Recipe and Question

[GunNut76]

Here is the question: Where can I find a site that will tell me the IBUs of well known brews(BMC included)? This is so I can get an idea of where I want to go with the hops.

Here is the recipe...any and all imput would be appreciated:

Brewer: Jeremy S
Beer: Honey Ale
Style: American Pale Ale (sort of)
Type: Extract w/grain
Size: 2.5 gallons
Color: 9 HCU (~7 SRM)
Bitterness: 37 IBU
OG: 1.056 FG: 1.012
Alcohol: 5.6% v/v (4.4% w/w)
Grain: 4 oz. American crystal 10L
4 oz. American crystal 20L
Boil: 60 minutes 3 gallons
SG 1.046
Extract:
2 lb. Light dry malt extract
1 lb. Honey
Hops: .25 oz. Cascade (6% AA, 60 min.)
.25 oz. Cascade (6% AA, 45 min.)
.25 oz. Northern Brewer (7.1% AA, 30 min.)
.25 oz. Saaz (3.75% AA, 15 min.)
.25 oz. Saaz (aroma)
Yeast: Not sure yet...suggestions welcome!

37 IBU is not really bitter, but I have no benchmark...anyone know what kind of comercial beer (BMC included again) is close to 37 IBU. This is only my third batch of real beer and I have just really gotten into the better beers. That means 95% of all the beer I have drank in my life has been a BMC type. I am brewing this for my Dad...of course I'll get some too! :D

[b3s]

according to www.sierra-nevada.com, SNPA has 37 IBUs and an OG of 1.052.

[bierboy]

I would say that 37 IBU's is a little high if you want any honey taste. What kind of beer are you shooting for? Any example?

[GunNut76]

Just going for a smooth tasting honey ale...37 IBU to high? I could take out the Northern Brewers and replace 'em with Fuggles @ 4% AA, got 1/2 oz No. Brewer and Fuggles in the freezer that I need to use shortly, they have been in there for about a month. Should I shoot for about 20 IBU to get around to about, say Leinie's Honey Weiss?

[bierboy]

A Leinie's Honey Weiss is certainly less than 20 IBU's. Gray's Honey Ale is below 20 also. Most honey ales or beers that accent the honey don't have much bitterness. I just think that 37 IBU's would overpower the honey flavor, so yes, going down to 20 would be much better, IMO.

But then, hey, don't worry. It is homebrew. You can do what you want and you can always do it differently the next time aroud. That is, after all, one of the beautiful things about this hobby.
:)

[b3s]

my most recent honey-wheat was 23 IBUs...can definitely taste the honey, but needs just a bit more hops....just my opinion.

[GunNut76]

I was thinking about using either Windsor or Nottingham. I have used Windsor before and I thought it had a slight sweetness to it. I have not used Nottingham,but from what I have read it is a dryer yeast and I thought that would work pretty well. Any other yeast suggestions are welcome too.

[b3s]

well, i used white labs belgian wit ale yeast on mine....turned out fantastic!

[bierboy]

American Ale II is supposed to be good for honey ales. Pilsen also works well for lagers. I imagine Belgian Wit would be real nice although I have never tried it. Now you got me thinking....... an imperial honey wit.

[GunNut76]

This is crazy...I just got done tweeking my recipe in the Recipator and in order for me to get under 20 IBU for this beer I have to use 1/2 oz of Fuggles @ 45 and 30 and 1/2 oz of Northern Brewer @ 15 and Flame out. Anyone else ever use an aroma hop for bittering and a bittering hop for aroma? AIS the hops have been in the freezer since Nov. 1 and I don't want to loose any AA % points.

[brewmonkey]

Your hops will be just fine as they have been in the freezer. Keeping them in an airtight bag and in the freezer their shelf life is easily a year and change with no noticed decrease in AA.

You can use hops in any fashion you wish. While they may be traditionally used for say aroma they will be fine for bittering. Nothing says you have to follow the traditional methods.

[bierboy]

Yes, what brewmonkey said. I use low alpha noble hops almost exclusively. The highest AA hops in my freezer is about 5%. Hops are cheap. I don't mind using more to get what I personally consider a better product. Many of your traditional German and Czch beers use low alpha hops exclusively.

[GunNut76]

So my hops will be alright? I keep them in baby food jars and use a permanant marker to right what they are and the AA. Sorry if I spelled anything wrong...I'm just polishing off my 2nd bottle of my Strong Irish Ale. 8.3% ABV I can give the recipe if anyone wants it.