Great timing on this thread, as my next brew day is my third batch of a saison recipe I got from @AmandaK, and I have some of the same questions as Goschman. The recipe is pretty simple and I have loved it the first 2 times I brewed it:
9# Weyermann Pilsner
1# Weyermann Munich I
1oz Willamette to bitter
1oz Nelson @ 20
1oz Nelson @ Flameout
Originally just 3724, but will be using a blend of 3724 and 3711 per Jon's suggestion for this batch
OG: 1.051, IBUs: 48, SRM: 4.4, ABV: 5.8-6+ depending on how the blend does
For this batch, I am doubling the size to 10 gallons and then will split for secondary. Half will get 7.5# crushed and frozen blackberries and the other half will get some fresh picked garden Lemon Balm. I really have no reason to change the grist at all, as like I said, I have liked the brew both times so far. My questions are as follows:
1) With the secondary items, should I just go with the Willamette to bitter and skip the late and FO Nelson, or just possibly lower the amounts?
2) Any thoughts on how much fresh picked (like the day of transfer) Lemon balm to use for 5 gallons less transfer loss?
3) Would you change any of the hop varieties to help accentuate either the blackberries or the lemon balm? I have 20+# of random varieties on hand: I do have El Dorado, but no Lemon Drop. If its semi popular, I likely have some on hand
Anything anyone can offer would be great, thinking I should follow Jon's suggestion above to lower or eliminate the late hop additions, at least for the blackberry version, at least until anyone has a different thought.
Sorry to semi/fully highjack Goschman