Question about using lemongrass in a brew.

[beergolf]

I looked around and cannot seem to find a good answer on using lemongrass in a brew.

Just like in my cooking I like the ingredients to just barely come though , but not be overpowering. I am thinking of making a saison with lemongrass and ginger.

Any thoughts on how much will give me a subtle flavor in a 5 gallon batch? My initial guess is to finely chop one stalk and add it at 10 minutes left in the boil.

 

[Toad32]

This sounds like an interesting idea. SWMBO is a huge lemongrass fan. I do not have any practical experience brewing with it...but like you I am interested in trying it. Perhaps a couple test batches one boiling for 10-15m and perhaps one racking onto it in a secondary...treating it like fruit.

Interesting idea!

 

[beergolf]

I like the idea but I am just trying to decide how much. I have a couple of weeks before I am going to try this so I have time to think about the quantities. I have a pretty good Saison recipe that I have brewed and am going to use that as the starting point. I guess I will probably err on the side of too little. That way if it does not add a lot I still will have a very drinkable brew.

It may take a couple of times to get the proper balance.

I was just hoping that someone had some experience.

 

[Toad32]

Wish I had already tried it to give you an answer.

I will likely try this with some 1-2 gallon mini beers. Small enough that you can pitch it without crying if you get the ratio all wrong. Its one of those flavors that can blast through or be very mellow depending on what its paired with. I haven't a clue how this will react in beer...but very interested to find out!

 

[terrapinj]

if you can get em maybe you can try sorachi ace hops as well

guy at my LHBS was telling me they have a nice lemongrass flavor to them

 

[PVH]

I have used 2 Tablespoons of dried in a 5 gallon batch, but have not used fresh lemongrass. See recipe here. The malt bill is a little screwy, but reflects what we had on hand.

It definitely comes through, but the chamomile in that recipe is the main event, and makes it harder to pick out the lemongrass. We made a tea and added it after cooling and before pitching the yeast.

 

[chip82]

I have made the lemongrass ginger ale from austin homebrew. The ginger flavor was stronger than the lemongrass. When I get home from work I can post the amounts they sent to use.

 

[BigRob]

Would think 2 stalks in 5 gal for 5-10 min boil would give you the right amount of Lemongrass flavour.