Ace of Spades

[JoKing]

This weekend, I had planned to brew another West Coat Blonde Ale - however there were many things to consider last night while I was dreaming of brewing. It was my 1st brew for a whole fortnight... so I was rather excited. Firstly, I had been down to
White Cliffs Brewery to pick up some lager yeast for
Mike Nielson after a short discussion about what yeast he should use in a recipe he was planning to brew. To make sure the yeast was clean - I made a 1 liter starter (stirplate) with a coopers lager kit to 1.045. I had intended to use this pitch of yeast for the Blonde... but it was waring on my mind. Then, I was contemplating my current levels of stock and cross referencing my planned brews. I realised a possible clash. This is my Celebration Ale I'm planning to brew shortly and the fact that it needs 7.5 kilos of Golden Promise: the malt I have been using in my delicious Blonde Ales. I only had about 11 kilos left in the sack - and the Blonde needs 5 of them, leaving me with a probable shortfall. I was getting restless in my attempts to sleep. Finally the straw that broke the Blondes back was that I was feeling too stingey to spend more of my precious Simcoe hops in another brew. I had planned to use Nugget in the Blonde and was worrying that it wouldn't work. I decided "Fuck it". If I am going to recommend that Mike use WyEast 2112 for the dark beer he was planning, I'd put my money where my mouth is and #4 at Hallertau was tasting Oh so good last week. I could definatelty do with a keg of that in my keggorator of death next month. I got out of bed and formulated the following recipe:

Ace of Spades. 4.5kg Bohemian Pilsener Malt 0.4kg Vienna Malt 0.23kg CaraFa Special III 12g Nugget 11.6% 60mins 19g Nugget 11.6% 20mins 19g Nugget 11.6% 0mins .2g Servomyces 15min .8g Carageenan 15min WyEast 2112 @ 15 degrees. OG 1051 FG 1012 I'm taking a risk with using the Nugget in this brew. I hopped it a bit out of style to 34 IBU - but it shouldn't be too unpalatable if it finishes at my estimated 1.012. The brew day was eventless - just gave me plenty of time to play on the realbeer website. I though I'd put the wort after I tested in an espresso cup as I presume it will be appropriate glassware for the Schwartzbier to be served in. Cheers.

[JoKing]

Good Afternoon from the Sunny 'Naki.

I'm feeling pretty happy this afternoon after a long drive from the land of A, and arriving to 2 brews ready to keg. I got stuck straight in and kegged the "Ace of Spades" and had a taste test of the ancarbed brew. It has a soft bready nose with a touch of raisin and espresso. There is a black berry type of aroma from the hops - this is good. The mouthfeel is full and outstanding - flavour explodes on the palate. Hints of espresso with soft malty backup and a balance towards sweet finishes the experience. The aftertaste is pleasant milk chocolate.

I cant wait to see how this fares when she's fizzy.

[JoKing]

Tastin spot on - with a hint of cherry in there too: a nice surprise.

[Martin Bridges]

Mate, that looks bloody gorgeous!

[JoKing]

I have a glass with your name on it mate!

[James P]

I had this one last night, and I got a hint of bubblegum on the nose from this one. Weak coffee flavour coming through with medium body. Nice easy drinker, not much in the way of carbonation.

Could have done with a second bottle as I think I'm coming down with a cold as have had a headache all weekend.

[JoKing]

Bummer - this must have been poor bottling practice on my part - the carbonation from the keg is quite high... may explain some of the off flavours you describe. I can send you another one if you like!

[Mike Neilson]

No bubblegum with mine and mine was carbed up to I reacon 2 vols. Great beer I could of done with a few more also!!

[James P]

I'm guessing it is my cold, as my pilsner is giving me my normal "feeling".

[Peter Smith]

Its getting cold - lager time - I am sitting here drinking a mac's black thinking....   did a quick search and found this thread -  a blast from the past....    and a use for my lager yeast.