Cream Ale Recipe - Macbrew Light

Recipe Info

Recipe Image

Macbrew Light

by on
All Grain
6 Gallon(s)
7.25 Gallon(s)
60 min
73%
Created this recipe to provide an alternative for those that don't care for the heavy, hoppy IPAs I've been brewing. At the same time, the goal isn't to create watery "Bud Light" clone. I wanted a bit of interesting flavors without overpowering hoppiness. Uses a healthy dose of carapils to add body and smoothness while attempting to keep a clean, light brew with some unique hop characters to balance the mostly two row base. Simple, yet interesting is the goal. Minimal ingredients with some character. This will end up above 5% ABV if you mash at 149 and shoot for maximum of 6 gals in fermenter. FG should be at or below 1.006. Keep the fermentation temps low and allow it to fully ferment in primary for 2 weeks. Leave in secondary for 1-2 weeks. bottle/keg conditioning at cool temps for 1 months for best results

Fermentables

80% - 2-Row - US
8
37
1
Mash
10% - Carapils - Dextrine Malt - US
1
33
1
Mash
10% - Flaked Rice - US
1
32
1
Mash

Hops

Saaz
0.5
Pellet
Boil
60 min(s)
3.8
6.4
Saaz
0.5
Pellet
Boil
45 min(s)
3.8
5.8
Willamette
0.5
Pellet
Boil
15 min(s)
5
4.1

Yeast

Fermentis Safale US-05
90%

Other Stuff

whirlfloc tablet
1
each
Boil

Mash Steps

Mash-Out
Decoction
149
60 min

Special Instructions

1.
mash at 149 for 60 mins
2.
raise to 170 to sparge out as usual to obtain 7.25 gals in pot
3.
60 min boil, with Whirlfloc tablet added at 10 mins.
4.
Ferment for 2 weeks at low end of US05 range (58-60F). Rack to secondary for 2 weeks before packaging

Tasting Notes (5)

mpt2222

Tasted on 6/4/2016 by mpt2222

Notes:

okay, this brew is getting worse with age. I don't recommend this recipe. It has an off flavor...kind of "rubbery". it has become more pronounced with time. not a good light beer, but hey, still better than bud light!

mpt2222

Tasted on 4/5/2016 by mpt2222

Notes:

even after several weeks of bottle conditioning, this is minimally carbonated. Not my best product. Not much backbone and could use some more bittering to balance the weak maltiness. Maybe with more carbonation it would be better. Oh well, still better than Bud Light!

mpt2222

Tasted on 3/19/2016 by mpt2222

Notes:

first minimally carbonated bottle tested. Drinkable with good flavor. Needs another week to fully carbonate, but ready to consume.

mpt2222

Tasted on 2/23/2016 by mpt2222

Notes:

Took second reading to confirm fermentation complete, and it dropped. Down to 1.004. Picked up a slight rubbery aftertaste but overall still a nice flavor. I think I have some chlorine in my tap water I need to start filtering. I'll leave this for a few more days, then rack to secondary for a few weeks to clear up before bottling.

mpt2222

Tasted on 2/20/2016 by mpt2222

Notes:

sampled after primary fermentation complete. Smooth character, even slightly sweet even though SG read 1.008 (lower than expected 1.011). Just enough hops to add some interesting notes without overpowering for those that aren't hop heads like I am. Should provide balance in the fridge with all the IPAs.

Comments

  • TimJK

    Which beer is this? "Okay, this brew is getting worse with age" lol!

    6/24/2016 10:44:11 AM
  • mpt2222

    this is the light beer I did before I adjusted the malt and hops to create the pilsner recipe, which ultimately was adapted for the Saison we did. I guess it served a purpose: had to start experimenting somewhere.

    7/13/2016 1:31:55 PM

Recipe Facts

Macbrew Light
Cream Ale
  • 6.00 Gallons Liters Batch Size
  • 7.25 Gallons Liters Boil Size
  • 60  min Boil Time
  • 1.044 OG
  • 1.004 FG
  • 16.3 IBU (tinseth) Bitterness
  • 0.37 BG:GU
  • 2.1° SRM Color
  • 73% Efficiency
  • 5.1% ABV Alcohol
  • 142 per 12oz Calories
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