Preface: Yes I know Oktoberfest beer is suppose to be a lager. But I don't have the lagering storage area to pull this off. So I want to make an Ale version that is comparable with the lager version...enough for me and my beer drinking buddies to be happy. The past years I've ordered Oktoberfest kits, but they all seemed like they were lacking something...something I'm hoping to correct by futzing around some
And that where I need some guidance.
So here is the recipie I came up with by looking at the kits I've bought in the past and adjusting some things using BeerSmith, BrewPal and Brewmaster's Brew Builder
So my questions are:
1) Is that too much Viennailsner? The guides I've read say the Vienna is the main, but I'm not sure if I have too much.
2) The hops...some software says the IBU will be ok, others say it will be too high. I don't want it too bitter, but I'd like some hop character too...but not too far off style. SO too much?
3) The yeast. Now the kits always came with a dry yeast, like Saflager S-23 or worse (think one came with a pack of Muntons) but I'd like to use a liquid as I really like building a starter (just makes me happy to "brew" during the week). I've looked on some others recipes and found the WLP029...and the writeup on it sounds great. But I've never used it so suggestions are welcome.
Thanks for the assist on this to all that stop by
-Jay
And that where I need some guidance.
So here is the recipie I came up with by looking at the kits I've bought in the past and adjusting some things using BeerSmith, BrewPal and Brewmaster's Brew Builder
Code:
Target Style Oktoberfest
Volume 5.5 Gallons
Efficiency 70%
Recipe Statistics (Cat/StyleRange/Est)
OG 1.050 - 1.057 1.057
FG 1.012 - 1.016 1.014
IBU 20 - 28 24.8
SRM 7 - 14 8.46
ABV 4.80 - 5.70 5.63
Ingredient Name Amount %
Weyermann Vienna 6 lbs, 8 oz 54.2%
Weyermann Pilsner 4 lbs 33.3%
Weyermann Cara Munich I 8 oz 4.2%
Gambrinus Dark Munich 1 lbs 8.3%
Tettnang, German Pellets 2.0 oz @ 60 mins
Hallertau Pellets, German 0.5 oz @ 30 mins
Hallertau Pellets, German 0.5 oz @ 15 mins
White Labs German Ale 1 ea
So my questions are:
1) Is that too much Viennailsner? The guides I've read say the Vienna is the main, but I'm not sure if I have too much.
2) The hops...some software says the IBU will be ok, others say it will be too high. I don't want it too bitter, but I'd like some hop character too...but not too far off style. SO too much?
3) The yeast. Now the kits always came with a dry yeast, like Saflager S-23 or worse (think one came with a pack of Muntons) but I'd like to use a liquid as I really like building a starter (just makes me happy to "brew" during the week). I've looked on some others recipes and found the WLP029...and the writeup on it sounds great. But I've never used it so suggestions are welcome.
Thanks for the assist on this to all that stop by
-Jay