Looking to improve my first beer brewing attempt

[Grimmkeeper]

Hey folks,
Last November, I followed a 4 step recipe from Mother Earth that most people liked. I just brewed another 5 gallons. I'm a beekeeper so I would like to experiment with adding honey to this recipe. ( I'll try to upload a pic of the recipe) I know it will effect the ABV but can anyone tell me at what point I should add honey and do you think I should change anything else?

Thanks!
Art

 

[JimRausch]

It all depends on what you want out of the honey.
1. Just boost up the OG and eventual ABV?- Go ahead and add it to the boil. 1lb will boost the SG by about 8 points for a 5G batch.
2. Boost the ABV and retain a little flavor? Add it to the fermenter 2-3 days into the fermentation.
3. You could also prime with it at bottling time, but unless you know exactly how much sugar, it's a guess.
4. Or.... here's thinking outside the box. Boil it on the stove for 60-90 minutes to carmelize it ala bochet, and add it for a stronger flavor boost. A Bochet Braggot. Hmmm interesting.

 

[Grimmkeeper]

It all depends on what you want out of the honey.

2. Boost the ABV and retain a little flavor? Add it to the fermenter 2-3 days into the fermentation.

4. Or.... here's thinking outside the box. Boil it on the stove for 60-90 minutes to carmelize it ala bochet, and add it for a stronger flavor boost. A Bochet Braggot. Hmmm interesting.

Thanks for the return Jim,
Cuz I still don't know what the heck I'm doing, I think they would like the honey flavor and I could call it a "Honey Beer"! # 2 sounds easier and since I made last year's brew today' I can still do that. #4 sounds interesting but more difficult? Humm..let that one marinate in my head!
Thanks,
Art

 

[CascadesBrewer]

I will add...

• I have added Honey to beers and it has added almost zero "honey like" flavors. Small amounts of honey ferments out and adds ABV but not much else.
• I have a friend that brews incredible meads (I don't generally like meads). He can detect the type of honey used in other meads.
• I think there is a lot of potential for interesting Braggots...where there is a good proportion of honey and malted grain.

 

[RM-MN]

Since you are a bee keeper, by all means add some of your honey but for the honey flavor you might be better off using honey malt. An example of one place to buy it. It should be available from lots of suppliers of brewing malts.

https://www.northernbrewer.com/products/gambrinus-malting-corporation-honey-malt

 

[Soulshine2]

1/2 lb per 5 gallon batch from about 5-10 minutes to go in the boil to flameout.

 

[Grimmkeeper]

I will add...

• I have added Honey to beers and it has added almost zero "honey like" flavors. Small amounts of honey ferments out and adds ABV but not much else.

CascadesBrewer,
Same thing happened to me with our first batch of peach honey mead. Strong alcohol with a dry peach taste but no honey taste. But I didn't add honey to the last few days of fermentation.

 

[Grimmkeeper]

Since you are a bee keeper, by all means add some of your honey but for the honey flavor you might be better off using honey malt. An example of one place to buy it. It should be available from lots of suppliers of brewing malts.

https://www.northernbrewer.com/products/gambrinus-malting-corporation-honey-malt

Now there's an idea. I've ordered from them before too.
Thanks for the tip!
Art

 

[Grimmkeeper]

1/2 lb per 5 gallon batch from about 5-10 minutes to go in the boil to flameout.

Ok...This is a 5 gallon batch and I should certainly have enough honey!