Dark Helmet Schwarzbier NHC 2004

Mike Heckman & Jeff Smith

Ossian, IN

Schwarzbier

for 5 U.S. gal (19 L)

Ingredients

            2.5       lb (1.13kg) Munich malt

            5.5       lb (2.49 kg) Pilsner malt

            0.5       lb (0.23 kg) 60° L crystal malt

            0.5       lb (0.23 kg) 120° L crystal malt

            0.5       lb (0.23 kg) Carafa malt

            1.4       oz (39 g) Hallertau pellet hops, 4.4% alpha acid (45 min)

            0.75     oz (21g) Tettnanger pellet hops, 4.4% alpha acid (20 min)

            300     mL White Labs WLP 820 Marzen lager yeast slurry

            2.7       oz (76 g) corn sugar to prime

Specifics

            •          Original specific gravity: 1.045

            •          Final specific gravity: 1.008

            •          Boiling time: 75 minutes

            •          Primary fermentation: 9 days at 55° F (13° C) in glass

            •          Secondary fermentation: 14 days at 40° F (4° C) in glass

Directions

 Mash grains at 148° F (64° C) for 30 minutes. Raise to 155°F (68° C) and hold for 30 minutes.

Judges’ Comments

“This is a very nice Schwarzbier. Big malty character with some roast sharpness and chocolate notes.”

 “Very nice beer. Might require more roast bitterness to be to style, but I wouldn’t change a thing.”

 “Tasty beer. Very drinkable. A little more roastiness might improve.”