[dbeechum]

Meh, did that once.. wasn't as impressed with the final product. It'll do in a pinch, but..

[denny]

Meh, did that once.. wasn't as impressed with the final product. It'll do in a pinch, but..

Agreed.  I've tasted maybe 5-6 versions of syrups that people have made.  None of them held a candle to the real thing.  Spend the money....it's worth it.

[garc_mall]

I made a dubbel using a homemade candy syrup. However, I used this method: http://ryanbrews.blogspot.com/2012/02/candy-syrup-right-way-hint-weve-been.html

I think it is a LOT closer than the other method, but I am still futzing with it to get the right flavors I want.

[majorvices]

Yeah I saw that recipe. I am too cheap to get the dark candi syrup. I may add more table sugar in attempt to account for that even though I know it probably is not an appropriate sub.

It's really not. Sure you'll match your strength, but the primary reason to use the dark candi syrups is because of the intense flavors that they provide. There's really no other way to get them.

Spring for the syrup once and you'll be shocked.

Plus eleventybillion

[majorvices]

Meh, did that once.. wasn't as impressed with the final product. It'll do in a pinch, but..

Agree but .... you can do some interesting things other than what is traditional. I once made a cinnamon candi syrup for a beer that turned out awesome. Thinking outside the box ... figs, maple, agave .... there is an endless way to make concentrated syrups. Doesn't always have to be traditional .... but if a traditional belgian dubbel or quad is what you are after there is just no substitute.

[redbeerman]

I've made dark syrup a couple of times, but the real thing does give a much more complex flavor profile IMO, so that's what I use now.  My LHBS carries it all the time now, so buying it is much less of a hassle than it used to be.

[snowtiger87]

I made a dubbel using a homemade candy syrup. However, I used this method: http://ryanbrews.blogspot.com/2012/02/candy-syrup-right-way-hint-weve-been.html

I think it is a LOT closer than the other method, but I am still futzing with it to get the right flavors I want.

Wow, that is quite a bit different. Thanks. I will have to try this method to see if I like the results more.