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(Bronze medal at Mayfaire competition) Beyond the Pale

This is my first try at a Belgian pale ale. It has a very pretty, almost glowing gold/amber color. Nice bready maltiness with soft phenolic balance from the yeast... just the right amount of hops. Worthy of a bronze medal in my book!

Brewer: Matthew R. Email: mathstew@gmail.com
Beer: (Bronze medal at Mayfaire competition) Beyond the Pale Style: Belgian Pale Ale
Type: All grain Size: 5.5 gallons
Color:
16 HCU (~10 SRM)
Bitterness: 31 IBU
OG: 1.047 FG: 1.008
Alcohol: 5.0% v/v (3.9% w/w)
Water: Purified municipal.
Grain: 4.5 lb. Belgian Pilsner
3 lb. German light munich
1 lb. Belgian aromatic
4 oz. Belgian CaraMunich
.5 lb. Wheat malt
.5 lb. American 2-row
Mash: 68% efficiency
Stepped infusion mash. Initial water/grain ratio of 1 qt/lb. Ten minute protein rest at 122F, then upped the temp to 154F for 60 mins.
Boil: 90 minutes SG 1.032 8 gallons
3.375 oz. Brown sugar
3.63 oz. Cane sugar
Wirfloc tabs at 20 minutes, 1/2 tsp yeast nutrient at 5 minutes, fresh zest of 2 oranges and 1/2 oz cracked coriander at 5 minutes.
Hops: .5 oz. Northern Brewer (8.9% AA, 90 min.)
.75 oz. Saaz (2% AA, 90 min.)
1.25 oz. Saaz (2% AA, 15 min.)
1 oz. 1/2 oz crushed coriander (5 min.)
1 oz. zest of 2 oranges (5 min.)
Yeast: WLP 550, one quart starter, one day old.
Log: Brewed on 1/7/10.
Carbonation: 2.0 volumes Keg: 9.0 psi @ 45°F
Tasting: Great beer -- next time I'll reduce the sugar by half or leave it out entirely, and scrap the 2-row for an all-Belgian product.

Recipe posted 04/26/10.