which SG to use to determine balanced IBU for a tripel

Discussion in 'General Brewing Discussions' started by Xendelaar, Dec 20, 2017.

Tags:
  1. Xendelaar

    Xendelaar New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2017
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    3
    #1 Xendelaar, Dec 20, 2017
    I’m trying to make a Duvel Citra clone. This is a Belgian strong ale/ Tripel. I’m planning to use:

    - 9 lb of pilsner malt
    - 1,8 lb of sugar

    According to the SG to IBU chart, I “should” aim for an IBU of approximately 37-45 IBU with my current SG of 1.085.

    I was wondering though.. since a large portion of the SG is caused by the sugar, should I subtract the SG points caused by the this component, reducing the SG from 1.085 to 1.064? This would result in a recommended IBU of 27-34.

    Which SG and IBU should I use if I don’t want the beer to be too hoppy?

    Thanks in advance
     
    2. Want no ads? Go Premium and unlock all our brewing tools!
  2. J A

    J A Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2016
    Messages:
    3,878
    Likes Received:
    3,324
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Austin, Texas
    #2 J A, Dec 20, 2017
    BU/GU ratio is based on Final Gravity. Use the recipe calculator to build the recipe and it will project FG based on Original Gravity, yeast attenuation, mash temp, etc and project IBUs based on alpha acids, time of additions, pre-boil volume and will calculate a BU/GU ration which can be viewed in the "More" drop-down at the top right of the recipe editor.
     
  3. Nosybear

    Nosybear Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2012
    Messages:
    10,254
    Likes Received:
    8,354
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Aurora, CO, USA
    #3 Nosybear, Dec 20, 2017
    It is an interesting question, though, since the sugar will contribute alcohol but no flavor. The more I think of it, the more I'm inclined to agree: Use the gravity without the sugar for the hop calculation. But then, alcohol contributes a bit of a sweet flavor in itself.... So I'd go with the lower hop charge and see what happens. You can always make a hop tea later and add bitterness but it's danged hard to take out.
     
  4. Xendelaar

    Xendelaar New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2017
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    3
    #4 Xendelaar, Dec 20, 2017
    Thanks for the tips! I'll be sure to check it out on the recipe maker. However, i doubt that the chart I´m using is based on the FG, as the dimension is clearly stated on the y- axis. :)

    [​IMG]
    also thank you for your advice. Starting relatively low makes perfect sense to me. I'm going to aim somewhere between 30 and 32 IBU.

    EDIT: I can't seem to get the picture working...
     
  5. J A

    J A Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2016
    Messages:
    3,878
    Likes Received:
    3,324
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Austin, Texas
    #5 J A, Dec 20, 2017
    Actually I mis-stated because I wasn't thinking it through and it was early. :oops:The BU/GU is OG-based, as the chart says.
    My main point was that if you use the recipe editor, it'll give you the BU/GU ratio for any recipe you put into the calculator. And assuming that you assign the style that you're brewing to, it'll give you an IBU range to bitter to.
     

Share This Page

arrow_white