Tips for getting high flavor out of low gravity

[mew]

Do any of you have any tips for getting maximum flavor out of a really low OG beer (like 1.035)? Am I right in thinking I should mash at a high temp. with a lot of water and use a low attenuation yeast strain?

 

[Orfy]

Sounds good.
Also use less base malt and more specialty malts.

 

[homebrewer_99]

Malto Dextrin adds body (mouthfeel) which can be (mis)taken for higher gravity.

 

[Yuri_Rage]

Malto Dextrin adds body (mouthfeel) which can be (mis)taken for higher gravity.

Lactose has a similar effect, but it also sweetens the beer a bit. Depending on the style, that may not be desirable (or may be very desirable).

 

[david_42]

No higher than 158F. Depending on the style: oatmeal, rye, Munich & Victory malts. Malto dextrine/ or carapils for mouthfeel. Aromatic malt can maltiness and malt aroma without boosting the gravity much.

If you are looking for hoppy, use small quantities (0.25-0.5 oz.) of a larger number of hops. My Bent Rod Rye has 7 hops in it and is >15% rye.

 

[mew]

How much Carapils should I add? Could I use oatmeal instead?

 

[david_42]

Again, it depends on style. 8 oz. of carapils would work in most lighter ales. I would only use oatmeal in darker ales.

 

[mew]

I was actually planning on doing an oatmeal stout. Should I leave out the carapils because of the oatmeal (I'm gonna add about a half lb)? I guess that was what I meant.

 

[Steve973]

A thick decoction might help with some flavor, too, if you don't mind the extra step. But with an oatmeal stout, you're bound to get some flavor anyway.

 

[mew]

Should I use the carapils with the oatmeal, the oatmeal alone, or what? Thanks.

 

[david_42]

I'd use 4 oz. of carapils and 8 of oatmeal. Is your objective a relatively low ABV?

 

[mew]

I'd use 4 oz. of carapils and 8 of oatmeal. Is your objective a relatively low ABV?

Yes, that was my objective. But if I can make a better beer with a little more alcohol that's a fine alternative.

 

[Pumbaa]

Do any of you have any tips for getting maximum flavor out of a really low OG beer (like 1.035)?

That would depend which flavor you are looking for. If your looking for more maltyness look into base grains like 6 row, Maris Otter, or vienna