Pale Ale with Minstrel Hops

[jimp2003]

Hey guys!

There does not seem to be much reference made to using Minstrel hops on the forum so I thought I would post this recipe for the benefit of the hive mind. I brewed the beer a couple of months ago and put it in a king keg which is nearly empty now. It is a simple recipe that really lets the hops come through. They are a lovely soft fruity flavour and aroma with a slight spiciness on the aftertaste. When dispensed from a keg with good pressure the beer has a lovely tight creamy head that lasts all the way down the glass.

Anyway here it is:

2014 Minstrel (Pale Ale)

Original Gravity (OG): 1.045 (°P): 11.7
Final Gravity (FG): 1.008 (°P): 3.1
Alcohol (ABV): 4.85 %
Colour (SRM): 5.9 (EBC): 11.6
Bitterness (IBU): 25.7 (Tinseth)

95% Maris Otter Malt
5% Wheat Malt

0.9 g/L Minstrel (7.1% Alpha) @ 60 Minutes (First Wort)
1.3 g/L Minstrel (7.1% Alpha) @ 15 Minutes (Boil)
2.2 g/L Minstrel (7.1% Alpha) @ 0 Minutes (Aroma)


Single step Infusion at 66°C for 90 Minutes. Boil for 60 Minutes

Fermented at 19°C with Neale's Ale Yeast

[mozza]

Sounds really interesting what's the background on minstrel Jim?

[jimp2003]

Not too sure of the background. They are one of the new british experimental varieties that have come to the market in the last few years. I notice that they are not on sale anywhere at the moment so they may just be a flash in the pan. I suppose their success will depend on any commercial breweries wanting to use them.

[mozza]

Something crossed with a fuggle then perhaps as you say they're slightly spicy? i might keep an eye out as they sound really interesting!

[DeGarre]

...they may just be a flash in the pan. I suppose their success will depend on any commercial breweries wanting to use them.

Good luck with that, there needs to be an English ale fad first which I haven't seen yet. It's all US and NZ at the moment.

[seymour]

Bump. Any tastes yet? If so, waddya think of the Minstrel hops?