Any recomendations for a 'not bitter' summer ale?

[Kev888]

I normally break out the IPA-style brews for summer (and have got a stout on the go for the evenings, too) but I've a couple of friends who aren't such hop-heads that I'm trying to find something different to suit.

I'm imagining something light and mid-strength, not bitter but not lacking in summer flavour either... After that I'm running out of inspiration (though possibly I may try some citra in a gently malty brew in the hope of sweet and fruity rather than bitter hoppiness).

Anyone tried anything good that could fit the bill?

Cheers
kev

[micmacmoc]

The elderflowers are already out here, why not a golden ale with a bunch of elderflowers added at the end? Got to make sure they're sweet smelling or you get cat piss ale rather than that clean summer smell!

[Kev888]

I'd not even thought of that, thanks for the suggestion. Yes i know what you mean about cats piss from my wine making days - that should definately be avoided, it would put them off my beer for good!

Cheers
kev

[pas8280]

Elderflower and first gold very tasty summer brew

[GARYSMIFF]

is a Wheat beer an option?

[micmacmoc]

Yeah, wheat. I did 50/50 wheat with coriander and orange peel, hallertauers to 20ish ibu. was most refreshing, i liked the wb06 yeast much better than the munich.
Heres a version of 'golden champion'

mo 5000
crystal 150

fuggle/challenger 90 mins 30 ibu

chall 15g flame out
elderflowers 30g

made a lovely summer drink, perhaps a little hoppy for the non ale folks but if its chilled (sacrilidge!) ITS A BELTER.

[Rookie]

I normally break out the IPA-style brews for summer (and have got a stout on the go for the evenings, too) but I've a couple of friends who aren't such hop-heads that I'm trying to find something different to suit.

I'm imagining something light and mid-strength, not bitter but not lacking in summer flavour either... After that I'm running out of inspiration (though possibly I may try some citra in a gently malty brew in the hope of sweet and fruity rather than bitter hoppiness).

Anyone tried anything good that could fit the bill?

Cheers
kev

Maybe the problem isn't the amount of hoppiness but the type. My son-in-law doesn't like hoppy beers either, but he thinks of large amounts of cascades when he thinks really hoppy. Last year I brewed a fairly hoppy alt (low 40s) with spalt and vanguard and he really likes it.

[Kev888]

Crikey, thanks for all the suggestions! Think I may have to try two then; one with elderflowers and a less bitter/typical type of hop and also a wheat beer perhaps with elderflowers too - neither of which I've done before but both sound like they could hit the nail on the head!

Cheers
kev

[Scotty]

I would probably use lager malt as an only malt and hop with first gold. Notts/Gervin if using dried yeast to allow the hop flavours to come through.

[Kev888]

Another vote for first gold there, then. Thanks!

Cheers
kev

[Scotty]

Have you tried Citra yet Kev? Will give a nice grapefruit taste for that summer feeling.

First Gold, although slightly spicy will give a more british ale feel.

[Kev888]

No I've not tried it yet, though I got some in so will be doing quite shortly. Actually as i've not got any first gold it may be worth having a go with the Citra instead to start with - it may also be different enough from traditional british hoppiness that they'll like it more too.

Okay, so thats a citra, elderflower wheat beer then... Its a bit out of my usual preference, and in fact comfort zone, but I seem to recall drinking some fruity wheat beer in the past (blonde or something) which was rather refreshing so could well have some mileage in it!

Cheers
kev

[Scotty]

Okay, so thats a citra, elderflower wheat beer then... Its a bit out of my usual preference, and in fact comfort zone, but I seem to recall drinking some fruity wheat beer in the past (blonde or something) which was rather refreshing so could well have some mileage in it!

Anything is worth a punt in my view. What's the smallest brewlength you can do, just incase it turns into drain cleaner?

[pas8280]

Citra is really nice but its taste overpowers more or less everything else ,so it would mask the elderflower taste alltogether i would do all citra IMO
The idea of a Citra wheat beer is appealing mmm yes i think i will have a go at that one

[Kev888]

Anything is worth a punt in my view. What's the smallest brewlength you can do, just incase it turns into drain cleaner?

Hmm, yes - for better or worse think I'm going to enjoy this; been meaning to start doing more experimenting for a while now. I've not yet resurected my old setup for stuff like this though, so probably the minimum brew length is a two-cornie one at the mo, but I'd probably drink it even if it didn't turn out well enough to offer to friends. Or if it was too good

Citra is really nice but its taste overpowers more or less everything else ,so it would mask the elderflower taste alltogether i would do all citra IMO
The idea of a Citra wheat beer is appealing mmm yes i think i will have a go at that one

Thats good to know, many thanks; I'm new to citra and didn't realise it was quite that strong. I'm definately going to try the citra wheat beer but maybe I'll split it and do a separate elderflower version, then. If I wheel out the old burco I should be able to boil quite small batches.

Just need to wait for the stout to vacate my fermenting cupboard. Happy days

Cheers
Kev