Any options post-fermentation to "sweeten" up a beer?

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by geneseohawk, Aug 31, 2014.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. geneseohawk

    geneseohawk Initiate (0) Nov 4, 2008 Illinois

    I brewed a caramel amber ale and it didn't come out as malty sweet as I was hoping. Any options at this point you have done to add more of a sweet malty backbone to a beer?
     
  2. billandsuz

    billandsuz Pooh-Bah (2,097) Sep 1, 2004 New York
    Pooh-Bah

    you have a few options, none of which are particularly appealing. adding generic sweetness is rather easy, just add sugar or splenda in the glass. adding maltiness is a bit of a trick.

    1- brew a gallon or 2 or 3 of extra light DME (or LME if you prefer) without any hops and blend. your yeast will begin a secondary fermentation but you will have significantly cut back on the bitterness.
    2- do the same as above but neutralize the yeast by keeping everything cold. this is really only practical if you keg. you will likely only need one gallon of unhopped extract, but depends on the beer.

    the best option by far 3- enjoy this beer as it is. it is very difficult to make a style from something that is not that style. enjoy. next time you can adjust accordingly and you are that much further along in your brewing knowledge.
    Cheers.
     
    skivtjerry and MrOH like this.
  3. skivtjerry

    skivtjerry Pooh-Bah (1,865) Mar 10, 2006 Vermont
    Pooh-Bah

    No good ones. Just drink it and try again.
     
  4. pweis909

    pweis909 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,250) Aug 13, 2005 Wisconsin
    Pooh-Bah

    Option 1: Drink your beer and cut your losses.
    Option 2: Make another batch that is maltier than you like. Blend the two batches. Weigh risk of messing up twice as much beer against possible rewards.
     
    HerbMeowing likes this.
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.