Young's special London

[borischarlton]

Hi,

I have been lurking for a while but this is my first post. I have done one all grain brew and it is just about to be bottled, time for the next. I think it would be wise to stick to one fairly simple recipe for a couple of brews and get it right but I am just not that patient!!! Has anyone got a clone for Young's special London ale, tis my favourite, at the moment!!

This is from the web site:

"Special London Ale is an absolute classic, a winner of many awards. Why? Despite its strength it's sublimely drinkable. The malty richness is countered by huge amounts of hops to create a perfectly balanced, wonderfully aromatic, dry, fruity flavour. This live beer is matured in the bottle for a fuller, fresher flavour. Serve cool, pouring gently to leave the sediment in the bottle.

100% malt brew: Maris Otter and crystal malt and a phenomenal amount of Fuggle and Goldings hop. Golding and Target hops are added after fermentation which creates an exciting fresh and hoppy bouquet. Fresh yeast and wort are added at bottling to continue the maturation as a live ale."

Obviously this gives the basic ingredience but as for quantities?? Also could I make up a starter from the yeast in the bottom of the bottle?? At least that would be the right yeast or have I got that wrong?? Also my mash tun is one of those converted ASDA cool boxes so is quite small, I may have to fly sparge for a beer needing that quantity of malt.

Thanks

Rob

Edit-Numpty

[Eadweard]

Young's you mean? That might help you find a recipe...

[borischarlton]

First post, first balls up!!! Thanks

[Bobba]

There's a good recipe for this in Graham Wheeler's Brew your own British real ale 3rd ed
I'm not sure about this one, but according to what you quoted from the website the beer maybe bottle conditioned, which you could culture up....so you could even brew it with their own yeast! You'll have to check that though, it'll be written on the bottle if it is. Alternatively a bottle of Fullers 1845 will give you some similar yeast

[Bryggmester]

The yeast Youngs use to bottle condition Special London Ale is not the same strain as they use to brew it. I was told this at the old brewery tap in Wandsworth when I asked for their advice about making a starter.

[Garth]

The recipe in Wheeler is not Special London, it is only Youngs Special, plus it's way short on the abv, Special London is something like 6.3% and the one in the book is 4.6%

Here is a recipe I have had for a while for it, it's one of my favourite bottled brews from the shops.

[borischarlton]

Thanks all for your replies, Garth that is exactly what I was after, cheers

Rob