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Vanilla Mild

Biscuity mild that I decided needed a bit of vanilla sweetness to balance, and was looking for something to lightly spice for a x-mas party.

Brewer: Christo Email: -
Beer: Vanilla Mild Style: English Dark Mild
Type: All grain Size: 5.8 gallons
Color:
26 HCU (~14 SRM)
Bitterness: 17 IBU
OG: 1.042 FG: 1.012
Alcohol: 3.9% v/v (3.1% w/w)
Water: Savannah tap (Munich profile)
Grain: 6 lb. 4 oz. British pale
8 oz. British crystal 50-60L
6 oz. British crystal 135-165L
2 oz. American chocolate
4 oz. American victory
4 oz. Dextrine malt (Cara-Pils)
Mash: 85% efficiency
Batch sparge 150°F, initally planned for 156F for more dextrinous wort, but got tired of fidgeting and added the carapils to boost body instead.
Boil: 60 minutes SG 1.036 6.8 gallons
IM at 15 minutes
Hops: .5 oz. Fuggles (5.1% AA, 60 min.)
.5 oz. Fuggles (5.1% AA, 30 min.)
Yeast: S-04
Log: Primary for 8 days at 72-74F (a bit of a warm spell hit). Secondary Add cut 1/2 vanilla bean in secondary for 1 week, temps around 68F.
Carbonation: Med-low carbonation
Tasting: Beer coming out of primary was relatively big on the Victory/biscuit (almost like a New Belgium beer or Magic Hat) plus a surprising nutty/chocolate note, though overall malt presence isn't sweet and is on the low end. Very low hop presence though paired with roasted grain presents a drying roasty finish. In the past usually mash between 156-158F to get a sweet dextrinous wort that provides a farily high FG and sweetness. This time I couldn't get the mash temp where I wanted so I added the carapils but did not end as sweet as with higher mash temp. So added vanilla bean - only a 1/2 as did not want to overpower the overall beer - and it added a hint of sweetness and subtle vanilla notes in the aroma. Still drying finish, but a hint more balance. Overall quite nice.

5 gal Kegged for a party and well-received, with remainder bottled with some peppermint - will report back on those later.

Recipe posted 12/06/10.