What to make

[nh_homebrew]

I just got 55 lb sack of rahr 2 row grain. And I already had 55 lb sack of special b malt.
What are my options just working with those?
I do all grain and a old mash tun i just created.

 

[snowtiger1987]

55 lb bag of Special B? That is a lifetime supply for me.

 

[eric19312]

Really? Special B? Nice malt when used at 1/8 to 1/4 pound in 5 gallon batch. How did you end up with a full sack?

 

[nh_homebrew]

Really? Special B? Nice malt when used at 1/8 to 1/4 pound in 5 gallon batch. How did you end up with a full sack?

I bought it off craigslist for $30. So why couldn't I use 1 lb or 2 lbs for a 5 gallon batch? Its not that I am eager to use it up. I just really like being frugal when making things. And using grain I only paid $0.54 a pound is awesome.

 

[kevin58]

Special B is a pretty robust grain. It adds a lot of complex flavors, deep color and heavy, dark caramel flavor characteristics. Half to 3/4lb is usually plenty for any 5 gallon recipe. I don't think I could brew enough beer to use 55lbs before it went stale. Now buying base malts by the sack... yeah, that makes sense.

 

[jtratcliff]

Special B SMASH!


Kidding....

 

[thehaze]

Special B works well in Dubbels and Dark strong belgians, even at more than 10% ( tested ). Personally, I love Special B.

You can also use it for an Old Ale ( although not english crystal, I am sure it will be smashing ).

Can brew an American Strong Ale with 2-row and lots of Special B. A high atteanuating yeast, lots of alcohol... There are so many ways.

You could also use a tiny bit in IPAs.

 

[nh_homebrew]

Special B works well in Dubbels and Dark strong belgians, even at more than 10% ( tested ). Personally, I love Special B.

You can also use it for an Old Ale ( although not english crystal, I am sure it will be smashing ).

Can brew an American Strong Ale with 2-row and lots of Special B. A high atteanuating yeast, lots of alcohol... There are so many ways.

You could also use a tiny bit in IPAs.

Thank you so much. That really helps. I heard one person say special b malt can add some astringent flavors. Maybe that's if too much is used.

I have no hops to work with right now so that will have to be bought.

 

[MapleGroveAleworks]

Yeah that Special B will last you a long long time. It is potent in very small doses. Very good in stouts and darker belgian beers.

 

[jtratcliff]

I use 2 oz. in my Christmas Ale for example... I've since named it Gruß vom Krampus ...

But a little goes a loooong way with Special B...

The good news is that you have plenty to experiment with.... Pick a recipe and start with 2-4 oz... Make it again with a couple oz. more ... add more until it's too much. Then report back here where the line is....

 

[chickypad]

Wow, a whole sack of special B. One of the "Can You Brew It" Arrogant Bastard clones used 90% 2 row and 10% special B. I don't think they ever felt they got it totally cloned but I remember they thought that grainbill came pretty close. That ought to use up about 1.5 lbs for 5 gallons.

 

[TasunkaWitko]

Mr. Vacuum Sealer is your friend; or perhaps Mr. ZipLock, if the former is unavailable....

 

[Yooper]

Special B can be really nice in an American brown ale- about 7% special B or so- giving it strong toffee notes.

 

[SoCal-Doug]

85% 2-row, 5% special B, The last 10% can be just about anything (munich, vienna, wheat, or just up the 2-row). Saaz or sterling at 60 minutes at 16 to 20 IBU. Mash at 148-149. Grab a pack of WY3711 and have yourself a nice classic refreshing Saison / Farmhouse Ale.