The Scholar Batch #2 (Societe Brewing The Pupil Clone) -- Brew Day

My last batch of The Scholar turned out wonderfully, if not maybe a touch fuller-bodied than I had intended.  I believe that was most likely due to the use of WY1028 London Ale, which typically attenuates less than most American strains.  The beer was well received by friends and scored a 39, although it unfortunately did not place, in the New Jersey State Fair Homebrew Competition.  Overall, I'd venture to say it was probably
in the top 5 beers I've ever made.

For my second attempt at this, I really wanted to hit the body spot on.  Switching to WLP090 Super San Diego yeast will definitely help.  That thing is a hungry fucker.  Additionally, I'm going to spend more time monitoring the mash temperature to make sure that it is holding in the 147f range.

My wife and I have recently moved and this was my first brew in the new house.  Everything went well and I very much appreciated the greater space.  However, I still need to get some kinks worked out regarding kettle placement with the burners to cut down on strike time and to maintain a strong rolling boil.  I'm continuing to have issues with mash efficiency, which at this point I can't pinpoint to anything other than crush.

The Scholar Bach #2
5.5 gallon batch - 90 minute boil
Est OG: 1.060
Est FG: 1.007
Est ABV: 7%
IBU: 67
SRM: 4

10.5lb 2-Row Pale Malt
3.5lb Wheat Malt
0.75lb Carapils

0.50oz Magnum @ FWH (24 IBU)
0.66oz Nelson Sauvin @ 20 min (14 IBU)
0.33oz Citra @ 20 min (7 IBU)
2.00oz Nelson Sauvin @ Steep 10 min (13 IBU)
1.00oz Citra @ Steep 10 min (6 IBU)
0.50oz Centennial @ Steep 10 min (3 IBU)
2.00oz Nelson Sauvin @ Dry Hop 4 Days
1.00oz Citra @ Dry Hop 4 Days
1.00oz Centennial @ Dry Hop 4 Days

1000ml starter of WLP090 Super San Diego

Mash @ 147 for 90 minutes

8/19/2014 -- Brewed by myself.  Mash proceeded as normal, but got shitty efficiency (67%).  I probably should have stirred it up a bit more.  Added some DME to the boil and ended with 5.5 gallons of 1.060 wort.  For some reason this recipe always comes out darker than the software predicts, which is strange because its basically all light base malts.  The WLP090 was a tad old, and despite the starter, it hadn't really taken off yet in the morning.

8/20/2014 -- Fermentation activity has still not kicked off.  Added another vial of Super SD yeast that should have some more viability.

8/21/2014 -- Still no fermentation.  Another beer brewed after this that had been pitched with only a smack pack and no starter has actually started before this one.  I'm thinking I'm going to panic and add some S-04 tonight.

8/22/2014 -- The thing finally started.  Hopefully it turns out alright.  If I'm going to use that yeast again, I'm definitely going to do my starter a few more days in advance.

9/3/2014 -- Dry hops added.  Ended up tossing in 1.5oz of Centennial rather than 1.0oz as that was what was left in the bag and Centennial is fucking delicious.

9/5/2014 -- Bottled with 4.1oz corn sugar for 2.4vol CO2.  Finished at 1.009.  A little high, but given the fermentation issues starting off with this one, I'll take it.

11/7/2014 -- And here are some tasting notes.