I first brewed this RIS as an extract brew about 15 years ago and it proved very popular with my friends. More recently I have been brewing a variant every Winter. The bourbon barrel flavoring are a fairly new addition in the last two years.
My target batch size is usually 5.5 gallons into the primary, but my mashing setup is pushed to the limit by the amount of grain in this recipe and to get an appropriate OG I needed to cut the water slightly since I couldn't handle any more grain in my lauter tun. I think I prefer this beer stronger and may try a smaller batch with higher OG next time.
In the previous batch I used a medium toast french oak cube instead of the heavy toast american oak chips for marinating in bourbon. The heavy toast chips impart a much stronger flavor, but I think I preferred the subtle oak of the medium toast.
Fermentables
77% - Pale 2-Row - US
12
37
1
Mash
19% - Crystal 70L - UK
3
34
70
Mash
2% - Black Patent Malt - UK
0.25
25
500
Mash
2% - Roasted Barley - UK
0.25
29
550
Mash
Hops
Chinook
2
Leaf
Boil
60 min(s)
13
62.2
Fuggles
1
Pellet
FlameOut
0 min(s)
4.8
0.0
Yeast
Fermentis Safbrew S-33
74%
Other Stuff
Gypsum
1
tsp
Boil
Mash Steps
Acid Rest
Direct Heat
104
20 min
Beta-Glucan Rest
Direct Heat
140
30 min
Saccharification Rest
Direct Heat
158
30 min
Mash-Out
Direct Heat
170
0 min
Special Instructions
1.Soak 2 Oz of heavy toast american oak chips in bourbon for 2 weeks before brewing
2.Add the oak chips and bourbon to the fermentor when racking to the secondary
This batch came out pretty good, but was not my best variant. The toasted oak and bourbon was easily detectable but not overpowering. It was a little thin on color and could use some more darker malt next time. The head was thick, firm and lingered for quite awhile. I think this would also benefit from higher alcohol content next time.
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