I like the Victory and Biscuit, as well as the aromatic. For base malt on my Belgians, I use a Vienna Malt with some 2-row for good measure on conversion. I like using a bit of wheat and Caravienne for head retention.Was really curious if the malt bill and hops were on par with what someone would expect from an Dubbel.
I like the Victory and Biscuit, as well as the aromatic. For base malt on my Belgians, I use a Vienna Malt with some 2-row for good measure on conversion. I like using a bit of wheat and Caravienne for head retention.
The one ingredient that I think is key to the dark Belgian beer is Special B malt. 120 Lovibond and very rich flavors.
A little bit of Special B goes a long way. I would suggest 1/2 to 1 pound for a 5 gallon batch, depending on what else is in the recipe.I may try the Vienna instead of the Maris Otter. Also may sub out the Rolled Oats for the Caravienne. Just to see how it goes. I wonder how different my base recipe would be if I simply added some Special B to it. Wonder if it would completely change it. Hmm...this sounds like a good time for an exbeeriment!
A little bit of Special B goes a long way. I would suggest 1/2 to 1 pound for a 5 gallon batch, depending on what else is in the recipe.
So what I do is to only allow the very end of the blowoff tube be submerged in the StarSan, like 1/4 inch or so; if there is suck-back, it can only draw a few milliliters of liquid up until the level drops and air is sucked in. This empties the blowoff tube (1/2" silicone) and restarts the process.Hoping I won't forget to remove the blow off tube again this time.
Replace the blow off tube with a fresh s type vent. They won't let starsan in when chilling. Air yes, but no chance of starsan or water or vodka, whatever you chose for a liquid.So what I do is to only allow the very end of the blowoff tube be submerged in the StarSan, like 1/4 inch or so; if there is suck-back, it can only draw a few milliliters of liquid up until the level drops and air is sucked in. This empties the blowoff tube (1/2" silicone) and restarts the process.
I work on the presumption that air is less bad that StarSan in the fermenter.
Replace the blow off tube with a fresh s type vent. They won't let starsan in when chilling. Air yes, but no chance of starsan or water or vodka, whatever you chose for a liquid.
That's what I normally do, just forgot to do it.
I do like the idea of adding a different liquid. Might consider a cheap bourbon as most of the beer I brew ends up being a bourbon barrel aged version anyways.
OH - and your 2nd iteration looked liked a very different beer to me. Maybe not "very" but certainly a bit less complex - the first had 9 different malts and the 2nd only like 5.... 6.8% biscut/victory to just 3.4% victory.... Also, starting gravity was much higher - I wonder if it'll finish as dry as the first.
I'm interested to hear how the two compare.
- I'm with @Bubba Wade on the special b! Such a tasty malt - figs and raisins! A little does go a long way.