Blank Czech Pilsner

One lager a year, and this is the one!

Brewer:	West Wind		Email:	dteach2584@yahoo.com
Beer:	Blank Czech Pilsner		Style:	Bohemian Pilsener
Type:	All grain		Size:	5 gallons
Color:	4 HCU (~4 SRM)		Bitterness:	22 IBU
OG:	1.062		FG:	1.014
Alcohol:	6.2% v/v (4.9% w/w)
Water:	Tacoma water - nothing added, nothing needed.
Grain:	10 lb. German Pilsner .5 lb. American crystal 10L .5 lb. Dextrine malt (Cara-Pils)
Mash:	75% efficiency
	Infusion mash at 156° for 60 minutes, mash out at 165°.
Boil:	60 minutes	SG 1.052	6 gallons
Hops:	1.5 oz. Saaz (3.75% AA, 60 min.) .5 oz. Saaz (3.75% AA, 15 min.)
Yeast:	WLP802 - Czech Budejovice Larger Yeast - this is really the key
Log:	This is tricky for me because I'll need to brew and start fermentation inside. I'll move the fermenter to the cooler attached garage for the primary, and then finally move it to the cold outdoor garage for the lagering period (likely around 2 months).
Carbonation:	Forced CO2 (10 lbs)
Tasting:	Note: Sterling hops used as a substitute for the Saaz (I hate to do that, but in 2008 I cannot get whole Saaz hops). If you like Pilsner Urquell, you will like this. It has the crystal clean finish that you find in the eastern European lagers in Czech and Hungary. I only take the time to make one lager per year, and this is the one. (I suggest that you try a Pilsner Urquell before making this because it is much different than a Heineken or Stella. In my opinion it is much better!).

Recipe posted 10/19/08.