Invertalon
Well-Known Member
So, I am in a bit of a pickle at the moment and being super indecisive
Looking for some suggestions.
I brewed a German Pils about two weeks ago... Grist comprised of 97% Pils and 3% Acid malt. OG ended up at 1.054 and current FG is 1.011 (5.6% ABV) May drop a point or two more, but think its done. Tried a new mash schedule that included a single decoction, adding a wonderful color and malt character. In the past I have done multi-decoction mashes and just single infusions (with some melanoidin malt), but I am happiest with this method which was a single infusion with a single decoction to mash-out, boiling the decoction for 15-20mins. Didn't add much time to the brew day like the multi-step variant.
Taking my hydrometer reading yesterday, I must say the aroma and flavor of this Pils is better than any other I have done. My recipe form, process and water profile as far as I am concerned is now perfect and resulted in exactly what I am after in a German Pils, commercial or my own.
In the boil, I had used pellet Hallertau Magnum for bittering followed by whole-leaf Czech Saaz and Tettnanger near the end of the boil. IBUs in the range of 45-50.
My problem is, originally I had planned to do a short dry hop with 1oz each of Saaz and Mittelfrüh for a day or so before crashing and kegging the Pils, then setting aside for the 5-6 week cold conditioning. I have never dry hopped any of my Pils before, but was going to do so for additional aroma this time around.
However, given how amazing the hydrometer sample was I am now reluctant to add the dry hop in worry that it will change too much and ruin the delicacy of this brew. At this point at least, the hop aroma and flavor is perfection although I know it will continue to change a bit during conditioning.
What does everyone suggest? Dry hop it or skip? Perhaps ½ of the original amounts, instead? Just one hop or the other? I just dont know
I brewed a German Pils about two weeks ago... Grist comprised of 97% Pils and 3% Acid malt. OG ended up at 1.054 and current FG is 1.011 (5.6% ABV) May drop a point or two more, but think its done. Tried a new mash schedule that included a single decoction, adding a wonderful color and malt character. In the past I have done multi-decoction mashes and just single infusions (with some melanoidin malt), but I am happiest with this method which was a single infusion with a single decoction to mash-out, boiling the decoction for 15-20mins. Didn't add much time to the brew day like the multi-step variant.
Taking my hydrometer reading yesterday, I must say the aroma and flavor of this Pils is better than any other I have done. My recipe form, process and water profile as far as I am concerned is now perfect and resulted in exactly what I am after in a German Pils, commercial or my own.
In the boil, I had used pellet Hallertau Magnum for bittering followed by whole-leaf Czech Saaz and Tettnanger near the end of the boil. IBUs in the range of 45-50.
My problem is, originally I had planned to do a short dry hop with 1oz each of Saaz and Mittelfrüh for a day or so before crashing and kegging the Pils, then setting aside for the 5-6 week cold conditioning. I have never dry hopped any of my Pils before, but was going to do so for additional aroma this time around.
However, given how amazing the hydrometer sample was I am now reluctant to add the dry hop in worry that it will change too much and ruin the delicacy of this brew. At this point at least, the hop aroma and flavor is perfection although I know it will continue to change a bit during conditioning.
What does everyone suggest? Dry hop it or skip? Perhaps ½ of the original amounts, instead? Just one hop or the other? I just dont know
