NB British Bitter Review

[msmith92]

So I made the NB British bitter. I added 1/2 oz. goldings for 1 1/2 days dry hop.

It is still "green." only kegged yesterday but had to do a little taste

Smell is a little like banana.

I've heard that that smell is for a reason and it's not positive.

I'll test tomorrow again, but what is that about?

 

[kiwibrew]

what was your fermentation temp?

 

[msmith92]

it was around 64-68

 

[msmith92]

i'm thinking it's either the british ale ii yeast or it's literally too green at the moment.

however, i see that high fermentation creates certain esters (ie..banana). but that yeast can go up to 75 degrees.

still, i don't control a constant temp in my basement yet it stays in a decent range for fermentation.

hopefully that characteristic goes away once it is fully carbed and has conditioned for a week.

 

[AnOldUR]

NB suggests a 2 week primary for this recipe. Is that what you did? If your process is sound, a 1.035 OG beer shouldn't be "green" after that time. My guess is that it was a temperature problem. If you only relayed on ambient temperature and it got into the 68 degree range, your wort could have been well over 70 degrees. This is high enough to pull esters from that yeast. I don't believe this is something that will age out. Might put it out of style, but should still be a decent beer.

 

[msmith92]

Yes. I did the 2 week primary. The only deviations from their recipe included British Ale ii vs the NB yeast and I added a 1/2 oz of goldings for dry hop for 1 1/2 days.

I think it will be decent too I was just shocked that it had that smell.

I wonder if the carbonation will mask it a little or enhance?

 

[AnOldUR]

Carbonation and chilling will help. Trouble is that this is a style with low carbonation and higher serving temperatures.

But it's your beer, so do whatever works.

 

[msmith92]

Yeah. I think i'll skip authentication for better tasting

 

[msmith92]

What beer would you compare this recipe too?

 

[msmith92]

Ok. Things have really improved just after just 4 days in keg.

I had some carb issues but yooper helped out and things seem steady there.

Now the banana is an after thought. I feel the light malt and crispness is winning over that. In fact, if i had not have had the initial shock from that banana test, dont think anybody would say that.

So, that fruity taste is close but malt seems to be rising.

I think next week things will really shine.

Fingers crossed.

 

[msmith92]

Final review:

I really like this beer. It is light with a bit of maltiness and easy, easy to drink.

I used the British Ale II yeast vs. the NB yeast and I got a nicer drier finish.

Definitely going to make this again. With yeast and all ingredients I only paid $18.99. Totally worth it.