Northern Brewer Super Structure

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Crazy Climber
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Northern Brewer Super Structure

Post by Crazy Climber »

Has anybody used Northern Brewer's new "Super Structure" LME? Supposed to be a good base for hoppy beers. A blend of 2-row, Maris Otter, and "a light caramel malt."

I've got a Double IPA carbing where I used it -- the bottling sample tasted promising, but I'm just wondering if there's any opinions out there based on finished a product, yet.

For those interested, here's a link to the NB page:
http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/nort ... r-ipa.html
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Re: Northern Brewer Super Structure

Post by Beer-lord »

I wasn't even aware of this but after reading it, it does look and sound like it offers something others don't. I'm not saying it's needed as I would first only grab extract that's fresh. All things equal, I would say this is worth a try for $11.
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Re: Northern Brewer Super Structure

Post by mashani »

Next time I order their rye extract (which is very good) I am going to order some of this to play with too. My bet it that it makes good beer if it's anything like their rye custom blend.
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Re: Northern Brewer Super Structure

Post by Crazy Climber »

Update - I've carbed and tested the IIPA that uses NB's Super Structure. I give it a thumbs-up. However, since this is a Double IPA, the hops are the star of the show. So, the malt is simply doing the job of staying the hell out of the way, for the most part. I'm VERY happy with how this IIPA turned out, in general.

I've got another IPA in a secondary right now that also used the Super Structure blend. This one's going to be a tough one to judge by, too, because I'm adding bourbon-soaked oak cubes to it.

Oh well, they sell it as an ideal base for hoppy beers, so I guess given that parameter, it's "mission accomplished" as far as I'm concerned.
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Re: Northern Brewer Super Structure

Post by brewin bull »

Crazy Climber wrote: However, since this is a Double IPA, the hops are the star of the show. So, the malt is simply doing the job of staying the hell out of the way, for the most part.
As is damn well should! :rofl:
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Re: Northern Brewer Super Structure

Post by Crazy Climber »

Update:

I brewed two beers using Northern Brewer's Super Structure extract. A Double IPA, and an experiment -- a bourbon oak IPA.

Both turned out enjoyable, so I would say this LME is recommended.

I entered both in a regional competition, and both beers did okay. Malt-related comments included "bready" and "crystal sweetness". Granted, I did have some Light LME in both beers in addition to the Super Structure, and even had a little of the infamous Beer Machine hopped DME in one of them, so not all of the malt character can be attributed to the Super Structure.

Just wanted to "close the loop" on this topic. For anyone wondering, I'd say Super Structure is worth a try.
Crazy Climber:
I'm not particularly crazy (IMO), and I don't rock-climb. It's just the name of a video game I used to like to play, back in the 80's.
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