Recipe Check - My first Hefe (extract)

[nkd29]

Going for German style Hefe -similar to Franzi or Weihenstephaner. Only my 2nd batch but would appreciate a sanity check from you guys from a modified recipe courtesy of Bobs Homebrew (great Seattle Homebrew store!)

6.6 lbs Briess Wheat Liquid Malt Extract
1 oz. Hallertau Hops (60 min boil)

Specialty Grains:
12 oz German Wheat Malt
8 oz Aromatic Malt
6 oz Carapils Malt
(all grains steeped for 45 min)
1 dead rat
Wyeast 3068 Liquid Yeast.

Ferment for ~ 10 days at 60-65 deg F for more balance, 65-70 deg F for more banana.

everything seem ok? Need more details? Are the specialty grains really necessary?? Do i need more extract? Thanks for your input! Also a shoutout again to Bobs since my first IPA using their recipe turned out delicious

 

[Jebu1788]

I think this looks like a very solid hefe recipe. I wouldn't add any more extract, hefeweizens shouldn't be too strong. The aromatic malt will be a subtle, nice touch (and if all goes well, should complement the dead rat very nicely!). The only thing I would say is watch that 3068, that stuff can be quite vigorous in fermentation. Use a blowoff tube for sure.

 

[nkd29]

I think this looks like a very solid hefe recipe. I wouldn't add any more extract, hefeweizens shouldn't be too strong. The aromatic malt will be a subtle, nice touch (and if all goes well, should complement the dead rat very nicely!). The only thing I would say is watch that 3068, that stuff can be quite vigorous in fermentation. Use a blowoff tube for sure.

Thanks! I was just checkin to see if you guys were awake haha. Good to know about the blowoff

 

[nkd29]

also fyi im fermenting this recipe right now, with the exception of using Tettnang hops (most of 2oz bag to get my 8 AAU with a tiny bit sprinkled in at 5 min. remaining). This was recommendation from LHBS.

Looks like its fermenting well in my 30L (~8 gal) bucket, but my brew thermometer nearby (all in same cabinet) only appears to be in low 60's. Would a few blankets/towels around the bucket be enough to bring it up to higher 60's so i get a bit more clove/vanilla/banana?

I dont have an adhesive thermometer handy so i suppose i should invest in one to get more accurate reading

 

[Jebu1788]

Wrapping it with blankets can bring the temperature up, but keep in mind that even with the sticker thermometers, the temperature in the middle of the beer is probably a bit higher than the outside temperature, since fermentation creates heat.

 

[nkd29]

Thanks for the tips. I tried some of the fermented wort (3 days fermented, about 75%) tastes real good with solid flavors typical of the 3068. It's well balanced right now with the banana/vanilla flavors so probably no need for blankets. Ill try to post a pic when it's all done!

 

[nkd29]

Turned out good. For some reason a tad undercarbed, although it hasnt quite been two weeks yet, but ill try to post pics when i am done. I added close to 2oz of tettnang hops so i may have overhopped it just a tad. Still good though!