Modest Mild NHC 2009

Category 11: English Brown Ale
Sponsored by Alternative Beverage

2009 AHA National Homebrew Competition Gold Medal
Jake and Tom Ocque, Amherst, N.Y., Mild Ale, Niagara Association of Homebrewers

“Modest Mild”

Mild Ale

Ingredients for 5 U.S. gallons (18.93 liters)

5.5 lb             (2.49 kg) Maris Otter pale malt

1.0 lb             (0.45 kg) caramel Munich malt

0.4 lb             (181 g) 200 L chocolate malt

0.4 lb             (181 g) 120 L crystal malt

0.25 lb            (113 g) brown malt

0.2 lb             (91 g) Special B malt

0.1 lb             (45 g) Carafa II malt

0.5 oz             (14 g) Styrian Aurora pellet hops, 7.6% alpha acid (60 min)

                        Wyeast No. 1028 London ale yeast

3.5 oz             (99 g) corn sugar to carbonate

Original Specific Gravity: 1.034

Final Specific Gravity: 1.012

Boiling Time: 90 minutes

Primary Fermentation: 5 days at 68° F (20° C)

Directions

Mash grains at 156° F (69° C) for one hour.

Judges’ Comments

“Prominent chocolate roast aroma. Slight lingering bitterness. More roasty than many examples, but very enjoyable.”

“Quite toasty with a fruity malt taste, but not sweet. Subtle toffee or caramel component lingering in background. Dry and astringent finish.”

Runners-Up

Silver Medal: Kevin Hovater, Port Orchard, Wash., Northern English Brown Ale

Bronze Medal: Michael Mraz, El Dorado Hills, Calif., Mild Ale, Diablo Order of Zymiracle Enthusiasts (DOZE)