Use The Schwarz

Schwarzbier BJCP 2008 – 04C

OG
1.050
FG
1.010
SRM
29.1
ABV
4.6%
IBU
22.3
Batch #
2006-03
Batch Size
2.50 gal
Brew Date
February 6, 2006
Tap Date
August 25, 2008
Cost
$20.07
BU/GU
0.45
ABW
4.2%
Kcal
166 12 oz
Real Extract
4.4° P
Attenuation
79% apparent
64.5% real

Fermentables

Light Liquid
3.00 lbs|66.7%
Type
Extract
66.7%
American Crystal Malt 40L
0.50 lbs|11.1%
11.1%
British Chocolate Malt
0.50 lbs|11.1%
Type
Grain
Origin
United Kingdom
Color
395.0-475.0 SRM
PPG
38.0
Info
Nutty, toasted flavor, brown color. Use as a specialty grain in brown ales, porters, stouts and bocks.
11.1%
British Crystal Malt
0.25 lbs|5.6%
Type
Grain
Origin
United Kingdom
Color
55.0-60.0 SRM
PPG
35.0
Info
Sweet caramel flavor, adds mouthfeel and head retention. For pale or amber ales.
5.6%
Gambrinus Honey Malt
0.25 lbs|5.6%
5.6%

Hops

0.50 oz
Mount Hood 3.2%
60 min Boil
0.50 oz
Mount Hood 3.2%
30 min Boil
0.25 oz
Hallertauer Mittlefruh 4.2%
15 min Boil

Yeasts

1 pkg
Pilsner LagerWLP800
White Labs

Fermentation and Aging

7 days
Primary
75°F
7 days
Secondary
75°F

General Info

This is a brew modeled after New Belgium’s 1554, my all time favorite beer. According to the New Belgium website, 1554 is actually a Zwartbier, a style of beer that was brewed and sold in 16th century Belgium. While 1554 is actually an ale and not a lager like a true schwarzbier, my version will lean more on the schwarzbier side - mainly so I can have the geeky name.

"Other than being dark in color, 1554 has little in common with Porters or Stouts. The beer is fermented at relatively high temperatures using a European lager yeast that imparts a refreshing, zesty acidity. Chocolate and coffee tones in the nose give way to a surprisingly clean finish," quotes New Belgium.

This is my attempt to brew a similar beer. I have to admit, I’m wondering if I should throw in some black patent malt to get the deep color. Hmmmm...we’ll see how it turns out without it first.

Procedure

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