Improving Australian lagers

[100.bottles]

Australian Premium lager s

I use saaz and hallertau Hops

I want to improve head and body of the lager
A few previous lager brews I have made have tasted ok, yet they seem too thin in body and the head does not hang about, the taste is ok.

Now I know by adding light dry malt will improve taste, body and head retention but I m worried about getting the right amount of
adjuncts in a 23 lt brew

would 500g light dry and 700 g dextrose be a good start to use in a 23 lt brew to boost up my lagers? Or do u guys have any ideas...?

thanks guys

[Kevnlis]

I would suggest using some Carapils grain which will add body, but not impact the flavour.

[100.bottles]

And follow the same mashing method for the grain as for most barley grains

would 200 grams be a good start?

[Kevnlis]

No need to mash. Just steep (you can cold steep if you do not have a six pack esky and reliable thermometer), strain, and boil with the hops.

I would suggest 250g of Carapils.

[earle]

If you're already happy with the taste of your brew you could just use some maltodextrin, also called a variety of other things like body builder/booster .... This will add body, improve head retention but will not affect you hop/malt balance. Does not get fermented so will not affect your alc %

When I asked for maltodextrin at the HBS in townsville the bloke didn't know what I was talking about. Sold me dried corn syrup which I think is also the same thing.

[Kevnlis]

It is the same thing, it is 20% fermentable so it will add a bit of alcohol, but not be noticed. It does impact the flavour more than Carapils IMHO.

[KEG]

too much maltodextrin can give a bit of a soapy flavour..

[Ash]

earle - Which HBS if you don't mind me asking?


Stay under 250gm of corn syrup/maltodextrin to avoid soapyness IMO.

[Boonie]

I'm sure I have read lactose will improve body, but will also give additional sweetness.

I cannot comment from a personal level as I have not used it.....sorry.

Anyone tried the lactose in a beer with success?

Cheers

Boonie

[Kevnlis]

My FIL is obsessed with lactose. He has put it in more beers than I care to count. It definitely has a unique flavour, and does increase the body of the beer. I am not too keen on it myself.

[100.bottles]

too much maltodextrin can give a bit of a soapy flavour..

thanks guys

[100.bottles]

beer and milk I cant stomach it lol

[earle]

earle - Which HBS if you don't mind me asking?

Mayfairs on Ross River Rd in Aitkenvale