Vanilla Mild

My stanadard Mild with vanilla bean added for a hint of sweetness and vanilla goodness.

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:	1.015
Alcohol:	3.5% v/v (2.8% w/w)
Water:	Use Munich-like water.
Grain:	6 lb. 4 oz. US 2-row 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 3.7 gallons @ 156°F, then 3 gallons @ 170°F. Used US 2-row with Victory in lieu of usual Marris Otter.
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 1 week at 68F. Add 1/2 cut vanilla bean in secondary for 1 week.
Carbonation:	Med-low carbonation
Tasting:	Vanilla was a crowd pleaser at our neighborhood x-mas party this year. Always funny how drunk people seem to get when they think they are drinking high alcohol beer. After telling them it was just 3.5%, they go "oh, well I guess I'm not buzzed then". Could have been a bit stronger but did not want to overpower a low-grav session beer so only put 1/2 a bean in. Keep high mash temp of 156-158F to boost the final gravity to 1.014-1.016 as it gives a more full bodied feel to a low-grav beer.

Recipe posted 12/29/10.