The Partial Mash Blonde

After the Entropy IPA I was in desperate need of an ego-boosting easy win. Partial Mash Blonde, enter stage right. 

Partial mashing still utilizes beer syrup malt extract but stars of the wort are the specialty grains. This recipe’s ingredient list was the longest thus far, requiring four different milled grains, two varieties of hops, and spices (yes, actual cooking spices). I was a bit intimidated if I am being honest. All-grain is considered gold standard brewing by brewing snobs and it is known for being very finicky, technical, and long. This was the next step toward that brewing method. 

While at the potions shop brewer’s store the guy at the register took my entire list while I talked to the other guy at the counter. Their brewer’s guild was in a brewing competition and have a winning reputation. He also told me that he didn’t start all-grain brewing for years after he started the craft. Whelp, I can try, right? A pint next door helped gain some confidence.

I waited to brew until I was finished with all my chores on a Saturday so I could stay up and dedicate my time to this recipe. And wouldn’t you know it, it went rather well. The brewing process was very akin to the steeping method with a grain bag, but instead of just steeping the bag was kept open to allow for stirring. The grains were all added together and at the same time so despite the lengthy list, it was as easy as pouring the grains into the bag. The additional spices were timed along with the hops so the hardest part was tracking down that dang cardamom at a grocery store (I had to go to three to find it). 

I also took my time transferring the wort to the carvoy to prevent spilling. While tedious, there was nary a spill. I believe my main culprit to my poor yield percentage is my open pot boiling method. I had spotted a super fancy brewing/fermenting closed system at the potions shop brewer’s shop. I pointed it out to Jake as something to consider if I ever get into 5-gallon batches. The price tag, over $600. That could buy a lot of beer.

Anywho, I needed a confidence building brewing day and the blonde came through for me, like it always does at a brewery. I always felt that a blonde was hard to screw up when ordering one, fingers crossed I’m not the first.

Spoiler, I wasn’t. It was crisp, refreshing and surprisingly crushable.

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