50-50

So…this one is a mixed bag.

It seems as though half the bottles I opened didn’t have any carbonation. That has an undeniable impact on the quality of the beer. The flavors flatten out, the malt really takes over and while it isn’t bad, it reaches “OK” status and stays there.

But when there is carbonation the beverage lightens up; some subtle citrus elements appear in the nose, there is a decent bitterness and bubbles on the finish-nothing excessive but all those little extra qualities add up to more than the sum and the beer becomes much more drinkable.

I’m not exactly sure what went wrong; did I forget to add simple syrup when I went to bottle? That would explain the lack of carbonation.

It doesn’t taste off or infected, so that is the best explanation I have, unfortunately.

Brew date: 7/26/20

Steeping grains
6lb Gambrinus pale
1 lb Mecca Opal (40L)
1 lb Great Western high color pale

Fermentables: 3 lb Extra light malt extract

Hops
1.5 oz Comet, .5 oz Citra @60
1.5 oz Citra, .5 oz Comet @5

Yeast: Imperial’s Tartan

OG: 1.062

FG: 1.01

Bottled 8/2

ABV 7%