What to brew for my second?

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by TastyAdventure, Mar 22, 2013.

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  1. TastyAdventure

    TastyAdventure Initiate (0) Nov 13, 2012 Kentucky

    I know many people will respond with "brew what you want to brew, it's up to you," but I'm looking for some votes and advice here people.

    For my first batch I did a Belgian Dubbel.

    My second batch, I can't decide between:

    1) Scotty Karate wee heavy scottish Clone: I loved this brew, but I can't find a recipe anywhere, gonna check the bookstore tomorrow, and I've heard from several people that newbies to brewing shouldn't try a high gravity like 9.75% so early on.

    2) Belgian Pale Ale: Really liked Ommegang's B.P.A., this is in the running because warm weather is about to be here, and the lower ABV (above comment). If I did this one, I'd use belgian yeast and try to make it more "biscuity" and honey/floral flavors.

    3) Belgian Quad: My favorite style hands down. High ABV. 9 - 11%. Trappist Rochefort 10, Straffe Hendrikk, Chimay Blue, Three Philosophers... take your pick, I'd try to clone something like these. Worried I might mess up a such a suberb and heavy style.

    What do you think?

    Constructive comments and advice for newbies appreciated!
     
    #1 TastyAdventure, Mar 22, 2013
  2. dieBlume

    dieBlume Initiate (0) Mar 18, 2013 Virginia

    I don't brew, but I have helped someone else brew a few times. I just happened upon this and I'm going to totally vote for option #3 because I love Quads. Unfortunately, I have no advice for you - but good luck!
     
    #2 dieBlume, Mar 22, 2013
  3. AlCaponeJunior

    AlCaponeJunior Grand Pooh-Bah (3,452) May 21, 2010 Texas
    Society Pooh-Bah

    Of those choices, it's #2, and it's not even close. You don't have a recipe for #1 and #3 is high ABV. It's not really a decision, it's a rhetorical question that you've already answered by asking.

    If I were you I'd worry about temperature control with the onset of warm weather moreso than what beers taste good when it's warm. Keep your ambient fermentation temperature in the sixties, or worry about how you're going to keep your fermenting wort cool when it's hot outside (and in your home).
     
    #3 AlCaponeJunior, Mar 22, 2013
    pweis909 likes this.
  4. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    #2. Stay low gravity until you get the hang of it.
     
    #4 VikeMan, Mar 22, 2013
  5. OddNotion

    OddNotion Pooh-Bah (1,915) Nov 1, 2009 New Jersey
    Pooh-Bah

    How did your first batch turn out? This could help decide which beer to brew next.
     
    #5 OddNotion, Mar 22, 2013
  6. billandsuz

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

    looks like you are going to brew a BPA, and it is going to be great.

    the whole don't attempt a high gravity brew so early on thing, it's good advice. don't decide to run a marathon after jogging for three weeks. a BPA is a great brew imo. this will require some yeast management/temperature control and it is a great style that will truly be all yours. alot better than a brown ale.

    go for a great BPA.
    Cheers.
     
    #6 billandsuz, Mar 23, 2013
  7. inchrisin

    inchrisin Pooh-Bah (2,013) Sep 25, 2008 Indiana
    Pooh-Bah

    brew something that will be tasty in 4-6 weeks. I'd go with a c hopped APA or a wheat beer. When you first start out you should try to keep it simple and rewarding. You want to focus most on process so that you can start getting good flavor.
     
    #7 inchrisin, Mar 23, 2013
  8. AlCaponeJunior

    AlCaponeJunior Grand Pooh-Bah (3,452) May 21, 2010 Texas
    Society Pooh-Bah

    My first extract only wheat beer was wonderful. All liquid wheat extract, a pack of elderberries at 20 minutes, I think it was hallertau hops (about 20 IBUs) and WY1469. AG was similar (but with 2-row and wheat) and just as delicious. We're brewing it again soon, if that tells you anything.
     
    #8 AlCaponeJunior, Mar 23, 2013
    inchrisin likes this.
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