Trying for a Bass like brew.

[Beer O'Clock]

Like the title says, I am after a Bass like bew. This is what I have so far,

Recipe Specs:
Original Gravity 1.042
Final Gravity 1.011
Colour (SRM / EBC) 17.6 / 34.6
Bitterness 24.9 IBU
Alcohol by Volume 4.0%
Brew Length 23.0 Litres

Fermentables:
Golden Promise Malt 78.05 % 3.20Kg
Crystal 12.20 % 0.50Kg
Torrified Wheat 7.32 % 0.30Kg
Black Malt 2.44 % 0.10Kg

Hops:
Challenger 8.4%AA 20.00g Boil 90 mins
East Kent Golding 7.4%AA 20.00g Boil 10 mins

Additions:
Gypsum 10.00g Mash 0 mins
Protofloc 5.00g Boil 15 mins

Yeast:
Safale S-04
90.0 min 66.0 °C

Any suggestions as to how to get close to the basic style ?

[Dennis King]

Might be wrong but I thought Bass used northdown.

[Beer O'Clock]

According to GW (I think ?), it's Challenger.
I added the EKG to add a bit of dimension to the hops but I have yet to finalise my brew.
Hence, posting it here.

[Dennis King]

I brewed it from Grahams 2nd edition that uses northdown so maybe they have changed it in recent years.

[Beer O'Clock]

As it's mostly for bittering (same IBU), would there be massive flavour difference between them ?

[Dennis King]

I`ve always found them simular and use both regular. IMO northdown have a richer taste.

[Beer O'Clock]

Note to self: Northdown on the next shopping list.

Thanks Dennis.

[aceuass]

Here is the Bass clone out of BYO
7lb pale
2lb flaked maize
1lb crystal 60
21g roasted barley
25g Northern Brewer 60
6.3g Northern Brewer 15
WLP023
It was noted that Bass use Challenger and Northdown but this recipe says the Northern brewer captures the minty flavour and aroma
Have not attempted so cant comment
Cheers
Paul

[smdjoachim]

You must use WLP 23, the Burton yeast to get the best results

[boingy]

Dave Line has got Fuggles and Goldings in the boil, Goldings at flame out and then more Goldings for dry hopping...

[Dennis King]

The home brewers real ale data base, which is not a recipe book but is just a fairly comprehensive list of ingredient in commercial beers, also states Northdown. Personally I don`t ever remember seeing northdown available before the early 80`s which is after DL`s book was written, not unusual for brewers to change hops.

[Manx Guy]

Intersting...
I've seen recipes (inc. GW's 3rd edition BYOBRA) that list Challenger... But IMHO Northdown has a more fruity and spicey flavour - which I like... Dont get me wrong I like Challenger but I'm a fan of ND for sure...
In fact I'm doing a summer pale ale next week using it for bittering and Goldings for aroma with a 90.5% Pale and 9.5% wheat grist to get about 7-8 EBC and 30 IBU...

Should be nice summer drink!
Back to the OP I would certainly give your recipe a go and maybe try it again with ND and see which you prefer!



Guy

[Dennis King]

Like you MG I`m a fan of both, very little difference. But when I brewed the recipe from Grahams 2nd edition several years ago I thought it was a very good likeness.

[Beer O'Clock]

Cheers everyone. Plenty of food for thought.
I will probably use Challenger this time (as I have some) then try it with Northdown next.

There also seems to be some variation in the grains for the recipe. With what I have chosen, will the result get somewhere close ?
Any suggestions ?