I got to thinking earlier that it's a shame I don't have enough to time to brew a commemorative "goodbye" beer for Glitch. But I figured I'd start working on a recipe anyway. What better way to remember?
Anyway, here's version 1.0 of Groddle's Bittersweet End. When I eventually brew and bottle this, the labels will have my avatar on 'em. With this recipe, I'm shooting for something with a moderate amount of bitterness (I don't like ultra-hoppy beers) while trying to retain a bit of residual sweetness. At the same time, I'm shooting for a mildly sour beer. I'd claim that it's because Glitch closing is leaving a sour taste in my mouth, but really I just like sour beers :)
If I had the time (i.e., an extra 6 months after 2ary fermentation), I'd also throw in a bacteria souring pack to really bring in the sourness. But I don't want to wait that long to drink it. Given holiday and budgetary concerns, I'll likely brew this (after refining the recipe a bit more) on Closing Day.
Groddle's Bittersweet End
Brewers: Devlogic and Lionheart Lass
Recipe Type: Extract with Specialty Grains
Batch Size: 5 US gallons
OG: 1.050
FG: 1.015
Color: 14° SRM
Bitterness: 24 IBU (tinseth)
Estimated ABV: 4.7%
Fermentables:
6 lbs amber liquid malt extract
1 lb CaraPils malt, for head retention
1 lb Crystal 75L for some flavor and more color
8 oz Crystal 120L for lots more color
6 oz acid malt to help fermentation and for a bit of a tang
Hops:
1 oz Fuggles hops (@60) for bitterness
1/2 oz East Kent Goldings (@15) for flavor
1/2 oz Tettnang hops (@5) for aroma
Yeast:
WLP005 American Ale for primary fermentation, 7 days
Brettanomyces Bruxellensis for secondary fermentation (~21-30 days or to taste)
Adjuncts: 1 tsp Irish Moss at 15 minutes (i.e., last 15 of the boil) for clarification. Feel free to substitute a whirlfloc tablet, or use post-ferment finings if that's more your style.
Bottling: bottle with 4.5 oz corn sugar (or keg & force-carbonate)