My first brew a couple months ago was an amber ale. I though it tasted ok, but not what I really wanted. It was a gift from my wife. For my second brew I made a double IPA. I opened the first bottle last night and was pleased with the scent, real hoppy. However, the color was very dark, darker then advertised, and taste had an identical flavor to the amber ale I brewed previously. I can only describe it as a coffee flavor. The coffee flavor really overpowers all other flavors and I don't like it. In the first brew, I thought it was normal for that amber ale, and didn't give it another thought. But I don't think this IPA should have that identical flavor, so I am thinking something is wrong.
I am guessing that the problem might be when I steeped the grains. The amber ale recipe called for steeping grains at less than 170 degrees for 15 to 30 minutes. the IPA called for steeping the grains at less than 170 degrees for 30 minutes. I did 30 minutes each time. I am wondering if I should cut back on the steeping time to get rid of the coffee flavor and the dark color. I am a newbie, so I could be totally wrong. Anybody else have a suggestion?
I am guessing that the problem might be when I steeped the grains. The amber ale recipe called for steeping grains at less than 170 degrees for 15 to 30 minutes. the IPA called for steeping the grains at less than 170 degrees for 30 minutes. I did 30 minutes each time. I am wondering if I should cut back on the steeping time to get rid of the coffee flavor and the dark color. I am a newbie, so I could be totally wrong. Anybody else have a suggestion?