Brewing Projects

2008 Iron Brewer Results

Details

Written by Brad Jones

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!!!! UPDATED ON 2/18/09.  THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED AND TO THE PRIZE DONTORS  !!!!

In the spirit of the Food Network’s "Iron Chef" TV show, we would like to invite you to participate in the WHALES club’s first annual Iron Brewer Challenge! The Iron Brewer Challenge will test your recipe creativity and brewing skills like no other competition ever has before!

Overview:

Each brewer will pick from a hat an "Iron Brewer Group Letter". Each group letter will have 3 yeast choices and 6 special ingredient choices. Each brewer will then select one yeast strain and one or more of the special ingredients to be used in their brew. When everyone’s yeast and special ingredient choice(s) have been made, we will announce what the grain bill is and distribute the grain accordingly. Hop type and quantity used are the brewer’s choice . Brewers may brew in teams, on their own, at the Big Brew, whatever you like! At the January 2009 club meeting, all of the entries will be judged according to BJCP base style guidelines and the first annual Iron Brewer Challenge winner will be cro wned and awards/prizes will be given out!

Rules:

1. Brewers must use all of the grain they are given and only this grain. Batch size and OG are the brewer’s choice.
2. Brewers may "modify" the grain or the special ingredient(s) but can not add anything extra to them.
3. Brewers must supply and use the yeast strain they have selected. No other yeast strains may be used.
4. Brewers must supply and use the special ingredient(s) they have selected. Brewers must use enough of the special ingredient(s) for it to be detectable in their brew. No other special ingredient(s) may be used.
5. Brewers must supply and use whatever hops they like. The hop type and quantity are the brewer’s choice.
6. Irish moss, clarifying agents, water treatments, yeast nutrient, rice hulls (for sparging) and priming sugar (for bottling only, not to supplement the recipe) may be used in the brew.

Judging will take place at the February 2009 club meeting. A couple of weeks before the meeting, I’ll collect from everyone a minimum of 36 ounces (three 12 oz. or two 22 oz. bottles) of their brew for judging. Brewers must chose a BJCP base style and provide a written copy of their recipe including their special ingredient(s) choice and any other relevant brewing details.

Please let me know as soon as possible if you are interested in participating in the challenge. We are utilizing grain purchased from Bobby’s bulk grain order and are asking $15 for each 5 gallon batch entry. We will also try to organize a bulk yeast purchase from a LHBS, see me for details. All funds collected will be used to cover the cost of the grain and the awards/prizes that are given out. Please feel free to e-mail me anytime at " This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. " with any questions or concerns.

The Iron Brewer Challenge - Grain Bill Information

Percent Amount Name Origin Potential SRM

62.7 %           6.0 lbs 10 oz        Pale Malt (2-row)          Great Britain        38.00              3

27.2 %           2.0 lbs 14 oz        Wheat Malt                    Germany              39.00              2

4.1 %             7.0 oz                    Aromatic Malt               Belgium                36.00              25

3.6 %             6.0 oz                    Crystal 105L                 Great Britain        33.00              105

2.4 %             4.0 oz                    Special Roast Malt      America               33.00              40

Batch Size (Gal):   7.00                    Anticipated OG:   1.043                   Anticipated SRM:   8.3

Batch Size (Gal):   6.00                    Anticipated OG:   1.050                   Anticipated SRM:   9.2

Batch Size (Gal):   5.00                    Anticipated OG:   1.060                   Anticipated SRM:   10.4

Batch Size (Gal):   4.00                    Anticipated OG:   1.075                   Anticipated SRM:   12.2

Batch Size (Gal):   3.00                    Anticipated OG:   1.100                   Anticipated SRM:   14.8

Anticipated OG and SRM are based on a brew house efficiency of 75 % so your actual OG may be higher or lower than listed above depending on your specific crush, water chemistry, mash profile, boil time, etc.

Please keep in mind that even though the grain bill is the exact same for everyone, that doesn't mean the original gravity, color, or overall flavor profile has to be the same for everyone. The whole idea behind the Iron Brewer Challenge is to get everyone out of their comfort zone and to brew something really creative. How creative can you be?

Have you always wanted to try kilning or smoking your own grain? Brown, Porter, or Rauchbier anyone? What happens if you let your mash rest for 3 days at 100 degrees before you boil it? Berliner Weiss anyone? There are just about no limits to what you can do with a relatively simple grain bill, some special ingredients, and an extremely creative brewer. Just ask Sam Caligione of Dogfish Head how brewing outside of the box is working for him.

In the end, be creative, take some chances, relax, don't worry, and well, you know the rest. Have fun and the beer will take care of itself. As always, please feel free to e-mail me anytime at " This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. " with any questions or concerns.

!!!  UPDATED ON 2/18/09.  THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED AND TO THE PRIZE DONTORS  !!!!

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