Belgian Ales
1993 Minnesota Brewfest - Sherlock's Home
My "Cooper's Copper Ale" |
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Ingredients | Specifications | Hydrometer |
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Journal of Record 1) surprised by the initial low gravity; expected at least .040, as first brew was a Cooper's Lager kit that hit .046 without the addition of 1lb of DME [all other ingredients were equal per kit instructions on both] - could the draught kit be that much lower in fermentable extract? 2) color is also a paradox, the light gravity draught is darker than the higher gravity lager; I cannot surmise the additional 1lb of light DME would be solely responsible for the more amber color - perhaps some carmelization occurred? Hardly expected in a short boil! 3) the main differences between the two: a] the lager (L) boiled 30 minutes longer; b] L started and fermented 10F cooler; c] L was racked once two days before bottling - none of these differences address the inconsistencies I have listed previous 4) primed with 1 1/4C dextrose and bottled on 09.05.93 5) popped first bottle on 09.19.93; good carbonation; very clear amber color; stronger flavor than predicted, quite an edge - could be mellowed with lagering 6) entered this brew on 09.25.93 to the Home Brew Fest '93 at Sherlock's Home under the category Belgian Ale (2d). Brew Fest '93 Judging awarded this beer a Silver Medal. One national, one novice and three recognized judges rated this beer excellent and very good: 40,40,41,32,32 (of 50) respectively. Comments included; Bottle Inspection: O.K., Scratched; Bouquet/Aroma: Nice Esters, Tart, Fruity, Floral, No Malt; Appearance: Low Head Retention, Good Color, Very Clear; Flavor: Nice Tart, Very Balanced, Dry Finish, Fruity, Good Malt Flavor, Low Malt, Low Bitter, Finish Too Flat, Under-Carbonated; Body: A Little Light, Good Body, Medium, Appropriate For Style; Drinkability: Very Nice Beer, Well Made, Balanced, Good Job. Notes: I have noticed contamination on 10.15.93 (white fat-like residue at cap) on one bottle. This beer was my first use of B-Brite for sterilization at bottling time. It doesn't seem to dissolve well in cold water yet instructions mention using cold water?
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