Modified Blonde

[John Sand]

I plan to brew Thursday, though life is interfering. In any case, my next brew should be a Blonde, inspired by "Call Me" in BCS. I plan two changes: more hops and less grain. The recipe calls for 11.5lbs of two row, and a half pound of crystal15. 1.050 OG, 5%ABV, both near the top of the range for a Blonde. I've made modifications of Centennial Blonde twice, and liked it a lot. But both times, (and other times), my FG is finishing low, ABV high. So, this 5% could end up 5.5% or higher. CB has only 8.75lbs grain all told, planning to finish at 4%. So, here's my recipe for comment:

10lbs two row. (I might go lower)
.5lbs Crystal 15
Mash at 152 for 60
1oz Fuggles @ 60 (Subbed for Willamette)
.25oz Cascade @ 20 (added)
.25oz Cascade @ 5 (added)

[Beerlabelman]

Sounds delicious! What will the yeast be?

[John Sand]

US-05. I pretty much use that, S04, or Notty.

[Dawg LB Steve]

I'm thinking of changing up my first AG a little, MO Freedom SMaSH which was
9 lbs Maris Otter
1.5 oz Liberty (total)

Next time going to add
.5 - .75 lbs Honey Malt

As brewed it was a nice Blonde and came in around 4.6 ABV

[John Sand]

Thanks Steve. I'll probably use 9lbs too.