Saturday, May 19, 2012

It's Time for a Flanders Red (in about 2 years)

I am conflicted. I was all set to make a Flander's Red and went out and bought the ingredients. The only pack of Roselare available was a year old so I bought it at a half off discount. I went home and Tweeted that I did that and Wyeast replied back to me stating that it won't be very good and I should buy the freshest stuff for the best results. So,I don't know what to do: Use the yeast as is or wait until the LHBS has it in stock.

Here's my recipe so far:
The Forgotten Flander's Red
3.00KG 2 Row Pale
1.400KG Vienna Malet
.588KG Flaked Corn
.500KG Honey Malt
.250KG Caraaroma

16 grams Fuggles

Roselare Yeast

I would just pitch the package in the cooled wort and let it sit for 12 to 16 months then blend with newer Flander's red. There are a lot of discussions on line on what type of carboy to use. Apparently, a plastic bucket will allow in too much oxygen and the glass carboy will prevent the requisite oxygen from getting in. A better bottle is supposed to let in a nice amount of oxygen. The Flander's is the only beer that requires the acetic acid (vinegar) flavour profile. There is also the technique of adding an oak stick in the carboy to let in oxygen and wood up the beer. I am going to pass on that. My better bottle is a little scratchy so I think I'll just use the glass carboy. A little vinegar flavour is all right by me.

Wyeast has gotten back to me stating that they would not know what bugs are still alive and that I can pitch another pack down the road (sooner than later).
So, that's what I'm going to do. Pitch the old roselare now and wait until a new pack arrives.

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