Why Not?

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This beer is intended to be a high ABV, but light lager. I am having fun with my second fermenter and this is the chance to experiment a little. I am looking for a clear and light body beer that has a little behind the scenes kick. Something that is light and refreshing but with ABV that sneaks up on you because...why not?

Target OG 1.070

Actual OG 1.071

Target FG 1.009

Actual FG 1.020

Target ABV 8.0%

Actual ABV 6.9%

IBU 22

SRM 4.3

Ingredients

Malts

6 lbs Great Western Superior Pilsen Malt

5 lbs Great Western Pale Ale Malt

0.5 lbs Carapils Malt

2 lb Corn Sugar

Hops

0.75 oz Hallertau Mittelfrüh Hops (4.5% AA) - 0 minutes

2 oz Hallertau Mittelfrüh Hops (4.5% AA) - 50 minutes

Yeast

1 vial of harvested WLP800 Pilsner Lager Yeast

Brewing Instructions

1. Add 8.85 gallons of strike water to the kettle

2. Add one campden tablet (crushed)

3. Measure out 5.25 gallons for first infusion

4. Heat 5.25 gallons of strike water to 160°F

5. Add 5.25 gallons of water to the mash tun

6. Add all grains to mash tun and confirm temperature of 148°F

7. While steeping, heat 3.6 gallons of water to 171°F for lautering

8. Extract first runnings into boil kettle

9. Add 3.6 gallons water and wait 10 minutes

10. Extract second runnings into boil kettle

11. Total wort volume should be 7.1 gallons

12. Add 15 drops FermCap to reduce foaming

13. Bring water to a boil and wait for the hot break

14. Begin boil

15. At 0 minutes, add 0.75 oz Hallertau Mittelfrüh hops

16. At 45 minutes, add one tablet Whirlfloc

17. At 45 minutes, add 2 lbs corn sugar

18. At 50 minutes, add 1/2 tsp yeast nutrient

19. At 50 minutes, add 2 oz Hallertau Mittelfrüh hops

20. At 60 minutes, chill the wort to approx. 65°F

21. Aerate with pure oxygen for 1 minute

22. Move to the primary fermenter (5.75 gallons)

23. Pitch yeast from yeast starter

24. Ferment at 52°F for 14 days

25. Ferment at 60°F for 4 days (diacetyl rest)

26. Lower the temp by 3°F/day until 34°F and lager for 10 days

27. Move to keg and lager for 2 weeks at 34°F

28. Force carbonate

Starter & Notes

Boil 7 oz DME in 3 L of water for 10 minutes

Let cool to 68°F

Pitch harvested WLP800

Start stir plate

OSTENTATIOUS BREWING