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One Bitter ESB

This is my first batch - a customization of a kit that otherwise
intended that I use 8oz amber DME with 4 cups of sugar. Instead
of the sugar, I added a 3.3lb can of amber LME, plus I added
the EKG hops to supplement the 1oz cascade hops that were in the kit.
I intended to make an ESB, but I think its overhopped some - so its
a hybrid between a hoppy pale and the ESB. The 30 IBU measurement
seems to underestimate my perception of the bitterness of this beer.

Brewer: McConnell Email: talentforthemind@yahoo.com
Beer: One Bitter ESB Style: English Strong (Extra Special) Bitter
Type: Extract Size: 2.5 gallons
Color:
23 HCU (~13 SRM)
Bitterness: 30 IBU
OG: 1.058 FG: 1.017
Alcohol: 5.3% v/v (4.1% w/w)
Water: I used tap water, filtered through a tap-mounted PUR Plus filter.
(Philadelphia City water)
Boil: 60 minutes SG 1.193 .75 gallons
3.3 lb. Amber malt extract
8 oz. Amber dry malt extract
Nothing but malt extract and hop pellets.
Hops: 1 oz. Cascade (6% AA, 60 min.)
1 oz. Kent Goldings (6.9% AA, 60 min.)
.5 oz. Kent Goldings (6.9% AA, 10 min.)
.5 oz. Kent Goldings (aroma)
Yeast: 1 packet of Danstar London yeast
Log: Fermentation temp was in the low to mid 70's deg F (coolest I
could keep it). This created a fast fermentation - tremendous
activity and krausen within 6 hours. Everything stopped
within 36 hours. I bottled after 5 days with a FG of 1.017.
I added gelatin as a fining agent to the priming bucket.
Dry-hopped with 1/4oz Fuggles hops 18 hours prior to bottling.
Carbonation: 1.0 volumes Dried Malt Extract: 0.40 oz. for 2.4 gallons @ 71°F
I didn't follow the priming suggestion above - I added
5/8 cup light DME (boiled for 10 minuntes) to the priming
bucket. I estimated the final bottling volume at 2.4 gallons.
Tasting: Tasting the bottles at various times, sweetish smell with
only a little hop aroma. Early tastings: aroma was strong but
little overall flavor and no mouthfeel.
This gradually changed: the aroma lessened and the flavors blended
and the mouthfeel/perceived body improved.
At Day 10, carbonation is mild - no head, but some moderate lacing, with
bubbles visible in the beer. Flavor is like a bitter
ESB with less hop flavor than I'd hoped. Mouthfeel is coming
together and should improve greatly with another week of conditioning.
On a 5 point scale, my best objective rating is around 3 to 3.3.

Recipe posted 09/13/00.