Irish Red Tide Ale

Description:

An all grain Irish Red for a friend, but with hops of my choice.

Ingredients:

10 Lbs American 2-row
1/2 Lb Crystal 40
1/2 Lb Crystal 120
1/2 oz. Hallertau Hops
1 oz. Cascade Hops
Irish Ale Yeast WLP004

Mash:

60 mins - 158 degrees
Sparge - 168 degrees

Hop Schedule:

60 mins - 1/2 oz. Hallertau Hops
45 mins - 1/2 oz. Cascade Hops
5 mins - 1/2 oz. Cascade Hops

ABV:

Starting - 08/04/2010 - 1.052 SG - 0.0%

Racking - 08/21/2010 - 1.026 SG - 3.5%

Ending - 08/31/2010 - 1.022 SG - 4.0%

Notes:

Mistakes:
- I had a hard time maintaining a 158 degree mash, the temperature kept peaking over 162 degrees.
- The wort was boiling too rigorously when I added the second batch of Cascade Hops.
- The ale was still fermenting when I racked to secondary

Changes:
- Do not repeat mistakes.

- Irish Moss for clarity.

Tasting:

Color - A good red, maybe a bit browned by the high mash temperature.

Carbonation - Carbonation was real low, it was a good 6+ weeks in a bottle before it seemed well aged.

Clarity - Was a bit cloudy from pour.

Aroma - Sweet ale.

Mouthfeel - Excellent body and silky texture.

Flavor - Fairly sweet flavor.

Finish - Finish was that of a slightly sweet, light ale.