What is that quality?

[Dave84]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to brewing and after doing a couple of kits I've moved on to doing my first extract beer, Orfy's hobgoblin clone. I chose hobgoblin because (particularly on draught) it has a remarkable quality that I really enjoy but I've no idea what it is. I wasn't expecting my clone to have this quality but I've just cracked the fermenter (day 3) and it is indeed there.

Its very difficult to describe as I don't really have a taster's pallet. Its a smoothness, a creamy buttery note that almost soothes the tongue as it coats it in a sort of oily goodness.

I know what it's not, it isn't the fuggles nor the toasty caramel/toffee from the crystal. I've not had syrian goldings but I have had EKG so I don't think its likely to be that either. Though I've never used Danstar Nottingham before if that helps.

The only other beer that I can recall this quality in is Newcastle Brown, though only in bottles not cans (never had the draught). Interestingly you don't get it in cans of Hobgoblin either, it must get destroyed by such a disgusting packaging method

Does anybody know what it is, or even what I'm talking about lol

 

[TopherM]

creamy buttery note that almost soothes the tongue as it coats it in a sort of oily goodness.

That sounds like diacetyl. It's considered an off flavor in many beer styles, but can be a positive quality in some styles as well.

 

[Dave84]

That sounds like diacetyl. It's considered an off flavor in many beer styles, but can be a positive quality in some styles as well.

Thanks for the reply, I've just done some googling and it seems you're right. Oh well, it seems I like the odd bit of off flavor!

 

[progmac]

I, too, like a bit of diacetyl in certain styles. Oatmeal stout and some other english styles come to mind. I don't care for it in most lagers.

The trouble is that it is exceedingly difficult to control the level in the finished beer. A bit is nice but too much can overwhelm all other characteristics of the beer. And if you bottle condition and store the beer at room temperature, it's all but impossible to get any at all to hang around.

 

[TheSmithsEra]

Gotta agree here, I like it too. Especially in a Pale Ale.