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Beer/dandelions as a substitute for hops

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Expert: - 5/23/2007


Question
I am wondering how my beer will taste since i used dandelions instead of hops for bittering and oats in the blender also i used white sugar and corn syrup

Answer
Ivan,

I have never brewed using dandelions but I have used heather and that produced a great beer.  I think you should produce a similar taste which should be nice.

Now when it comes to the oats, did you malt them first and then roast them.  If you did not malt them first then you most likely will not getting anything from them.  Most grain must be malted to allow the enzymes to form.  IF you did not then they will not convert to sugar and then to alcohol.  They may add flavor.

I would caution using to much white sugar as it tends to produce a cider taste.

Having said all of that I would be curious to see your final brew and what it taste like.  You will have to let me know how it comes out.

Keep in mind that homebrewing is a hobby and thus allows for experimenting.  Relax and have fun.

Alan

Beer

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Alan Ward

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I am a home brewer who has been brewing since 2000. For us brewing is a family activity with everyone helping in some small way. We brew mostly all grain batches, but we do some kits. I have built all of our equipment. We bottle and keg. Drop us an line, we will be glad to assist with answer or help you find where the answer is. In October 2008 we opened the Brigadoon Brewery & Brew School at the Texas Renaisance Festival. This is a unique brewpub and teaching facility located on the grounds of the Texas Renaissance Festival in Plantersville, Texas. To our knowledge we are the only functioning brewpub located on the grounds of a renaissance festival brewing using both period specific equipment and modern equipment to brew hand crafted ale and then serving it back to the public. Where we offer hands on training and live period appropriate all grain brewing through out the day. Drop by and we will be glad to answer any question you have. You can checkout the brewery at www.brigadoonbrewery.com or follow on twitter@brewschool.

Experience

Home brewing since 2000. Started with a Mr. Beer kit and worked our way up to all grain.

Former chemistry and physics teacher.

Education:
Bachelors Arts Teaching; Master Instructional Technology
Currently the Managing Member and Brewmaster for Brigadoon Brewery & Brew School.

Organizations
Master Brewers Associaiton of America Texas Craft Brewers Guild American Home Brewers Association Brewers Association

Education/Credentials
Bachelors in Sports Medine from Sam Houston State University Masters in Instructional Technology from American Intercontinental University

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