h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

June 10, 2005

Ginger Honey Lager

Ingredients

3-1/2 lb Munton's Extra Light Dry Malt Extract
2-1/2 lb Clover Honey
2 oz Saaz Hops (boiling)
1/2 oz Cascasde Hops (aroma)
2-1/4 oz Fresh Ginger Root
Wyeast #2112XL California Lager Yeast

This is the brewster's third batch. It is unique because of the amount of honey used, exceeding the recommended maximum amount of 30%. Very light in color and body, this batch should ferment slowly over time. Although, it is not a true lager because lower temperatures will not be reached during later fermentation.

Boiling Times

60 minutes
- Malt Extract
- Honey
- Saaz Hops (plug)
30 minutes
- Ginger Root (skinned and grated)
15 minutes
- Irish Moss
3 minutes
- Cascade Hops (pellet)

Specific gravity - 1.032

Secondary transfer will take place after six days and then another two weeks or so will go by before bottling. The hope is to have a very light beer with a slightly higher alcohol content. Hop taste will be mild, but the ginger taste should have a strong presence.

Cheers!

June 16, 2005

Transfer to secondary

Specific gravity - 1.000

I have achieved...water. Nuff said.

Cheers!

July 10, 2005

Kegging Date

This marks the first time I've attempted kegging, and it went very well. Also filled a 22 oz bottle to taste before the actual Folk Fest.

Specific gravity - 1.000

A full 5 oz of sugar was used for natural priming. Opinions vary on this, but I went with the advise of somebody I trust. After sealing up the keg (using keg lube), I pressurized it at 4 lb of CO2 pressure. Air pressure was let off and CO2 pressure reintroduced several times to remove all air.

I think that I'm going to like kegging!

Cheers!

Keg was pressurized at 4 lb of pressure. I was told that 8-10 may be a better amount. I think that I'll reconnect the CO2 and take it up to 8 lb.

An Objective Observer's Review of Doran's Ginger Honey Lager...

Mmmmmmm, now this was different! And that is a true complement. What an interesting texture and taste. What I was tasting from this experiment in light beers designed for 4 day of camping under the hot summer sun in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, was one of tang, light body (as was planned) and ginger ale soda quality with a mild carbonated twist. What I am talking about here is a beer that can be consumed rapidly if needed, though I suggest enjoying this most amazing recipe, if one is in great thirst. Quenching, tasty, and completely satisfying, the honey sweetness and mild alcohalic content allow for the light, non filling sensation of enjoying a fascinating pint with absolutley no subconscious inhibitions about calories, morning sickness, and bad head aches.

Another brilliant concoction from two of the finest brewer's on the East Coast. Cheers!

I can't but wait to taste my attempt at this fine and satisfying light ale.

So I kegged this guy this morning, and damn, the flavor just awakened me from a coma!