Saturday, August 14, 2010

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.