Theakston's XB clone recipe

[HighHops]

I used to live in West Yorkshire in the late 80's and used to love supping XB. You can't get it round our way now not even in bottles. Don't think the supermarkets stock it either. Anyway Bramling Cross and Fuggle hops according to the website, but anyone got a grain bill for this classic ruby ale?

[HighHops]

Hurray!! Just found XB in Siansberrys!! 3 for £4 bargain!

Anyway here's my shot at this brew - Might give it a crack on Sunday!

23 L
Pale Malt 4Kg
Crystal Malt 1Kg
Amber Malt 120 grams

Fuggle 90 mins 30 grams
Fuggle 20 mins 20 grams
Bramling Cross 10 mins 15 grams

OG 1049
FG 1013

This brew is lightly hopped (26EBU) and malty. You can tell it's heavy on the crystal but 1 Kg for 4Kg MO seems like a lot. I've never used this much before but that gives me 40EBC on the colour which is about right. Tastes like it's got some amber (or biscuit) with a pleasant biscuity dry after taste.

Let me know what you think. Will I have any problems brewing with 20% crystal?

[Invalid Stout]

Shouldn't have any problems brewing with 20% crystal. Might have problems drinking it unless you like toffee.

Only kidding, XB was the beer that got me drinking real ale all those years ago.At the time I thought it was the most complex beer I'd ever tasted.

[HighHops]

Might have problems drinking it unless you like toffee.

I think I might be remembering this through rose tinted glasses. First pint last night was delicious. Second was a bit cloying, sweet toffee after taste. Nice pint, but not a session ale.