Summer Brew Comments Please...

[jimp2003]

Hi Guys. This weekend a mate is coming over to do his first AG brew (he has previously done kits and a couple of extract brews) and we came up with the recipe below based on the ingredients in stock. The aim is for a light summery beer with a bit of malt character and nice classic European hoppiness...

I have never used Tettnanger before so was wondering if we have gone OTT with the amount used here. Usually I would not worry but I am feeling the pressure slightly as it is his first AG brew...any comments gratefully received.



Summer Brew (Blonde Ale)

Original Gravity (OG): 1.046 (°P): 11.4
Final Gravity (FG): 1.012 (°P): 3.1
Alcohol (ABV): 4.52 %
Colour (SRM): 6.5 (EBC): 12.8
Bitterness (IBU): 20.3 (Average)

81.32% Maris Otter Malt
7.5% Caramalt
6.1% Munich
5.08% Torrified Wheat

40g Celeia (4% Alpha) @ 60 Minutes (Boil)
30 g Tettnanger (3.8% Alpha) @ 10 Minutes (Boil)
20 g Saaz (3.1% Alpha) @ 0 Minutes (Aroma)
40g Tettnanger (3.8% Alpha) @ 0 Minutes (Aroma)
30g Tettnanger (3.8% Alpha) @ 7 Days (Dry Hop)


Single step Infusion at 66°C for 60 Minutes. Boil for 60 Minutes

Fermented at 18°C with Safeale S-04



Cheers!

Jim

[Skittlebrau]

That hop bill wouldn't worry me but others with more experience might think otherwise (I've never used any of those hops). One thing that I have noticed, though, is your low bitterness. If it was me I'd move some of the Tettnanger from the steep and dry hop to earlier in the boil. I've just done a brew at about 27 IBUs and it was borderline not bitter enough for my tastes. Having said that, from your sig it looks like you have lots of brews under your belt. Have you brewed at a low bitterness like that before?

[jimp2003]

I have done a brew with that level of IBUs: SEE HERE so hopefully it will be ok.

[jimp2003]

We bottled this one today and the sample tasted glorious!

It is a lovely pale yellow colour very like a lager. Initially you get a dry malt flavour followed by spicy hops. I can't wait for this to condition. The only downside was that it was a brew for a mate and I was quite envious as he loaded two crates into the boot of his car.