[Iliff Ave]

Hey Guys. I am looking for some basic direction on a simple blonde recipe. I am going for something crisp but with some sweetness. I am not sure yet but I will probably be adding zest, lemongrass, or something at the end of the boil to make it a bit more interesting. Any feedback?

85% two row
10% carapils
5% honey malt

14 g Centennial 60 min
14 g Centennial 10 min

OG 1.048
IBUs 22
US05 yeast

[Jimmy K]

I like it - I like simple. Make sure fermentation goes well, you have little to hide behind.

[blatz]

looks perfect to me!

[a10t2]

I know don't want it too dry, but 15% crystal malt in something this delicate seems like it would be overpowering to me. I'd cut both in half.

[Iliff Ave]

I know don't want it too dry, but 15% crystal malt in something this delicate seems like it would be overpowering to me. I'd cut both in half.

Good point. I always forget that honey malt is more or less crystal. I might leave the honey where it is and decrease the carapils...say 5% honey, 5% carapils? I know that isn't half...

[coastsidemike]

I know don't want it too dry, but 15% crystal malt in something this delicate seems like it would be overpowering to me. I'd cut both in half.

Good point. I always forget that honey malt is more or less crystal. I might leave the honey where it is and decrease the carapils...say 5% honey, 5% carapils? I know that isn't half...

I'm using 2% - 3% carapil.  I get the effect I'm wanting and don't see a need to use more, unless wanting a crazy silky IPA.  I target roughly a half pound per 5 gallon recipe and scale/adjust as needed.

What are you looking for regarding the Honey malt?

[Iliff Ave]

I know don't want it too dry, but 15% crystal malt in something this delicate seems like it would be overpowering to me. I'd cut both in half.

Good point. I always forget that honey malt is more or less crystal. I might leave the honey where it is and decrease the carapils...say 5% honey, 5% carapils? I know that isn't half...

I'm using 2% - 3% carapil.  I get the effect I'm wanting and don't see a need to use more, unless wanting a crazy silky IPA.  I target roughly a half pound per 5 gallon recipe and scale/adjust as needed.

What are you looking for regarding the Honey malt?

Honey flavor and sweetness

[coastsidemike]

Honey flavor and sweetness

I've not used that, anyone else?  A data-point is that I've had good results when pouring honey into the wort when the boil is done.  Chill to 180, mix it in, continue chilling.

[Jimmy K]

Honey flavor and sweetness

I've not used that, anyone else?  A data-point is that I've had good results when pouring honey into the wort when the boil is done.  Chill to 180, mix it in, continue chilling.

That will work fine but the honey is all fructose and glucose.  It will ferment out completely, might add flavor but shouldn't add sweetness at all.

[Iliff Ave]

Honey flavor and sweetness

I've not used that, anyone else?  A data-point is that I've had good results when pouring honey into the wort when the boil is done.  Chill to 180, mix it in, continue chilling.

That will work fine but the honey is all fructose and glucose.  It will ferment out completely, might add flavor but shouldn't add sweetness at all.

In my experience, honey malt works better than honey for imparting actual flavor and sweetness. 5% seems to be the perfect amount for me to get a nice influence that is not overpowering whatsoever.

[alcaponejunior]

I'm trying to develop a blonde ale for a house beer.  I'm on batch III and should be doing batch 4 soon. 

Complete details of all recipes here

Each so far has been with a different yeast as well (although on batch III that was because the HBS was out of US-05, lol).

Body wise I'm liking the addition of corn.  We'll see how batch III tastes, it had more corn.

[Iliff Ave]

So I have not brewed this yet and am kind of torn. I am thinking about going with this grain bill instead of the original one. Any feedback? When I don't brew soon enough, I tinker around way too much...

80% two row
10% white wheat
5% munich I
5% honey malt

14 g Centennial 60 min
14 g Centennial 10 min

OG 1.049
IBUs 22
SRM 5.1
US05 yeast

[The Professor]

So I have not brewed this yet and am kind of torn. I am thinking about going with this grain bill instead of the original one. Any feedback? When I don't brew soon enough, I tinker around way too much...

80% two row
10% white wheat
5% munich I
5% honey malt

14 g Centennial 60 min
14 g Centennial 10 min

OG 1.049
IBUs 22
SRM 5.1
US05 yeast

It looks good, but personally I think the original one was better.   I'm sure they'd both be good, but my money is on the original one being closer to what would be expected of a blonde ale (by me, anyway).  I like the simpler grain bill as well. 
You should really brew them both and compare.   Or at least brew the original to assess the result, and make changes for the next batch from there if needed.

[hoser]

I'd go:

90% 2-Row
5% wheat
5% honey malt

keep everything else the same.

Edit: And Simple

[euge]

You can get a lot of crispness from carbonation. I seem to remember the use of rice contributes to this quality as well.