I've been working on a special brew for some time. You know how I like to experiment. I kept it a secret because it seemed so crazy. I finally perfected the recipe and decided to unveil it so you can try it too. If you do, please let me know your results.
It's called 'Oregon Grey'. I consider it a winter ale as it really brings out the beauty of the Oregon winter sky. However it is a cross between a German Schwarzbier and a Belgian Witbier so it could be enjoyed winter or summer. In summer you may see a slight blue cast when drinking outside instead of the classic grey.
The key to the special color is the correct proportion of the malts. This is what I usually use:
5 lb Weyermann Pilsner Malt
5 lb Flaked Wheat
15 oz Crisp Malted Oats (naked)
1 oz Weyermann Carafa Special III (dehusked)
You must use German Pilsner, Malted Oats (no flakes) and the 'Special' de-husked version of Carafa III to get the correct color to form. For some reason American Pilsner doesn't work. I expect it's because it is gown with too much Nitrogen.
I find it works with ale or lager yeast but you must lager it for at least 2 months for the gold pigments to settle out. I like to brew it like a Witbier and just add the right proportion of Carafa III.
If someone is interested I can post the Beersmith Recipe.
Enjoy!
Topic: 'Oregon Grey' Ale (Read 2608 times)
