Buzzcrafters SMaSH Pale Ale

trying some unfamiliar ingredients on a style from the 1870s

"A floor-malted barley malt from a single barley variety (Optic), and produced by a centuries-old, family-owned maltster (Fawcett). Optic is another malt considered to be one of the last of the traditional English Pale malt varieties still produced in the UK. Adds a degree of biscuit flavor. Brighter and lighter in flavor than Pearl, a great malt for the production of Real Ales."

"Most widely used for their aromatic properties, UK Challenger hops can act as a bittering agent in your brew, as well. These hops make a great choice for early and late kettle additions, that contribute a spicy, woodsy cedar, and green tea character to any type of Ale. You can also get crisp fruity notes with late kettle additions. This is a granddaughter of Northern Brewer, with lineage also including Target and Northdown.
Hop Statistics:
Alpha Acids: 6.5 – 9.0%
Beta Acids: 3.2 – 4.2%
Alpha-Beta Ratio: 1.5 – 2.8
Cohumulone: (% of alpha acids): 20 – 25%
Total Oils in mls per 100 grams dried: 1.0 – 1.5
Storage(% alpha acids remaining after 6 months storage at 68° F): 70 - 85%
Similar Hop Varieties: Perle, Northern Brewer"

starter: 3 oz. dry malt in 1500 ml water with a touch of yeast nutrient and a few hop pellets

I'm counting on some darkening from the boil, but even if it stays golden, it represents my understanding of 1870's pale ales.

brewed Saturday, July 7
pre-boil gravity = 1.030
O.G. = 1.037
I added a packet of dry US-05 yeast to the starter just before pitching at 11:30 am
three frozen water bottles in the bag with the fermenter
1:20 pm - 74

maintained fermentation temperature between e at 62° and 64° for four days, then allowed temp to gradually rise to 70°F.

racked on Saturday, July 14 - yeast had dropped and formed a chunky mass at the bottom the Speidel fermenter.

bottled on Saturday, July 21
tastes spicy, very pale yellow color
FG = 1.005
5.1% ABV
Yield: 53 bottles
purple crowns
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