I'm planning on making a simple light ale, using wild black raspberries, that are growing at my in-laws place. I'm aiming for a mild raspberry flavor, still want to taste the beer. I plan on adding 1lb. of frozen berries, (in a mesh bag) to primary, on about day 3 of fermentation. Does this recipe look ok? Should I add anything else? 3.5 gallons 3lbs. light DME 10oz. carapils (steeped) .25oz. Centennial 45min .25oz. Centennial 20min .25oz. Cascade 10min .25oz. Cascade 5 min Yeast: US-05
I wouldn't do any hop additions outside of bittering. Raspberries are one of the more strongly flavored fruits regularly used in beer, but I'd up it to 2 for a light flavor. Also, fruit beers tends to be one of the few times where I'd transfer to secondary.
I'd try to get to around .5 lbs of raspberries per gallon, so around 1.75 lbs total. I don't see a problem with dropping it straight in the primary on day 3. For my fruited beers, I freeze in ziploc and then defrost in the fridge. I then add it all directly into the carboy from the ziploc. When ready to bottle, I cover the siphon with a mesh bag to filter out the fruit.
Thanks for the replies. I brewed this yesterday. Will be adding about 1.75lbs. of berries to the primary. I don't like transferring to secondary, risking oxidation. We'll see in a few weeks. Cheers!
