Wychwood Scarecrow (Circlemaster)?

[ryser2k]

http://www.wychwood.co.uk/wychwood_circlemaster.htm

I'm trying to figure out how to duplicate this beer, which is an English Golden Pale Ale, but I'm a total amateur when it comes to recipes. The webpage says "Plumage Archer Barley Malt", which I have never heard of before... does anyone know a good, common substitute for it?

I figure if I can get close on the malt, I can guess at the hop amounts (says they use Target hops) and end up with a similar beer.

I'm going to try emailing the brewery to see if they'll impart any wisdom, but if you have any thoughts, please share.

Thanks!

 

[ryser2k]

I take it that no one has ever had this beer... that's why I want to make it, because it's so hard to get!

 

[Trencher]

Seems like a relatively popular question - did you get any answers?

 

[Danek]

I can't find many clues as to what properties Plumage Archer has. It's described as having "rich caramel flavours" [ http://www.eurobrews.com/duchy/Duchy .htm ] but seems to yield beers that are fairly pale / golden. It's also mentioned on [ http://www.buntingford-brewery.co.uk/ingredients.htm ]. Maybe Golden Promise would be a good substitute if you can get it, as it's also an organic English barley that would give a similar colour. Failing that, for want of anything more specific, I'd suggest Maris Otter (perhaps with a small amount of light Crystal?)

Apparently Plumage Archer was popular until the 1940s, but fell out of favour because it was less suited to mechanical farming. Which may be why Prince Charles is the only guy who grows it anymore.

 

[clemson55]

I've had it, dont really remember it well though it has been a while. Its not to hard to get around here though I have gotten it on a few different occasions.