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September 2008

The hops crisis has reduced the amount of hops available to homebrewers, but hasn’t diminished our desire to brew. For the temporarily hop hampered, we present 10 low-hop homebrew recipes. These beers are low on hops, but big on flavor. Plus: tips for getting the most from your hops.

Farmer hand holding hop over a basket from this years hops harvest in the field in Bavaria Germany.

In this issue

  • article

    Debittered Black Malt

    Like dark beers, but not the bitter astringency that sometimes comes with dark grains? Don’t be bitter, debitter — by using debittered black malt, a dark malt with the husk reduced. Plus: clone recipes for Dragon Stout, Klosterbrauerie Ettaler Curator Doppelbock, Schneider Aventinus and St. Bernardus Abt 12 (60th Anniversary Edition) .

  • recipe

    Klosterbrauere Ettaler Curator clone

    This doppelbock is much darker tasting than others, with massive aromas and flavors of fruitcake, port, figs and raisins. Although extremely rich and thick, this beer is readily drinkable which poses a dilemma after a liter or so. There seem to be a lot of German bierkellars that have tilted, uneven floors!

  • recipe

    St. Bernardus Abt 12 60th Anniversary Edition clone

    This recipe is for their 60th anniversary edition, which is closer to their original recipe. Although probably not authentic, the debittered black malt will give you a much smoother product. It’s reported that St. Bernardus uses a different bottling strain than the fermentation strain, so we recommend using Westmalle’s yeast.

  • recipe

    Schneider Weisse: Aventinus clone

    This beer is basically a wheat doppelbock, made to compete with the true doppelbocks. It features notes of raisins, plums, bananas, cloves, and a touch of chocolate. A decoction mash and extended boil are really needed to bring out the dark malt and caramel flavors.

  • recipe

    Mt. Shasta Brewing Co.’s Abner Weed Amber Ale clone

    Leaning more towards the malty side of the spectrum, Abner Weed Amber Ale balances itself out with a touch of American hops and clean yeast profile.

  • recipe

    Desnoes & Geddes’ Dragon Stout clone

    Jet black, yet showing little evidence of roast character . . . more like brown sugar like sweetness.

  • recipe

    Jamil’s Murphy’s-Style Dry Stout

  • recipe

    Jamil’s Beamish-Style Dry Stout

  • recipe

    Jamil’s Guinness-Style Dry Stout

    A straightforward interpretation of the classic Guinness dry stout.

  • mr-wizard

    Bottling from a keg

  • mr-wizard

    High OG Measurements

  • article

    Brewing Scottish Ales: Tips from the Pros

    Big and malty (and not so hoppy), Scottish ale isn’t your typical
    ale. In this issue, three US brewers offer some advice for brewing the
    best Scottish ale possible.

     

  • project

    Pickup Tube: Projects

    Frugal brewers everywhere will appreciate this DIY pickup tube design (or at least enjoy a little extra beer).

  • article

    Buffers and Brewing

    What is a buffer and why should advanced homebrewers learn about them? Put on your chemistry cap and sit back while we attempt to take the bafflement out of buffers.

  • article

    Irish Dry Stout

    Think all stouts are thick, heavy and boozy? Think again! Dry stout is refreshing, light-bodied and low in alcohol. 

  • article

    Low-Hop Homebrew Recipes 

    The hops crisis has reduced the amount of hops available to homebrewers, but hasn’t diminished our desire to brew. For the temporarily hop hampered, we present 10 low-hop homebrew recipes. These beers are low on hops, but big on flavor. Plus: tips for getting the most from your hops.