saxman1036
Well-Known Member
I was asking some guys at my LHBS about methods for reaching target gravity for a brew. I know that in anticipating low efficiency with all-grain (especially with big beers) one can simply mash more grain, boil down until you reach the desired OG, etc.
However, my thoughts on this are specifically looking at different extracts to add. For example, when asking the guys about my circumstance (brewing a black ipa), they couldn't really agree on what I should add to reach my target gravity. One said straight corn sugar, but another disagreed and said that it wouldn't add enough body to a beer like that so he suggested using extra light DME. I then asked, "well if adding body or an equivalent flavor profile to the beer is the focus, why don't I add dark DME? After all, that's the type of extra that the equivalent extract kit uses." Neither of them liked this very much, saying that wouldn't be necessary.
This seems to contradict that I expected. To me, anything short of 100% efficiency from the mash would demand an extract that matches the color and flavor profile of the mash itself (since that's what your accommodating for). In other words, if I'm brewing a cream ale then perhaps adding extra light DME will do the trick, but if I'm brewing an imperial stout a dark DME would be the most appropriate addition.
Any thoughts on this? Does matching the color or flavor profile of your beer with an equivalent DME matter, or should I just keep plenty of corn sugar on hand?
Thanks in advance!
However, my thoughts on this are specifically looking at different extracts to add. For example, when asking the guys about my circumstance (brewing a black ipa), they couldn't really agree on what I should add to reach my target gravity. One said straight corn sugar, but another disagreed and said that it wouldn't add enough body to a beer like that so he suggested using extra light DME. I then asked, "well if adding body or an equivalent flavor profile to the beer is the focus, why don't I add dark DME? After all, that's the type of extra that the equivalent extract kit uses." Neither of them liked this very much, saying that wouldn't be necessary.
This seems to contradict that I expected. To me, anything short of 100% efficiency from the mash would demand an extract that matches the color and flavor profile of the mash itself (since that's what your accommodating for). In other words, if I'm brewing a cream ale then perhaps adding extra light DME will do the trick, but if I'm brewing an imperial stout a dark DME would be the most appropriate addition.
Any thoughts on this? Does matching the color or flavor profile of your beer with an equivalent DME matter, or should I just keep plenty of corn sugar on hand?
Thanks in advance!