Sam Adams Summer Ale

[damon1212]

OK, so my wife's favorite beer in the world is Sam Adams Summer Ale. If you look at their website, it's basically a Belgian Wit Beer.

In the past I've brewed "my interpretation" as an extract brewer . . . and my wife was very happy with it. About the only beer I brew that she gets remotely excited about.

Now, I've started brewing all grain, and 1) brewing with wheat makes me a little nervous because I don't have very many "smooth" all grain batches under my belt and 2) Jamil's recomendations regarding Wit Beer all seem to be based on "Radical Brewing", which makes the whole Wit Beer process for an all grain brewer even MORE complicated.

So, my inclination is to either 1) brew an extract recipe like I always have, or 2) brew a nice English Ale (Best Bitter) until I get it right. Something mild and drinkable that she will like (she loves Sam Adams lager as well). I can't lager yet, so I'm going to go for a nice middle of the road balanced brew. I figure, if I can create something she likes, even if it takes several brews, I will become a better brewer.

Thoughts?

[crazymonkey15]

Process for the Wit isn't overly difficult, just a few additional steps. But if you're this young to All-Grain I wouldn't put too much pressure on yourself (i.e. "must brew perfect beer for wife").

Just make something in a style you enjoy and will be imbibed at your house. Do that until you feel comfortable with your system and process. Whether that takes one batch or five. If that's a Wit or a Bitter then go for it.

[bub]

Are you worried about the Wheat aspect?
Don't
Just throw some rice hulls in there and burn one off to Redtube.com
BUB

[smurfe]

Bub nailed it (in more ways than one). Don't be intimidated. I started brewing all grain and my very first batch was a Hoegaarden clone. It came out great and was probably one of the better brews I have done that mimiced the commercial brew I was going after. Just throw in the rice hulls and watch the mash temp.

[chrishw]

a Whit is actually a great learning beer- lots of yummy flavors to cover up your learning process!

+1 for 1/2 lb of rice hulls

[Mylo]

+1 to freeing some knuckle children to red tube. Make sure you wash your hands before you go back to your brew equipment.


Mylo

[chrishw]

+1 to freeing some knuckle children to red tube. Make sure you wash your hands before you go back to your brew equipment.


Mylo

eh protein.... humm.... better head... um... a...

[Lars]

Oh!!! is that what they mean by "protein rest"