Old Peculier

 

 

Started: 21 Sep 03 

Bottled: 27 Sep 03

 

Ingredients

1.7 Kg can Iron Bark Dark Ale

1.5  Kg Coopers Pale Malt Extract

250 gms Crystal Malt

250 gms Chocolate Malt (500-550 EBC)

1 Kg Dark Brown Sugar

120 gms (4 oz) Black Strap Molasses

60 gms (2 oz) Fuggles Hops

6 gm packet Morgan Ale Yeast (came with can)

 

We went a bit more scientific in mashing the grain this time - instead of crudely pouring boiling water over the grains or simmering below the boil, we raised and maintained the water temp at 65 deg Celsius and steeped for 20 mins. Beer brewing texts advise that having the temp too high destroys the enzymes that convert starches to sugar - and sugar = alcohol.... eventually.

We also used hop plugs, instead of pellets. The result, weight-for-weight, is a much milder hop 'tea' - you could use more hop plugs if you want  a more hoppy taste.

 

Method

Heat 3 litres of water to 65-70 deg Celsius add Crystal Malt

Let steep for 20 mins

At the same time, boil hops in 2-3 litres of water for 20 mins

Strain each into fermenter, sparge with cold water

Add sugar

Warm other ingredients, add to fermenter

Top with warm/cold water to make 23 litres at about 22-30 deg C

Measure Specific Gravity

Pitch Yeast

 

Facts and Figures

Pitched at 28 deg C

OG 1.062 

FG reached: 1.020

23.5 Litres

 

We were a little concerned about the strength of the molasses overpowering all the other flavours - especially as the dark brown sugar had a fair proportion of molasses in itself. However, a taste of the wort allayed our fears - while the molasses was very definitely there, the flavour seems to complement the other ingredients.  Going into the fermenter, the wort was very dark, very sweet and strong. Smelled great while it was fermenting.

Going into the bottle, the beer was dark but not black, and tasted relatively sweet, with a strong sense of chocolate on the palate - a complex taste but no specific taste of molasses.

Now that the beer has had some time to mature ... oh, my gosh ... a seriously good beer - one of the best we have made !

 

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