Simtra Pale Ale

For this brew, my goal was simple: I wanted to make something reminiscent of the amazing Hill Farmstead Edward PA.  Since I didn't have a recipe for this, but I did know the hops that they include, I decided to make my own version (and before you say it, I know I didn't use the same hops).  I used a fairly basic grain bill for this, which should serve to underscore the hops with a nice, clean backbone.  A little bit of Crystal and Munich malts for some character should add some interest.

This was my first time doing a first wort hop, and I have to say that I am extremely pleased with the results.  I definitely noticed the smoother, less harsh bitterness that this method imparts.  The blend of citrusy/fruity hops definitely made this beer smell like fruit candy.  While that may not be something I want to drink all the time, it is absolutely tasty.  One thing I would change for next time is to mash a little higher.  I think the body on this beer was a little light.  Maybe by bumping the mash temp up to 154°F, I can get it to finish around 1.014 or so, giving it that little bit extra.


Simtra Pale Ale

Recipe Specs
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Batch Size (G):           5.25
Total Grain (lb):         5.5*
Total Hops (g):          213
Original Gravity (OG):    1.052
Final Gravity (FG):       1.010
Alcohol by Volume (ABV):  5.5%
Colour (SRM):             8
Bitterness (IBU):         47   (Rager)
Brewhouse Efficiency (%): 75%
Boil Time (Minutes):      60

Grain Bill
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4.0 lbs Pale malt
12.0 oz Crystal 40
12.0 oz Munich Malt - 10L
*3.0 lbs Light DME

Hop Bill
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14.2 g Centennial Leaf (10.8% Alpha) - FWH
14.2 g Cascade Leaf (9.1% Alpha) @ 10 Minutes
14.2 g Citra Leaf (13.7% Alpha)     @ 10 Minutes
14.2 g Simcoe Leaf (11.9% Alpha) @ 10 Minutes
14.2 g Cascade Leaf (9.1% Alpha) @ 5 Minutes
14.2 g Citra Leaf (13.7% Alpha)     @ 5 Minutes
14.2 g Cascade Leaf (9.1% Alpha) @ 0 Minutes
14.2 g Citra Leaf (13.7% Alpha)     @ 0 Minutes
14.2 g Simcoe Leaf (11.9% Alpha) @ 0 Minutes
28.3 g Cascade Leaf (9.1% Alpha) @ Dry Hop 5 days
28.3 g Citra Leaf (13.7% Alpha)     @ Dry Hop 5 days
28.3 g Simcoe Leaf (11.9% Alpha) @ Dry Hop 5 days

Mash (in a bag)

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152°F for 60 minutes.

Fermentation

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02/20/12
Brewday.  Collected 5.25 gallons of wort and pitched 11g packet of rehydrated US-05 ale yeast.  Better bottle in tupperware bin full of water at ~67°F.  Added 1/2 tsp Wyeast yeast nutrient and a pinch of Irish Moss with 10 minutes left in the boil.

02/29/12
Added dry hops.  Swirled carboy frequently and fairly vigorously over next few days to attempt to hydrate and immerse this immense mound of hops!

03/05/12
Moved carboy to fridge to cold crash yeast and hop material.  Swirled every so often to help with settling.

03/07/12
Bottled with 116.9 g of corn sugar for ~2.5 vols of CO2.