Braggot is a fascinating blend of mead and beer, made from honey and malted barley. This hybrid drink offers the rich sweetness of honey combined with the maltiness and hops of beer, resulting in a complex and flavorful beverage that's perfect for beer and mead enthusiasts alike.
Recipe
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Ingredients:
- 2 lbs of honey
- 2 lbs of malted barley (use a mix of base and specialty malts)
- 1 gallon of water
- 0.5 oz of hops (your choice, depending on desired bitterness and flavor)
- 1 packet of ale yeast (Nottingham or Safale US-05)
- Yeast nutrient (optional)
Steps
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Sanitize Equipment: Clean all equipment thoroughly to prevent contamination.
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Mash the Grains: Heat 1 gallon of water to 150-160°F (65-71°C) and add the crushed malted barley. Maintain this temperature for about 60 minutes to convert the starches to sugars.
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Strain and Sparge: Strain the grain mixture, collecting the liquid wort. Rinse the grains with an additional half-gallon of hot water to extract more sugars.
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Boil the Wort: Bring the wort to a boil and add the hops. Boil for 60 minutes, then cool the wort quickly using an ice bath or a wort chiller.
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Mix in Honey: Once the wort has cooled to about 70°F (21°C), pour it into your sanitized fermenter and mix in the honey until fully dissolved.
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Add Yeast Nutrient: If using, add yeast nutrient according to the package instructions.
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Pitch Yeast: Rehydrate the yeast in warm water for 15 minutes and then add it to the fermenter.
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Fermentation: Seal the fermenter with an airlock and store it in a dark, cool place (65-75°F) for about 1-2 weeks, or until fermentation slows down.
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Rack the Braggot: Siphon the braggot into a clean secondary fermenter, leaving the sediment behind.
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Aging: Let the braggot age for at least 2-3 months to develop its flavors.
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Bottling: Sanitize bottles and siphon the braggot into them. Seal and store in a cool, dark place.
Additional Information
Braggot has its origins in medieval Europe, where it was a popular drink among the Celts. It offers a delightful fusion of the sweetness of mead with the complexity of malt and hops, making it a versatile and enjoyable beverage.
