Writer: Kristen England
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) .
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!
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.
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.
George Gale & Co.’s Gale Prize Old Ale clone
This opens with a deep caramel apple character with notes of plums and sultanas. The tart fruity finish has hints of raisins and a spiciness lent by the rustic hops. One of the best examples of an old ale on the market.
Hook Norton Brewery’s Double Stout clone
The “double stout” in this beer’s name is not indicative of a strong beer. Actually, it’s quite low in gravity and makes a particularly good session pint. What the double means to me is that this beer literally has double the flavor of other low gravity stouts. East Kent Goldings hops lend a spicy character to the nose which blends in perfectly well with its rich, thick toasty body. The deep roast edges finish into a crisp dryness that ensures this beer’s utter drinkability. You better get this beer fast because it’s only seasonally available.
Desnoes & Geddes’ Dragon Stout clone
Jet black, yet showing little evidence of roast character . . . more like brown sugar like sweetness.
Rogue Shakespeare Stout clone
Rogue’s Shakespeare Stout is a classic example of the style. Rogue describes it as, “Ebony in color with a rich creamy head, earthy flavor and a mellow, chocolate finish.”
Wychwood Brewing Company: Hobgoblin Dark Ale clone
This ruby-colored English ale delivers a delicious chocolate toffee malt flavor, balanced with rounded moderate bitterness and an overall fruity, mischievous character.
Alaskan Brewing Co.’s Smoked Porter clone
Dark, robust, and smoky when young, this porter develops notes of sherry, Madeira, and raisin as it ages. It has a chewy malt character and is chocolaty with a smoky, oily finish.
Sinebrychoff Porter clone
From simple ingredients comes massive complexity. Robust toasty notes meet and blend with dark fruits and chocolate. The vinous, port-like character from this brute wraps everything up in a dark happy bow.
Broughton Black Douglas clone
Dark caramelized fruit, bready malt, and treacle fill out the flavors of this beer. The finish dries out just enough to highlight the deep malt character. A unique take on the Scottish 80/- style that may even be better with a touch of smoky Scotch whiskey added to it.
