New Home Brew Extract Recipe.. What do you think?

The flaked oats and biscuit malt do not have adequate enzymes to convert themselves so they need to be mashed. Add 1lb of base malt to your recipe and "steep" at ~154-156 for 45-60 minutes Then rinse with 170 deg water per usual and that's a partial mash.

 

Agree with cmmcdonn about flaked oats and biscuit malt requiring a mash for conversion. You'll probably get some toasty flavors from the biscuit malt, even if you are steeping. But you'll probably extract some starches that are not metabolized the yeast. You won't gain alcohol from these malts, but the starches may influence the mouthfeel and clarity. Could also act as substrate for bacteria. Know that I am speaking of things that I believe to be true but have not experienced myself. Conversion issues aside, my preference is less crystal malt. I rarely go over 1# in a 6 gallon batch. You said you want malty, and if by that, you mean sweet, this crystal should get you what you are looking for.

 

4.4 IBUs? Seems low to me. And yes, you really should do a mini-mash. Also be careful on water volumes for a mini-mash. In your case about a gallon of water is fine.

 

Hallertauer is often a dual purpose (bittering and flavor/aroma) hop in styles where it is typically used . And the hallertauer hops you are adding at 60 minutes are where your 4.4 IBUs are coming from. You're going to need more than 4.4 IBUs for a drinkable amber ale. How did you arrive at the 0.66 ounces?

 

I'd suggest getting up to at least 20 IBUs, which is not going to be a particularly bitter amber, especially with a large amount of crystal malt in there.. But... .66 ounces of Hallertauer at 60 minutes should get you more than 4.4 IBUs. At least with the Tinseth formula. What formula are you using? And do you know the Alpha Acid percentage of the hallertauer you are using?

Edit: You say you're not a fan of overly bitter beers... is there a commercial amber that you like for comparison?

Another Edit: Is this your first batch? If so, do yourself a big favor and read www.howtobrew.com

 

I agree with vikeman on the IBUs being at least 20. You are at least going to want the hops in there for preserving the beer a little bit, plus although you are not a bitter beer guy, I have a feeling that a complete unbalanced beer will not be your fancy either . I would personally decrease the caramel back to 1 lb for this beer and I would take out the oats, unless you are looking for a silky mouthfeel. I made a regular ipa with oats recently to see what kind of mouthfeel would be created; it was not bad but it wasn't what I was expecting. I felt some of the flavors were slipping off the palate due to the silkiness. Hope whatever you brew comes out good though! Cheers!

 

I agree that two lbs of crystal malt would be too much. It will be cloyingly sweet. drop it to a lb. Bitter to about 20 IBUs.

 

I haven't entered any of this into a calculator, but the number now look about right to me here. I also think you will be happier with the brew in the bag approach to convert your biscuit. And since you toned down the crystal malt (For me? You shouldn't have!) it looks like something I might enjoy drinking.

 

How did you decrease your crystal going from 1# up to 2#'s? You have got some good advise on your batch. Good luck!

 

I've done mini mashes on my last couple of brews, and have been averaging about 72% efficiency using 1.5qts of water per lb of grains. Make good use of that hydrometer post mash and make adjustment there. Remeber you can always add water at the ed to drop fg, you cant always add sugar to bring it back up.

 

Oops. My mistake. You didn't tone down the crystal. I guess it isn't really for me.

 

That is the exact reason I did. Especially since I made a black ipa with the second runnings of an imperial stout with oats and loved it! It just might be my taste buds. Also the ipa only had 2 row, honey malt and sugar in it...so maybe with all the other goodies the oats would work! I was just adding my findings, but now I don't want to stray you...Haha. definitely post the results! Cheers!