Tired of the mundane brews that line the shelves? Yearn for an ale with a monstrous kick and a legendary taste? Then, dear seekers of extraordinary libations, prepare to embark on a magical journey into the realm of Awful Ogre Ale. In this comprehensive guide, we will unravel the secrets of this mythical concoction, empowering you to create your own barrel of legendary ale, fit for the most discerning of palates.
The Not-So-Awful Ingredients
Malt-acious Magic
- Pale malt: 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms)
- Caramel malt: 2 pounds (0.9 kilograms)
- Crystal malt: 1 pound (0.45 kilograms)
Hops: A Symphony of Bitterness
- Magnum hops: 1 ounce (28 grams) for bittering
- Cascade hops: 1.5 ounces (43 grams) for flavor
- Amarillo hops: 1 ounce (28 grams) for aroma
The Liquid Soul: Water and Yeast
- Water: 5 gallons (19 liters)
- Ale yeast: 1 packet (11 grams)
Brewing the Ogre’s Elixir
1. Mashing the Malt:
- Heat the water to 154 degrees Fahrenheit (68 degrees Celsius).
- Stir in the malts and maintain the temperature for 60 minutes. This process converts the starches in the malt into fermentable sugars.
2. Lautering the Wort:
- Separate the liquid (wort) from the solids (spent grains) using a lauter tun or a simple colander.
3. Boiling the Wort:
- Bring the wort to a boil.
- Add the bittering hops (Magnum) and boil for 60 minutes.
- Add the flavor hops (Cascade) and boil for 30 minutes.
- Add the aroma hops (Amarillo) and boil for 15 minutes.
4. Cooling the Wort:
- Quickly cool the wort to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) using a wort chiller or an ice bath.
5. Fermenting the Ale:
- Transfer the wort to a sanitized fermenter.
- Add the ale yeast and stir.
- Ferment at 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) for 10-14 days.
6. Conditioning and Enjoying:
- Once fermentation is complete, transfer the ale to a secondary fermenter or keg.
- Condition for at least 4 weeks before enjoying your monstrously delicious brew.
Ogre-Slaying Tips
1. Ogre-Sized Patience:
- Brewing Awful Ogre Ale is a labor of love, requiring patience and meticulous attention to detail. Don’t rush the process and allow the ale to mature fully.
2. Sanitation is Key:
- Keep your equipment and ingredients clean to prevent contamination that could ruin your brew. Sanitize everything that comes into contact with the ale.
3. Temperature Control:
- Maintaining the correct temperatures during mashing and fermentation is crucial for achieving the desired flavor profile. Invest in a thermometer or use a temperature-controlled environment.
4. Avoid the Ogre’s Wrath:
- Handle the hops with care. Overboiling or using too much can result in an overly bitter or harsh ale.
5. Seek Epic Inspiration:
- Ogre Ale is a versatile brew that can be customized to your taste. Experiment with different hop combinations to create your own unique monstrous creation.
The Ogre’s Legacy
Awful Ogre Ale is not just a drink; it’s a tale told in every sip. Its unique blend of malts and hops weaves a symphony of flavors that will conquer your palate and leave you howling for more. So, raise a glass to Awful Ogre Ale, the legendary libation that will forever be etched in the annals of brewing history. May your thirst be quenched, your taste buds be tantalized, and your legends be sung for generations to come!
FAQ about Awful Ogre Ale Recipe
What ingredients do I need to make Awful Ogre Ale?
- 6 gallons of water
- 12 pounds of pale malt extract
- 1 pound of crystal malt extract
- 1 ounce of hops (Cascade or Centennial)
- 1 packet of ale yeast
How do I brew Awful Ogre Ale?
- Heat the water to 160°F.
- Add the malt extracts to the water and stir until dissolved.
- Bring the wort to a boil.
- Add the hops and boil for 60 minutes.
- Cool the wort to 70°F.
- Add the yeast to the wort and stir.
- Ferment the beer for 1-2 weeks at 65-70°F.
- Bottle or keg the beer and condition it for 2-3 weeks before drinking.
What does Awful Ogre Ale taste like?
Awful Ogre Ale is a hoppy, bitter ale with a strong malt backbone. It has a slightly sweet finish with a hint of citrus.
How strong is Awful Ogre Ale?
Awful Ogre Ale typically has an ABV of 6-7%.
Where can I find the Awful Ogre Ale recipe?
You can find the Awful Ogre Ale recipe in many online homebrewing forums and websites. You can also find it in the book “The Complete Joy of Homebrewing” by Charlie Papazian.
