[uslackr]

Have you seen the AHA Barleywine recipe for Big Brew day?  The recipe lists grain at "vorlauf" as well as at mashing time.  In a year of AG brewing, I've never seen this before.  What is the idea behind this?

[morticaixavier]

they are adding the dark grains at vorlauf to avoid the mash pH impact that those grains would have. they don't need to convert so they don't need to be there for the whole mash.

you can also just account for them and adjust your mash pH.

[toby]

they are adding the dark grains at vorlauf to avoid the mash pH impact that those grains would have. they don't need to convert so they don't need to be there for the whole mash.

you can also just account for them and adjust your mash pH.

Just to add to this... Yeah, they're speficially stating that they're using RO with set brewing salt and acid additions.  The crystals and dark grains aren't getting added until the end of the mash purely for color (they're effectively becoming steeping grains).  You would need to run both sets of numbers through some sort of calculator if you were going to try and use tap water to know your pH and mineral additions in comparison with the recipe.

[69franx]

Is it just me, or does it seem like a complicated grain bill? Jonathan, I know you have talked about making an all MO barleywine, and I have just done the same recently. This recipe has 7 different grains in it, 2 of which are only 2 ounces. Just seems overly complicated for a Big Brew day meant to draw in newer brewers and people potentially interested in the hobby... just my .02

[morticaixavier]

I agree, I was thinking the same thing. some people do like the complex grain bills.

[HoosierBrew]

+2.  I like a simpler grist for barleywines (and most beers, for that matter).

[wmbolling]

Hi all -

The Big Brew recipes this year are taken directly from Gordon Strong's upcoming Modern Homebrew Recipes book. We have heard your concerns on the complicated grain bill, though. If you are looking for a simpler barleywine recipe to brew on May 2, feel free to search the website for past Big Brew recipes!

http://wiki.homebrewersassociation.org/AHABigBrew

Thanks!
Matt Bolling
AHA Events & Membership Coordinator

[morticaixavier]

we're just being our normal nit-picky selves Matt. No offense meant on my part.

[HoosierBrew]

we're just being our normal nit-picky selves Matt. No offense meant on my part.

Same here, Matt. We appreciate everything you do, for Big Brew Day and otherwise.

[wmbolling]

None taken! Just thought I would offer an alternative! Cheers!

[69franx]

Same with me Matt, just an observation. I really enjoyed the split open and melt from last year

[The10mmKid]

Anyone think this would be a good BarleyWine for oaking?

'da Kid

[morticaixavier]

Anyone think this would be a good BarleyWine for oaking?

'da Kid

sure. I've never met a barelywine that wouldn't.

[onebarrel]

I usually make a barley wine at least once a year, and it is usually is a very simple grain bill.
I do a single infusion mash and only use the first run wort for the barley wine. I will then cap that mash with some extra grain which sometimes includes dark grains to make a small beer with the second run wort somewhere in the 1040 range.

[The10mmKid]

Transferred my Big Brewday Barleywine to secondary today with a Medium+ oak spiral which had been soaking in Knob Creek.

The SG measured 1.017

Should I be worried about it being too 'thin'?
Thanks