Lara Pale Ale NHC 2009

Category 10: American Ale
Sponsored by BJ's Restaurant & Brewery

2009 AHA National Homebrew Competition Gold Medal
Richard McLain, Highlands Ranch, Colo., American Pale Ale

“Lara Pale Ale”

American Pale Ale

Ingredients for 23 U.S. gallons (87 liters)

34.0 lb            (15.42 kg) pale malt

3.0 lb             (1.36 kg) Munich malt

8.0 oz             (227 g) 15L crystal malt

3.0 oz             (85 g) Goldings whole hops, 4.3% alpha acid (60 min)

2.5 oz             (71 g) Fuggle whole hops, 4.2% alpha acid (30 min)

3.25 oz           (92 g) Amarillo whole hops, 8.3% alpha acid (10 min)

3.25 oz           (92 g) Amarillo whole hops, 8.3% alpha acid (5 min)

1.0 oz             (28 g) Cascade whole hops, 6.0% alpha acid (1 min)

1.0 oz             (28 g) Fuggle whole hops, 4.2% alpha acid (1 min)

                        White Labs WLP002 English ale yeast (800 mL starter)

                        Forced CO2 to carbonate

Original Specific Gravity: 1.050

Final Specific Gravity: 1.011

Boiling Time: 60 min

Primary Fermentation: 7 days at 68° F (20° C)

Secondary Fermentation: 7 days at 68° F (68°C)

Directions

Mash grains at 153° F (67° C) for one hour.

Judges’ Comments

“Neutral malt, citrus/grapefruit hops dominate. Clean ferment—finish isn’t harsh.”

Runners-Up

Silver Medal: Douglas Griffin, Virginia Beach, Va., American Brown Ale

Bronze Medal: Michael Habrat, San Diego, Calif., American Pale Ale