate how much it matures with age. It's almost like a different beer the longer you let it sit.

 

[luke_d]

Yay!! Okay I may save half the batch for a few months from now. Thanks!!

 

[luke_d]

I'm getting some pretty fantastic lacing from this!!

 

[robodeath]

I'm staring a batch right now!

 

[luke_d]

Awesome!! For me, the batch has only been bottled for about 5 weeks, but now compared to three weeks is amazing. I have better head, better retention, and lacing. The taste could be a little bit more matured, but it is GREAT!

 

[robodeath]

Awesome!! For me, the batch has only been bottled for about 5 weeks, but now compared to three weeks is amazing. I have better head, better retention, and lacing. The taste could be a little bit more matured, but it is GREAT!

I left about 5 pours in my keg for 2 months and it was a completely different beer. I'm doing 2 kegs for a friends wedding but I think i'm going to bottle a few for storage this time, last time I didn't bottle any.

 

[the_rayway]

I've picked up all the ingredients to try this - super excited!