Interesting title for same old question?

[wiskey straight]

Long time stalker first time poster.. great community. I've already learned a ton.

I am planning out my first real brew, I will be going the extract road (planned on DME) and want to make a beer my buddy would enjoy as well. Unfortunately he pretty much only drinks Franzikiner or similar beers and hates bitterness. Don't get me wrong I enjoy a good wheat as well, but wanting something that let me have some hop flavor as well.

I was thinking a kolsch to but open to suggestions as I've heard they can be tricky.

Preferably one that can go from kettle to mouth in 4 weeks and be proud of, we have a trip planned I'd like to bring it on... I can be more patient in my next batches I promise.

 

[MrHadack]

I can be more patient in my next batches I promise.

Well.... okay, just this once.

I recently had to brew for a special occasion at the last minute and had the same type of beer drinkers to brew for as well, and I settled on doing what best could be described as a Belgian White-- closer to a Blue Moon than an Allagash. I think it meets most of your requirements: it's wheat, has other supporting flavors from mild hops and spices like orange peel and coriander, and since it is expected to be a somewhat hazy beer you won't have to wait the extra time for it to clarify with a cold crash before bottling.

 

[wiskey straight]

Well.... okay, just this once.

I recently had to brew for a special occasion at the last minute and had the same type of beer drinkers to brew for as well, and I settled on doing what best could be described as a Belgian White-- closer to a Blue Moon than an Allagash. I think it meets most of your requirements: it's wheat, has other supporting flavors from mild hops and spices like orange peel and coriander, and since it is expected to be a somewhat hazy beer you won't have to wait the extra time for it to clarify with a cold crash before bottling.

Thanks I'll take a look at that, someone else recommended a blonde ale but even that might be too much hops for him. I'm starting to lean to saying screw it and go with a NEIPA... If he doesn't like it... More for me.

 

[ncbrewer]

I don't have any suggestions, but welcome to HBT.

 

[Wolfbayte]

Buy your friend some Franzikiner and brew what you want to drink, especially as you climb the HB learning curve.

 

[wepeeler]

I would steer clear from brewing a Kolsch for 2 reasons: 1) it's a tough beer to brew for your first time and 2) it's a tough beer to nail with dme. You could try a lightly hopped american amber or even a hefeweizen. Maybe go kit shopping for a style that suits what you'd like to be drinking on your trip.

 

[TwistedGray]

Think about brewing a larger batch than you had planned and split it. You can dry hop in one and do nothing with the other so that you brew to his palette and to yours.

 

[skou]

If you like hefeweizen, and you're
in a bit of a hurry, here is my
recommendation.

6 pounds wheat DME
1 oz Hallertau hops
Safbrew wheat WB-06.

Basic instructions, heat 5.5 gallons
of water to about 150 or so, add the
DME, bring to a boil, and add 1/2 of
the hops, and boil for 60 minutes.
At 45 min in, add the rest of the hops.

Cool to 70 to 80 degrees, and add the
yeast.

Of course, follow the usual extract rules.
Do NOT add DME, while the mix is boiling!
don't stress your fermenter by adding
boiling liquid.

You can always, (and should) do a partial
water boil, and add sanitary ice and water
to make up the 5.5 gallons.

steve