Vanilla Mild

Biscuity mild that I decided needed a bit of vanilla sweetness to balance, and was looking for something to lightly spice for a x-mas party.

Brewer:	Christo		Email:	-
Beer:	Vanilla Mild		Style:	English Dark Mild
Type:	All grain		Size:	5.8 gallons
Color:	26 HCU (~14 SRM)		Bitterness:	17 IBU
OG:	1.042		FG:	1.012
Alcohol:	3.9% v/v (3.1% w/w)
Water:	Savannah tap (Munich profile)
Grain:	6 lb. 4 oz. British pale 8 oz. British crystal 50-60L 6 oz. British crystal 135-165L 2 oz. American chocolate 4 oz. American victory 4 oz. Dextrine malt (Cara-Pils)
Mash:	85% efficiency
	Batch sparge 150°F, initally planned for 156F for more dextrinous wort, but got tired of fidgeting and added the carapils to boost body instead.
Boil:	60 minutes	SG 1.036	6.8 gallons
	IM at 15 minutes
Hops:	.5 oz. Fuggles (5.1% AA, 60 min.) .5 oz. Fuggles (5.1% AA, 30 min.)
Yeast:	S-04
Log:	Primary for 8 days at 72-74F (a bit of a warm spell hit). Secondary Add cut 1/2 vanilla bean in secondary for 1 week, temps around 68F.
Carbonation:	Med-low carbonation
Tasting:	Beer coming out of primary was relatively big on the Victory/biscuit (almost like a New Belgium beer or Magic Hat) plus a surprising nutty/chocolate note, though overall malt presence isn't sweet and is on the low end. Very low hop presence though paired with roasted grain presents a drying roasty finish. In the past usually mash between 156-158F to get a sweet dextrinous wort that provides a farily high FG and sweetness. This time I couldn't get the mash temp where I wanted so I added the carapils but did not end as sweet as with higher mash temp. So added vanilla bean - only a 1/2 as did not want to overpower the overall beer - and it added a hint of sweetness and subtle vanilla notes in the aroma. Still drying finish, but a hint more balance. Overall quite nice. 5 gal Kegged for a party and well-received, with remainder bottled with some peppermint - will report back on those later.

Recipe posted 12/06/10.