[dean]

Okay I'm trying a Belgian, have a look, any suggestions?  This will be my first.

This is for a 5.5 gallon batch and I'm getting terrible efficiency around 63% on my last brew so I've pumped up the grains.  Shooting for an OG of 1.080, boil volume 7.25.

9# American Pils
6# German Vienna
2# Rye
1.5# Sugar
.25# Special B

.75 oz Target for 60m  pellet
1 oz Strisselspalt 15m  pellet
1 oz Strisselspalt at knockout   pellet

Mash for 60+ and boil for 90

WY3724 from a 3000 ml starter ferment at 70F

[dean]

Do you think the rye would give it too much mouthfeel... too spicy maybe? 

[denny]

For my tastes, I'm not sure how the rye and the 3724 would go together.  The spicy phenolics of the yeast might conflict wqith the rye.  But that's me....could be perfect for you.

[dean]

Originally I was not going to use the rye, but I have some rye and thought I it might add a little color and zestiness to it.  I'd like to read some more opinions on it.  Considering my mash ph is so high right now I might be better off using some dark malts instead but I'm not sure about using any roasted grains in a Belgian?

[bluesman]

What kind of sugar are you planning to use. I use dark candy syrup that works really well with a Dubbel.

[denny]

Have you used that yeast before?  It's got a lot of character.  I'd plan my other ingredients around the flavor profile of the yeast.

[dean]

Bluesman, I'm planning on using cane sugar,thats all I've got in sugars, or I could use some wildflower honey.  I was thinking dark malts to help lower the ph.  I'm not sure about crystal malts doing the trick and it would probably take too much roasted malts also.  The last batch I kinda panic'd on added "about" 3 oz of pale chocolate and an oz of roasted barley trying to lower the ph... didn't do squat hardly except it smells like a great cup of java.    I also tried a tablespoon of lactic acid in the mash, it did lower the ph "temporarily".  Its definitely going to be a suprise when I drink it.    But the centennial hop aroma was amazing.... maybe the only bright spot in the brew day.    

Denny, I've never used 3724 or any Belgian yeast yet.  I just picked it because the description said it threw a lot of fruity esters.  But I've read a few posts that indicate differently?

[denny]

Denny, I've never used 3724 or any Belgian yeast yet.  I just picked it because the description said it threw a lot of fruity esters.  But I've read a few posts that indicate differently?

To me it's more phenolic than fruity.  Wyeast lists it as a saison yeast.

"Classic farmhouse ale yeast. Spicy and complex aromatics including bubble gum. Very tart and dry on palate with mild fruit. Finishes crisp and mildly acidic. Benefits from elevated fermentation temperatures. This strain is notorious for a rapid and vigorous start to fermentation, only to stick around 1.035 sg. Fermentation will eventually finish, given time and warm temperatures."

I don't think I'd go in a Trappist or abbey direction with it.

[ndcube]

I would probably drop the rye and mash closer to 90 min.