Up next in the trio of my "spur-of-the-moment" collection of recipes is A Lil' What What! The idea behind this beer was to, quite frankly, take advantage of what I had on hand! Apparently, there was a miscalculation from the LHBS...and I was shorted a few POUNDS (ugh, yes, pounds!) of grain. This HAD been intended to be a wheat/IPA hybrid brew, but it has since been downgraded to American Pale Ale. Certainly could have been worse, but it is now definitely more of a quaffer than a bold beer. But anyway, I give to you:
A Lil' What What - brewed on: 3/31/12 - Malturop 2-Row: 4 lbs - Light Munich: 1 lb - Cara Vienne: 3 oz - Centennial pellets: 1 oz (.29 @ FWH, .333 @ 20 minutes) + (the rest for a 3 day dry hop ) - Ahtanum pellets: 1 oz (basically the same hop schedule) - Safale US-05
based on 72% efficiency at 2.75 gallons: OG 1.050 - IBU 38 - ABV 4.85%
actual: had a bit too much water left, still had 72% eff, but OG 1.048 - IBU 38 - ABV 4.75%
should be nice! I mashed on the lower end at 150° hoping for a slightly drier and crisper final beer. planning on a 2 week ferment, followed by a few days of dry hopping
dry hopped for 4 days - bottled on 4/18 taste at bottling was pleasing. citrusy and smooth hop flavor dominating, and the nose was nice as well
carb/condition through early May (9th or so)
first tester mid-late May
having a tough time getting a good picture for some reason! it is a more gold-orange in person, and with a proper pour it is surprisingly clear...I'll see what I can do. the fluffy white head slowly recedes into a thin layer, but it lingered all the way through the drink. the hops really jump out from this beer and hits your nose and taste buds with a grapefruit, pith, and slightly flowery/perfumey note at the end. it is quite smooth and dry on the palate as well, with just a hint of candy sweetness to it. definitely a refreshing and sessionable drink, as long as you enjoy these kinds of hops that is!
mid July update: finally got a beautiful picture! it is a gorgeous clear...oh hell, you can see it now!