What to do with 3 lbs of special B?

[jmarshall]

I have an awesome brother. He doesn't brew, but before coming for a visit, he went to his LHBS and bought some stuff for me that they don't have in my town. One thing I asked for was 6 oz or so of Special B, which my LHBS doesn't stock. He came with 3 lbs of the stuff, crushed. Anyway, was very thoughtful of him, but I have no idea what to do with all that Special B. I wasn't even planning on using it for a month or so, but since it is crushed I need to use it sooner rather than later. Obvious choice is a dubbel, and I have some cultures from orval bottles that I have waiting for a slightly darker version of Orval, but was planning on color mainly with candi syrup. My next planned brew is a high adjunct america farmhouse beer, and special B isn't really appropriate. Anyway, two real questions:

1. What is the limit for using special B before it gets overbearing?
2. Anyone in the Cville, VA area want to pick up a pound or so of the stuff for free?

 

[passedpawn]

1. What is the limit for using special B before it gets overbearing?

I'd be guessing here, but pretty low. You could probably hide some in a sour beer (flanders red).

 

[permo]

Arrogant Bastard = 90% two row + 10% special B + lots of chinook.


Brew up a 10 gallon batch of the good stuff!

 

[Native302]

Send it to me

 

[dcp27]

I've used >1lb of it in a RIS without it being overbearing.

 

[wolfman_48442]

I second the Arrogant Bastard idea, but make sure you like it first, it's an in your face kinda beer.

 

[strat_thru_marshall]

Arrogant Bastard = 90% two row + 10% special B + lots of chinook.


Brew up a 10 gallon batch of the good stuff!

yes. this.

 

[bjl110]

Wish you were in Ohio. My LHBS doesn't carry it, and I want to brew a BDSA.

 

[r2eng]

Belgian dubble and Imperial stout... I use 1# in each.

 

[Jebu1788]

I've used >1lb of it in a RIS without it being overbearing.

YES. +1 to this.

Or use 1lb in any stout, it goes great.

 

[shafferpilot]

the freezer will help you spread it out a bit.... but only a bit

 

[jmarshall]

Hmm, you all bring up some interesting options. RIS or other stout is interesting. The other problem I should mention is that I had planned on brewing two other things before this, probably this weekend. May be at least 2 weeks before I can brew using the special B. Looks like I need to find some large sealable containers and make room in my freezer. Next time I'll specify non-crushed.

 

[Misplaced_Canuck]

I've used it in a number of dark beers... Porters, stouts, even a schwarzbier.

I stick to no more than 8oz for 10 gallons.

Even if it's crushed, it'll keep. Put it in a sealed container.

M_C