Modifying a woodfordes wherry kit

[Yettiman]

I prefer a darker winter ale, and although the Woodfordes Wherry is an excellent ale, I would like to darken it up a little.

I was thinking of adding in a chocolate crystal malt, and would VERY much appreciate the thoughts of mor experienced brewers as to how sensible this is and if so, what quantity to add to a 3kg kit?

Many thanks

[seymour]

A very sensible idea, and it should be a nice kit enhancement.

Somewhere around 150-200g Chocolate Malt would be an ideal percentage in an equivalent all-grain recipe, so should be a useful starting point. Simply crush it, and steep it in a mesh bag in your hot wort for 30 minutes or so before your boil. Adding a nicely brewed cup of coffee (no dairy) to your fermentor would compliment it nicely, too.

[Yettiman]

Thank you,

Just to check

Heat to 155 and steep for 30 min. Remove Grains. Then heat to a boil, turn off heat and add kit LME?

[rootsbrew]

A lazy alternative would be to prime with black treacle (about 8g/litre). Although, if you have quite a high chlorine count in your water, it will take a few weeks to come round but with bottled water, it should be quicker.

[Monkeybrew]

I prefer a darker winter ale, and although the Woodfordes Wherry is an excellent ale, I would like to darken it up a little.

I was thinking of adding in a chocolate crystal malt, and would VERY much appreciate the thoughts of mor experienced brewers as to how sensible this is and if so, what quantity to add to a 3kg kit?

Many thanks

Very interesting idea!

I was enjoying an early sample pint of my EKG enhanced Wherry last night and was wondering what to do with another 2 x £13.99 Dunelm Wherrys that I have in stock.

I'll be watching your progress closely

MB