Ginseng Imperial Pilsner

[oldhat]

So my boyfriend and I are doing a collaboration recipe for an Imperial Pilsner that contains ginseng and a few other things. Here's what we've got so far in terms of ingredients...

Makes 5 gallons. Preboil tea at 4 gallons.

9 lbs. Pilsner Malt Extract Syrup
2.5 lbs. French Pilsner Malt
2 lbs. Carapils Malt
2tsp Gypsum
1oz Saaz hops- 60mins
1/2oz Saaz hops- 20mins
1/2oz Saaz hops- 10mins
1/2oz Hallertau Aroma - End of boil
1oz Pacific Jade Hops (for dry-hopping after primary)
1 red ginseng root (grated)
3 oz. guarana beans
1/2 cup green tea leaves
American Lager Yeast

Suggestions would be welcome!

 

[boscobeans]

I don't know how much ginseng flavor you will get in the final product, but if it was me I'd hope to get very, very little. Ginseng root isn't my cup of tea and as most ginseng beverages are very low on actual ginseng and high on sweeteners and other flavorings I think that to be true for a lot of people.

Ginseng grows wild in and about this area and the roots I have found (not red ginseng) are very acrid, pungent with a strong earthy-dirty quality. I remember asking my daughter what she thought it tasted like and her response was "It tastes like poison". I'd rather chew an ounce of stale fuggles..LOL.

Good luck with the brew. I hope it turns out to your liking.

bosco

 

[oldhat]

We're hoping to get a little ginseng taste, which we hope will compliment the malts used. We don't really want it to overpower it, just sort of be a presence, you know?

 

[boscobeans]

We're hoping to get a little ginseng taste, which we hope will compliment the malts used. We don't really want it to overpower it, just sort of be a presence, you know?

Like vermouth in a martini... Too little is more than enough.

bosco

 

[oldhat]

More than anything though, I'd like to know what you folks think of the recipe, ginseng aside. Is this okay for an Imperial Pilsner?

 

[phished880]

2# of cara-pils seems like a lot. I would suggest 1/2 to 3/4 pound max.