Pale Ale for hop trials??

[Bullshivit-brew]

I am wanting to come up with a base recipe for trying out diffrent hops to see what I like and to learn what each will add to my beer. What do you think of this for a base grain recipe.

Socialist Pig Pale Ale

8lb American 2 row
12oz British Pale( Maris Otter)
8oz crystal 60L

OG 1.051
FG1.014
SRM 6*
ABV 4.9
IBU- Arround 35 useing diffrent hops. First time will be 1oz Citra 60min 1oz Centinnial dry hop
Safale US-05

any input would be great just looking for a clean ale to let the hops shine.

 

[ISLAGI]

Actually, I think that what you are proposing is usually done with a SMaSH (Single MAlt, Single Hop). This will let you taste the hop, without cluttering things up with a lot of extra contributions from other ingredients.

While not strictly in style, unless you are planning on entering it in a competition, I wouldn't worry about it.

Prosit!

 

[Bullshivit-brew]

Nope not doing any competitions. Just wanting a good drinking ale to work with. I have never done a SMaSH are they kinda plain? I am wanting something with a little character to it that I will enjoy drinking 5gal of.

I am also wanting to mix and mach diffrent hops to see how I like the way they blend and compliment each other. That wouldn't be a SMaSH though.

 

[Malticulous]

The only real way to get to know what hops do together is brew with them. SMaSHs tend to be plane and mundane to me. A specialty malt here and a finishing hop there usually makes for better beer. It's a symphony and seldom comes out right the first time.

I'm drinking a lager that is 98% Castle Munich and and 21 IBU solely from Spalt and it is neither plane or mundane.

 

[EricCSU]

It just means Single Malt and Single Hops. The less variables, the easier it is to isolate what you are looking for. I would think that would work better for what you want. Also, keep the procedure and yeast the same for each batch..

Eric

 

[Malticulous]

If you want to make a better APA a APA grain bill is better. If you want to make a better smash use only a base malt. Adding a specially malt changes things. Some sweetness would make other hops work better and in a smash you will loose that. Adding another hop changes things, even changing the time will change the perception of flavor of the finished product. IMO smashes are of little use--even after you do one there are so many variables your better off starting with some of them. I like to start complicated then reduce the unnecessary and unwanted.

 

[Bullshivit-brew]

I like to start complicated then reduce the unnecessary and unwanted.

Sounds like me Complicated. Well thats what the X said when she got rid of me LMAO

Well tell me what you guy's think of this for a Pale Ale grain bill then

 

[TheDutchman]

Sounds good. I think you'll almost always make good beer with that grain. FWIW, when I'm trying to let the hops shine I like to use Crystal 40L or 15L rather than the 60L just to give the beer some sweetness and head retention while avoiding the caramel I get with the 60L.

 

[nolabelbrewing]

I would suggest using extract and not grain for sampling hops. In some ways it goes back to the single malt idea, but extract can be more complex than that particularly if you use a liquid amber. It's also possible to do multiple one gallon batches in a single day with various hops real real easy, instead of mashing, or mini mashing and attempting a more complex schedule.

 

[Bullshivit-brew]

Thanks for the input guys. I kinda was thinking the same about the crystal just have a bunch of 60L on hand is why I put it in. Maybe I will just save it for another beer.