Saaz in an Ale?

[Kaboom]

It seems like saaz is reserved for lagers only. I think in all my searches I've only seen one ale recipe that uses it. Any particular reason for this?

I was thinking I could probably make something really light and refreshing, somewhere in the pale ale / light lager range, using some saaz, and US-56 yeast. Anyone ever try recipe like that or have some suggestions?

I'm thinking along the lines of:

10 Lbs 2 row
.5- 1 Lb 20L crystal

1 oz Saaz (60 min)
.5 oz Saaz (15 min)
.5 oz Saaz (5 min)

What do you guys think?

 

[uwmgdman]

I use saaz rather frequently in my ales. Go for it, and enjoy the saazy goodness!

 

[Glibbidy]

ales will work with saaz. Don't load it up on the IBU's however if the Alpha acids are particularly low, it can contribute to a hop derived phenol that will most certainly affect the taste.

 

[rdwj]

My Cherry Wit has nothing but saaz and it turned out great. I added it at 45 and 5

 

[Yooper]

My Dead Guy clone uses Saaz (along with Perle) for finishing hops. Very nice! I would use it for any ale that would benefit from a delicate, mild, clean hop addition.

 

[Denny's Evil Concoctions]

I use noble hops for most of my ales. I like the taste.

For bittering hops it will be cheaper to use a high alpha hop for the 60+ min boil. under 60 then hop for flavor/aroma

(I suppose someone will start arguing the fact that 60 min+ boil you get NO flavor from hops, just isomorised alpha (bitering) acids)