Blunt Trauma NHC 2005

Ron Stazuk

Belgian Strong Dark Ale

for 5.75 U.S. gallons (21.76 L)

Ingredients

21.0 lb (9.53 kg) DWC pale malt

0.5 lb   (227 g) wheat malt

2.0 lb   (0.9 kg) DWC aromatic malt

1.0 lb   (0.45 kg) Special B malt

1.0 lb   (0.45 kg) biscuit malt

0.5 lb   (227 g) dextrin malt

0.25 lb (113 g) caramel Munich malt

0.25 lb (113 g) chocolate malt

2.0 oz (57 g) Golding whole hops, 6.3% alpha acid (60 min.)

1.0 oz (28 g) Golding whole hops, 6.3% alpha acid (15 min.)

White Labs Trappist ale yeast (1 qt)

Specs

Original Specific Gravity: 1.107

Final Specific Gravity: 1.022

Boiling Time: 75 minutes

Primary Fermentation: 14 days at 65° F (18° C) in glass

Secondary Fermentation: 30 days at 68° F (20° C) in glass

Directions

Mash in grains at 160° F (71° C) for 60 minutes.

Judges’ Comments

“Truly compelling in its malt depth and complexity. Wonderfully smooth and malty. This is an absolutely terrific brew that has tons of malty complexity and elegance. I can’t find much to improve it—a touch more hops?”

“Excellent beer. Could use more “Belgian” phenolic and estery character, but the malt depth is amazing.”