Step by Step
Bring 6.5 gallons (25 L) of water to roughly 150 °F (66 °C). Steep the chocolate and crystal malts for 15 minutes before removing. Add the DME and maltodextrin, with stirring, before heating to a boil. Boil for 60 minutes, adding hops at the indicated times left in the boil. At 15 minutes left in boil, add either Irish moss, Whirlfloc, other kettle fining agent of your choice to the wort.

After the boil, whirlpool for a couple of minutes before rapidly chilling the wort to slightly below fermentation temperature, which is 66 °F (19 °C) for this beer. Pitch yeast.

Maintain fermentation temperature to avoid producing excess esters. You may need a diacetyl rest for this strain so don’t hesitate to raise the temperature of the fermentation at least 4 °F (2 °C) during the last third of fermentation. Bottle or keg the beer and carbonate to approximately 2.6 volumes.

Tips for Success:
This amber beer is all about balance without sacrificing either the depth of flavor or drinkability. For the ingredients to really shine, ensure that you’re using the freshest versions of them possible. In addition, aim for gypsum and calcium chloride water additions to hit 247 ppm and 100 ppm, respectively. As is the case with most British ale yeasts, you’ll probably pick up a bit of diacetyl, so don’t be afraid to perform a diacetyl rest. When in doubt, microwave a beer sample for 30 seconds, which will volatilize any aromatics including 2,3-butanedione.