Smoked Helles

KortzBrewhouse · Dec 20, 2018

I didn’t realize the Helles I ordered contains 2 lbs smoked malts (no wonder it was so cheap) anyone had something like this before? Anyone have any ideas on how to cover the smoke up? Or will I like it? Thanks.

RPh_Guy · Dec 21, 2018

The grain is all mixed together?
You'll like it. Don't try to cover up the smoke.

KortzBrewhouse · Dec 21, 2018

RPh_Guy said:
The grain is all mixed together?
You'll like it. Don't try to cover up the smoke.

Yes it’s all mixed up. Thanks I’ll give it a shot. If nothing else I’ll throw something in the keg later. Or bottle it and send to competitions.

dmtaylor · Dec 21, 2018

Look up rauchbier. It's basically an Oktoberfest that tastes like bacon. You could add a little Munich and lager yeast and just call it a rauchbier. Or just enjoy it for whatever it is.

cubalz · Dec 21, 2018

I would be curious to know how many lbs of base malt and specialty grains the kit comes with. The reason I am asking is that 2 lbs of smoked malt may very well be overpowering in the finished beer. A little smoked malt goes a long way. Good luck!

KortzBrewhouse · Dec 21, 2018

cubalz said:
I would be curious to know how many lbs of base malt and specialty grains the kit comes with. The reason I am asking is that 2 lbs of smoked malt may very well be overpowering in the finished beer. A little smoked malt goes a long way. Good luck!

4 lb German Pils
2 lb Smoked 2 Row
1.5 Munich
.25 Carapils
.25 Vienna

wepeeler · Dec 21, 2018

That's 25% of your grain bill. Personally, I'm not a fan of smoked beer, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. But a helles is super simple. Balanced malt sweetness and hops. The smoke would kill it for me.

505-Brewer · Dec 21, 2018

Full on rauchbier would be smokier (higher percentage). I had a smoked helles that was 30% smoked malt recently. Was fantastic. Ham and swiss w gouda and a clean lager finish.