BeerBorg

Did the first of 2 dry hops this morning, 1.5 oz each of Chinook, Cascades and Centennial (well, maybe a little bit more than that!) It tastes very good, but not like Dr. Hoptagon that I remember. I want more roastiness but we'll see when she's done.
I'm only at 1.021 at 2 weeks and was looking for 1.017 and as I was a bit low on the OG, this is not where I hoped I'd be so I gave it a slight tilt twice to rouse the yeast and am keeping it at 68 until I do my last dry hop on Wednesday. Since I keg, I'm not concerned with bottle bombs and I taste nothing sweet so it'll likely have to be kegged where it is this time next week.
Everything I read on WLP007 show attenuation at 70-80% and right now, I'm exactly at 70% attenuation so expecting more at this point is slim. The good side is Hoptagon is 7.5% and this will be more like 6.7% so that's a plus for drinkability.
Still, I'm pleased with the taste at this point as it's still a good beer and given time, will surely be better but I would likely make some changes next time.......but until its carbed and ready, no need to even think that far yet.

Did the 2nd and final dry hop and the gravity is still 1.021 so it's not going anywhere. That extra 1/2 gallon of water that is taking away some flavor may also have affect gravity.
The beer is good but not what it could be but you know what, I'll just have to brew this again in the fall.

Kegged and done and Bob's your uncle!
OK so only 70% attenuation and 6.83% instead of 7.5%. It doesn't taste watered down. Based on the measurement in the SS Fermenter, I had 6.5 gallons so I'm 1/2 gallon over. Not really bad when you think about it being water down that much.

It has a nice, roasty flavor. Surprisingly, it doesn't taste very hoppy for a total of 1 lb of hops. I have to do this again in 6 months or so just to see what it would be like not watered down and I'd likely change the grain bill. I think I'd add more roasted barley.
And, I may send one to the owner/brewmaster at Parish Brewery just to friend him a bit. Won't hurt the next time I drop by and say hello. Heck, I should take another road trip and bring him one.

Beer-lord wrote:Heck, I should take another road trip and bring him one.

Yes you should.

Beer-lord wrote:Kegged and done and Bob's your uncle!
Surprisingly, it doesn't taste very hoppy for a total of 1 lb of hops.

I think your taste buds may be forever altered from so many a hoppy brew. 1 lb of hops Doesn't taste very hoppy That is impressive!

Actually, I've really been holding back and drinking lighter, er, less hoppy beers. I'm trailblazing and may even make a saison this summer with the help of the borg.

I had to laugh when I read about an IPA that had 3 oz of hops in it.

Thank goodness this didn't come out higher than 6.8%ABV. I can drink this all night long, even in the summer.
When I do this again, and I will, I'll add even more roasted barley as it's not nearly enough. The hops are almost perfect and if it weren't a darker, heavier beer, it would be too much but this is perfectly hopped. I am surprised there is more aroma though I'm sure the kegged version will be even better.

Not to fear, boys...I've taken the liberty of 'safety testing' this beer and I can assure you it's safe to drink. There's nothing wrong with this beer that time and lots of Pint glasses can't cure. Hook me up, Nurse.......I'm burning up.

Looks like the Doctor is in!!!!!! Yummy.

I've already started working on the recipe adjustment. The brewer said it's about 80% 2 row with a generous amount of roasted barely so I'll add about 3/4 of a pound next go around which I still wonder will be enough. I'll have to wait until it's keg carbed and double think this one for the fall.
Not a bad beer but next to the real thing, it's just not it.

Oh but what fun you are having pursing the clone, eh?

I'm doing this for you Ron. When it's perfect, I'm naming after you!

Dr. Ickkkkk! What an odd name for a beer, but fitting.

I had to clean the tap from the Hop Juice for the Hoptagon clone and course, had to make sure I put everything back like it should be so you know the rules.....you have to make sure the tap works. The next rule is that you can't throw away beer so I had a taste. Of course it needs carbing but I think the hops are overtaking the roasted barley. It's good but there's a slight conflict. But, like most dark beers, weeks are needed to be sure.

This one is still hanging around. It's almost gone but wow, is it maturing well! This is a treat, even on a hot, summer day. It's got better legs than Rhianna and a head that only a porn star can brag about. The hoppy flavor along with the dark malts are a treat.
The next time there is a local competition, I'm going to brew this and enter it.