Love Potion #9 NHC 2005

Pete Devaris

Wood-Aged Beer, 6-year-old port barrel Russian Imperial Stout

for 12 U.S. gallons (45.4 L)

Ingredients

37.8 lb (17.15 kg) Maris Otter pale malt

4.8 lb   (2.18 kg) chocolate malt (U.K.)

4.0 lb   (1.81 kg) dextrin malt

2.6 lb   (1.18 kg) flaked barley

2.4 lb   (1.09 kg) black patent malt (U.K.)

3.6 lb   (1.63 kg) roast barley (U.K.)

3.0 oz (85 g) Challenger whole hops, 8.5% alpha acid (FWH)

2.4 oz (68 g) Styrian Goldings whole hops, 5.25% alpha acid (60 min.)

2.4 oz (68 g) Cascade whole hops, 5.75% alpha acid (30 min.)

10.8 oz (306 g) Cascade whole hops, 5.75% alpha acid (15 min.)

4.0 oz (113 g) Progress whole hops, 6% alpha acid (dry)

Wyeast No. 1056 American ale yeast (2000 mL)

Corn sugar to carbonate

Irish moss to clarify

Specs

Original Specific Gravity: 1.116

Final Specific Gravity: 1.032

Boiling Time: 120 minutes

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

Secondary Fermentation: 60 days at 72° F (22° C) in glass

Directions

Use a decoction mash schedule with rests at 122° F (50° C) for 30 minutes, 141° F (61° C) for 30 minutes, 154° F (68° C) for 60 minutes and 170° F (77° C) for 10 minutes.

Judges’ Comments

“I really enjoyed this beer. A touch more CO2 would help. Alcohol is a bit distracting—perhaps more bottle age will mellow that and allow flavors to blend more.”

“Very nice job. This is one big, roasty port wine-like dessert beer. Bring on the black forest cake! Love the port/dark fruits interplay!”

“Very nicely made beer that has aged well. Light carbonation works well with the texture.”