Sweet - I am so glad there have been so many responses to this - this is why the BN is my un-official brew club. I asked my LHBS if they had any ideas today, and they weren't familiar with the beer!
SO - I listened to the Jamil Schwarzbier episode again today, and I think the carafa special could also be used for the dark - (?)
This X-File is getting close to bieng solved - I am totally in for trying this and having it ready by May! I am on my third all-grain, and am planning an APA this weekend (my first recipe formulation thanks to Ray Daniels) - After I nail down my process, I plan to do this one next.
Here is my question - when brewing this one, would you add the black grains at the end of the mash to avoid any astringency? Also - best/cheapest temp control for the ferment? I have an Ice Cube setup, but I think this beer's taste really depends on the yeast and fermentation temps... I would hate to send one in for tasting if it isn't perfect!
Thanks so much for all the ideas!
Keep on posting any other ideas - this process has taught me a TON about recipe formulation - now on to experimenting in the brew garage.
OH - where can you get grains of paradise, and how do you crush them???
PEACE - WOOD