Where is this color coming from?

[dooman333]

Just racked my first attempt at an American Light Ale into secondary and there seems to be way too much color to it. I know it looks darker in the carboy because of sheer quantity but it looks just like the amber I did last month. Theres just 3 lbs of extra light extract and 1 lb of cane sugar. About as dumbed down of a beer as u can get. Used saaz hops. Why so dark?

 

[Zeal]

Maybe the heat caramelized the sugars in the wort. Or you are unaware that malt extract is usually darker then most pale malts used in all grain. Most malt extract have a SRM of 3.5 while Pale malts are about a 2 give or take .5 SRM.

To Avoid Caramelization of your wort do fuller boils with more water and turn the heat down to get to a boil more slowly so you don't scorch it.

 

[unionrdr]

Or do late extract additions.

 

[Guidry]

Theres just 3 lbs of extra light extract and 1 lb of cane sugar.

Dry or liquid extract? I always find that LME results in darker wort no matter what you try.

Not sure of your experience level, so please don't take this the wrong way.

Did you add the extract/sugar with the heat turned off?

As someone else mentioned (and I have learned) you don't want a real "hard boil" when brewing. You want the water to be barely rolling in the kettle

 

[unionrdr]

That's another part of what I do. Somewhere between a heavy simmer & a gentle boil. Works great so far. And at least our electric stove is good at holding a temperature. So steeping/mashing is/will be easier.

 

[dooman333]

Definitely no expert here so all advice will be absorbed. I used liquid extract, added it and the sugar at the 30min mark and my boil never got above 213F. (for some awesome reason my propane boiler holds a nice slow roller of a boil)
If in fact caramelization did occur, will it taste OK and as an extract brewer, what would have been a better recipe for a SWMBO approved light ale?

 

[dooman333]

and yes, I killed the heat when extract/sugar was added

 

[Zeal]

Definitely no expert here so all advice will be absorbed. I used liquid extract, added it and the sugar at the 30min mark and my boil never got above 213F. (for some awesome reason my propane boiler holds a nice slow roller of a boil)
If in fact caramelization did occur, will it taste OK and as an extract brewer, what would have been a better recipe for a SWMBO approved light ale?

Should taste just fine even with the darker color.

 

[hautlle]

I have this exact same issue with my first homebrew. it still tastes good, a bit more caramelly than expected, but it's good. Northern Brewer American Wheat Ale came out looking more like an IPA than the golden color you usually see. I now do late malt additions to help with the problem and it seems good so far, but I've only done a porter and an IBA since then, so I really have no idea lol.

 

[Guidry]

You want a SWMBO approve "light ale" go brew the Centennial Blonde.... The thread is a mile long. Everyone loves this stuff for a "light ale".

 

[dooman333]

Much appreciated. I'll check it out. Personally I think a "light ale" is pretty boring but, happy wife, happy life!

 

[cervezarara]

LME ages (stales) more rapidly then DME, and darkens while it ages. If possible, find the freshest LME available or substitute with extra-light DME. As wort gravity rises (higher concentration) the color will darken somewhat, also. At 1.050, you should be able to achieve a very light yellow beer with DME or very fresh LME.

 

[unionrdr]

I haven't really had any darkening problems with LME's in my ales. But they do get mixed with about the same amount of plain DME's. And o2 barrier caps on the bottles. Def helps in my experience. Plus,I use hop bursting & late malt additions as well to help in this respect.

 

[Toy4Rick]

I too have had the same issue with LME, much darker in color and flavor, caramelized in fact. I keep a very low boil but no luck. My last Hef was done with DME and a full boil, the color is half as dark and NO caramel flavor.

It's DME for me moving forward

I agree, the Centennial Blonde is fantastic and easy drinking
Toy4Rick

 

[itsme6582]

I think your darker than expected color is just the nature of the beast. My extract beers always seemed to come out darker than I wanted. I think the issue is due more to the volume of water than the extract. There are some tricks like late extract additions, which was probably already mentioned.

 

[Toy4Rick]

My LME vs DME review has just been posted in this section, it's called LME vs. DME... I'm sold

It might be the nature of the LME beast but it doesn't have to be the nature of extract home brewing

Enjoy
Toy4Rick