craigb15 Posted November 24, 2011 Share Posted November 24, 2011 It's been a while; so long, in fact, that i think my account was deleted in the meantime. I've been off brewing non-coopers things for the last while - mostly experimenting with different fruit ciders and learning how distillation works - but i thought I'd let you know about an amazing Porter I just made. Really easy: 1 x tin of coopers sparkling ale (i used this yeast) 1 x tin of coopers dark malt extract 500g Dry Malt Extract 20g of Styrian Goldings (added on day one) 10g of Cascade (added near the end of fermentation). Nothing special in terms of technique or anything, but SERIOUSLY this is one of the best beers i've made in a long, long time. If you're a fan of Porters, I urge you to give it a go. It comes out a little on the strong side with the extra DME, so you can leave this out if you're looking for something a bit gentler. And if you're looking for something a bit more hoppy and aromatic, I think it could definitely handle more late hops without being overpowered by them. All in, this is one of the best and easiest brews that I've made in a long while. It was great as a young beer, but now that it's aging it's really turning into something special! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigb15 Posted November 24, 2011 Author Share Posted November 24, 2011 p.s. I recently tried a 'vanilla spiced porter' that one of my friends made: amazing. It could be worth experimenting with a teaspoon or two of vanilla essence next time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyW Posted November 24, 2011 Share Posted November 24, 2011 Just about to try a James Squire Porter tonight and am going to do a Porter as a brew soon, next up after my Mexican. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hairy Posted November 24, 2011 Share Posted November 24, 2011 I tried a vanilla porter a few months ago and it was very nice. It was a Tempress Porter by Holgate Brewery. The vanilla was quite subtle but you could tell it was there and really added something to the beer. Sometimes I find the "added special ingredient" can detract from the beer. Especially when it is overpowering and dominating the malt and hops. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PB2 Posted November 24, 2011 Share Posted November 24, 2011 Make sure to use vanilla flavour derived from the real thing - beans, paste or essence (Queen brand is most common in Australian stores). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyW Posted November 24, 2011 Share Posted November 24, 2011 Queen Brand Organic is what i use in all my ciders. Comes through just nice.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyW Posted November 24, 2011 Share Posted November 24, 2011 Just about to try a James Squire Porter tonight and am going to do a Porter as a brew soon' date=' next up after my Mexican.[/quote'] Must say the JS Jack of Spades Porter is underwhelming. Wont bother in future Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hairy Posted November 24, 2011 Share Posted November 24, 2011 I don't mind the JS porter. It is an easy to drink dark beer that isn't very challenging (ie. no chewing necessary). Maybe I am easily whelmed [innocent] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyW Posted November 25, 2011 Share Posted November 25, 2011 I don't mind the JS porter. It is an easy to drink dark beer that isn't very challenging (ie. no chewing necessary). Maybe I am easily whelmed [innocent] They have made a couple of different Porters i am only referring to the Jack Of Spades, but then again i like thick stouts best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CraigsALE Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 I tried a vanilla porter a few months ago and it was very nice. It was a Tempress Porter by Holgate Brewery. The vanilla was quite subtle but you could tell it was there and really added something to the beer. Sometimes I find the "added special ingredient" can detract from the beer. Especially when it is overpowering and dominating the malt and hops. Did you add the vanilla at the beginning or when bottling / bulk priming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hairy Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 Sorry Craig I can't help you there. This was one I bought not made. You could try emailing Holgate Brewery and they might be willing to share their secrets on adding vanilla. It can't hurt to try anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hairy Posted December 1, 2011 Share Posted December 1, 2011 Here is a link to BYO Magazine and a few Porter recipes using vanilla, coffee etc BYO - Porter Recipes These recipes suggest adding the vanilla and coffee during secondary (or bottling). But I have read other recipes suggesting to add vanilla at the start of primary. I think I will have to make a vanilla porter for winter [love] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dj labby Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Been a little while since I've been on here, mainly due to making lots of partial mash brews and my session/swiller APA's with cascade and amarillo hops. But I bought a 6 pack of JS jack of spades porter and got enthused to make a porter. Unfortuantly I haven't finished my 3 tier brew sculpture to do full grain. so its the partial/extract method still for me. Your right the Jack of spades porter isn't the best porter, but for it being summer(well one would think it was supposed to be) its light enough for the temp. I was thinking of 1.5kg LME 1kg dark malt 80g steeped choc malt grain 250g crystal malt 50g fuggles or some other english hops to bitter for 60min boil not sure whether to add some extra to dry hop, Any sugestions?? Couple of shots of coffee and vanilla bean (steeped/boiled) added when bulk priming. Yeast?? any suggestions? I have cultured Californian Ale yeast. would this be ok for an english style? Thanks Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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