NB number 8 goof up . First time brewer

[flabyboy]

Keep building that pipeline.

 

[djbradle]

Hard work and much patience before the first bottles are ready. Problem is I like the beers that take the longest to BE ready

 

[djbradle]

Just tried one for testing after one week in the bottle. Poured very carefully hence there was not much of a head except a very small one. Nice clarity. Smells of figs, dark fruits, some spice, some alcohol. Good bubbling from the bottom as served in a chimay chalice, especially at the small fleur de lis on the bottom ( like that effect ). First taste is sweet dark fruits and candi sugar, alcohol, caramel, and sugared dates. Great lacing. This stuff is strong. I would not be surprised if it was around 11% as my OG was never recorded and I lost about a gallon of water from not measuring the top-off water correctly. Stayed with some prickly co2 mouthfeel, heavier, and potent alcohol the rest of the glass. I think it could age at least another year for peak. Nice test. At least they carbed up for sure and will be better in a few weeks.

 

[flabyboy]

I tried one the other day and it's all carbed up, but it needs some good conditioning in the bottle. Going to have to be patient with this one

 

[djbradle]

Thanks for all the encouragement flabyboy. So you bottled yours around X-mas and with some neutral yeast . . what did you use for yeast? Did you have good head retention on your test bottle? Did you add some wheat to the boil? I used the T-58, rehydrated, and dumped half of that in the bottling bucket. I stirred it well to distribute.

I wonder if the harsher alcohol will mellow after a while. I think it would have been better if my top off water was correct. I do full volume boils now so no problem after making that first mistake.

 

[flabyboy]

I did not add new yeast. I followed the recipe with no extra additions. 3 weeks primary and 3 weeks secondary. I did move my bottles to a room that is consistently 70 degrees. I did not have any head retention, but I think that will come with more conditioning. Have a feeling these will be great in 6 months to a year