Hops and tweeks for Timothy Taylor Best Bitter?

[farmhousekeg]

I'm thinking of brewing a TT Best Bitter from Graham Wheeler's book and I notice that it says Goldings for bittering and "some hops" (which I understand means EK Goldings) for aroma.

Right now I don't have any Goldings but I do have EK Goldings so I'm wondering what's best to use for bittering this beer? I have various possibilities in the fridge: Fuggles, Northdown, Boadicea, Bobek and the EKG. Will any of those do the trick?

How about Graham's recipe - will it give an authentic result or are there any tweeks that anyone might suggest? Strangely I have never tried the real version of this beer but I fancied trying to brew it based on the hysteria on this forum about its big brother - TTL. I've got quite a bit of stronger beer in the cellar but I also want something quaffable ready for Christmas and this seemed like an interesting option. I'm too far from Keighly to find a local supply so I won't know if I've brewed a good clone or not. So as always, my goal is simply to brew something that will taste nice for me, my family and friends to drink!

Finally yeast.............. i'm a simple soul and so far have only used dried yeasts. I have Windsor and US-05 in stock. Will the Windsor work or should I order something different?

Hope some of you out there can help.

[arturobandini]

I can clear up the Goldings question for you; Whenever someone just mentions "Goldings", Wheeler in particular, they mean the EKG variety.

I've had Best Bitter on the pump a few times and find it a pleasing and refreshing pint. It's not in the same league as it's big brother though but TTL casts a large shadow and to be fair to TTBB it tries its best.

Can't help with the Wheeler version but as far as yeast goes I'd be tempted to plump for Windsor or s-04 ,I know you said you don't have it but i'm sure you can source it!, in a beer of this style. I'm sure you're aware Windsor leaves quite a bit of body behind as it tends to crawl towards the finishing line before passing out 10 yards short so i'd keep that in mind too.

[farmhousekeg]

Great info arturo' - thanks. Yes, I can get S-04 at the LHBS in Shrewsbury.

[crookedeyeboy]

Well Ive brewed both GW versions from two of his books and I can definately say the old one works for me. Although the amazing thing is that when I opened a couple of bottles last night they tasted like Deuchars IPA!!!! Not complaining tho!

[arturobandini]

Going off your signature...are you referring to Landlord and not the Best Bitter?

Farmhousekeg is going down the road less travelled and opting to brew the latter.

[crookedeyeboy]

Whoops jumping in head first as usual! Well spotted, ill keep me mouth shut

[farmhousekeg]

I'd be tempted to plump for Windsor or s-04 ,I know you said you don't have it but i'm sure you can source it!, in a beer of this style. I'm sure you're aware Windsor leaves quite a bit of body behind as it tends to crawl towards the finishing line before passing out 10 yards short so i'd keep that in mind too.

Guess what I just found lurking in the fridge - a sachet of S-04 - BINGO! I feel a brew night coming on

[Russ]

Hi Farmhousekeg

Which version of wheelers book are you using?

I have the new eddition and the old eddition, I made the one from the old eddition (printed 1993 and I'm sure there is a recipe error which unfortunatly I did not spot untill it was too late. The old version calls for 15% crystal malt which I think is way over the top (the resulting brew wasn't great). The new book states around 5% which sounds more like it and should be cracking!
Hope this helps

Cheers

Russ

[farmhousekeg]

Hi Farmhousekeg

Which version of wheelers book are you using?

I have the new eddition and the old eddition, I made the one from the old eddition (printed 1993 and I'm sure there is a recipe error which unfortunatly I did not spot untill it was too late. The old version calls for 15% crystal malt which I think is way over the top (the resulting brew wasn't great). The new book states around 5% which sounds more like it and should be cracking!
Hope this helps

Cheers

Russ

Thanks Russ.............the mash is underway as I type! Based on Graham's newest book with only 195g Crystal so as you suggest, around 5%. Fingers crossed. Hopefully I will start a new thread tonight with pics of my brew night!

[Russ]

Good Luck hope it turns out to be a belter!

[farmhousekeg]

My TTBB Brewnight can be seen here - viewtopic.php?f=24&t=27774