OctoberFest + CAL

[monsteroyd]

Just curious,but I am about to embark on a new journey with Mr Beer refills. I am going to try a can of CAL and a can of the OctberFest. I know the IBU is additive, but that should still keep the total low (I no likey bitter). I know that there are some Mr Beer recipes that do this, I was hoping for advice from others that have done the same thing.

Monty

[jpsherman]

Qbrew gives me:
6.1% ABV
30 IBU
1.063 OG
10 SRM

According to the 2010 BA judging guidelines you are just outside the category, you are still very very close. So I say go for it! After 3 weeks in the fermenter and 4 weeks in the bottle pop one in the fridge, and buy a commercial ocktoberfest for a side-by-side taste test!

here is the BA guideline by the way:

German-Style Oktoberfest/Wiesen (Meadow)
Today’s Oktoberfest beers are characterized by a medium body and light, golden color. Sweet maltiness is mild with an
equalizing balance of clean, hop bitterness. Hop aroma and flavor should be low but notable. Ale-like fruity esters should not be
perceived. Diacetyl and chill haze should not be perceived. Similar or equal to Dortmunder/European-Style Export
Original Gravity (ºPlato) 1.048-1.056 (12-14 ºPlato) ● Apparent Extract/Final Gravity (ºPlato) 1.010-1.014 (2.5-3.5 ºPlato) ●
Alcohol by Weight (Volume) 4-4.8% (5-6%) ● Bitterness (IBU) 23-29 ● Color SRM (EBC) 3-5 (6-10 EBC)
European-Style

[monsteroyd]

Thanks. Yeah 30 IBU is about the limit of my mouth for bitter, so this might be ok. I made a batch using the Octoberfest, a pale LME, and a booster, and it turned out great. However the Saison gave me this idea, as it is the same size as 2 regular cans, and I verified that MR Beer has other double can recipes. The only worry is that I feel that the Summer Saison is too bitter at 30, but I'm hoping the darkness of the October fest might help with the BAT. Oh well the only way to know is to do it.

Monty

[jpsherman]

you may want to consider replacing the CAL HME with a smooth LME packet, or 1/2# DME if that is at the limit of your bitterness preference. Maybe Ocktoberfest + Smooth LME? Not as high ABV as your original recipe, but a bit more on the malty side if thats what your after.

[monsteroyd]

Well that change is kind of like my original recipe, which I like, so if this turns out too bitter (remember its only the first few that matter then I'll revert. I am narrowing in on my set of beers and just thought I'd experiment a bit.

Thanks
Monty

[gwcr]

Once you have the basic process down, experimenting is a great way to figure out what you do an don't like. I was never a hoppy guy by any stretch. Once I started figuring out the different flavors and aromas of some hops, I appreciated them more. My palate has expanded.

Brew on!!

[jpsherman]

Well that change is kind of like my original recipe, which I like, so if this turns out too bitter (remember its only the first few that matter then I'll revert. I am narrowing in on my set of beers and just thought I'd experiment a bit.

Thanks
Monty

Good! Have fun with your brewing!