Well,,, got a request for a pale/light high abv brew with a grassy feel, but just a bit of grassy. that is the pitch so far these pals. or otherwise, want a 10%er here is what i got so far 18lb best ale base malt 1 L 10 crystal 1.5 lbs cane suger 4 oz not quite cured cascade hops,,, last years home grown any ideas brewers??????????
If your hops weren't fully dried, you should use them all as FWH for maximum bitterness, maybe even extend the boil to 90 minutes, which could also improve efficiency. I would add Saaz as finishing hops, as they are both pleasantly floral and a little grassy. US-05 should bring you to approximately 9.5% ABV assuming 50-55% efficiency, which is normal for a monster size beer like this. But I was thinking you might just want to try a saison with Belle Saison yeast, which attenuates to about 97%, then reduce the cane sugar addition from 1.5 lb to about 0.5 lb, should give you about 10% ABV with about the same efficiency. Maybe trade some of the base malt for a couple pounds of rye, which will add foam and mouthfeel. Optional. Whether saison or not, ferment cool, mid 60s, and be patient -- leave it alone for a good 5 weeks. P.S. For all of the above, I've assumed a 5-gallon batch.
yeah dude 5 gallon indeed. back story is some of the boys want a very strong beer thats light and grassy. not my usual irish stout at all. might give the saison a go. any perticular brand?????
Great question. I believe so but do not know for sure. Let's wait for others experience, or Google it. EDIT: Manufacturer says up to 15% ABV. http://www.lallemandbrewing.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/lallemand-tds-bellesaison-080317.pdf
FWIW, I co-pitched one pack each Belle Saison and SafAle BE-134 in a big kitchen sink wheat extract brew, OG 1.094. It took 22 days for it to settle at 1.014 (10.5%). I mention it only for the yeast chew-through factor and am pretty sure that combo doesn't have the flavors you're looking for, especially if fermented where I did (low to mid-70's). My beer won't be ready for a long time....I'm thinking months, if ever.
Researched it and it does say 15 abv. Guess I'll give it a shot. Will stay away from the @riptorn Safeale advice. Thanks guys
It takes the longest time to finish the last few gravity points. I think if you're patient, a big beer will be done in 5-6 weeks, in primary, with this yeast. Don't rush it, and don't rack it.
I'm more on the other side. I would pitch S-189 for a cleaner taste and get the grassy flavor from a late addition of Fuggles. Good luck!
I'd toss a little bit of oak cubes/staves/spirals in with the yeast...then add more if needed post-fermentation. Wish I was closer Gorm, I've got a ton of different oak products that I'm just not going to use. Maybe I could mail some to you if you're interested...PM if you need some.
That ain't a bad idea at all. In my experience, S-189 is another slow yeast, needs as long as the Belle would. I'm not good at wood. Wish you luck figuring that out.
Update, At around 11 days in the fermenter it is still working, like some told me, and I am putting in the wood today. Not my usual process at all,so, am very interested how it all comes out. 5 weeks in the fermenter is the plan, then bottle.
Sounds like a good plan. Just don't be surprised if it's still fizzing slowly at the 5-week mark. Hopefully will be done by then, but don't rush it. Check gravity every 5-6 days near the end because it might still fall by just 1-2 gravity points per week at the end. Very slow.
Thanks, it did not start off with a bang but is steady even now which is odd for my usual yeasts. New is fun for sure
