Discover the meticulous process and unique ingredients that have earned this Cincinnati-based brewery a prestigious place in the craft beer world. Kelly Montgomery shares an exclusive homebrew recipe for their rich, full-bodied stout, Lil Astral, which incorporates oats, lactose, cacao nibs, and vanilla to create a truly exceptional brew.

Elevate Your Homebrew Game with This Medal-Winning Recipe

The Art of Crafting Exceptional Stouts

Crafting a stellar stout is both an art and a science. At Third Eye Brewing, Kelly Montgomery and his team have mastered this delicate balance. Their approach begins with selecting premium malts and adjuncts that contribute depth and complexity to the final product. Oats add a silky mouthfeel, while lactose provides a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall drinking experience. The inclusion of cacao nibs introduces rich chocolate notes, complemented by the aromatic essence of vanilla. Together, these elements create a harmonious blend that captivates the palate.The brewing process itself requires precision and patience. Achieving the desired original gravity (OG) of 1.076 involves careful measurement and adjustment. Fermentation is closely monitored to ensure the final gravity (FG) stabilizes at 1.031, resulting in a balanced alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5.9%. The bitterness level, measured at 26 IBUs, strikes a perfect balance between robustness and drinkability. This meticulous attention to detail ensures every sip delivers a consistent and satisfying taste profile.

Innovative Ingredients for Distinctive Flavors

Third Eye Brewing’s Lil Astral stands out due to its innovative use of ingredients. The addition of oats not only imparts a smooth texture but also enhances the body of the beer. Lactose, a non-fermentable sugar, adds a touch of creaminess without overpowering the other flavors. Cacao nibs bring forward intense chocolate undertones, reminiscent of dark chocolate truffles. Vanilla, sourced from high-quality beans, infuses the beer with a sweet aroma and flavor that lingers on the palate.These carefully chosen ingredients work synergistically to elevate the sensory experience. Each component plays a crucial role in shaping the character of the beer. For homebrewers looking to replicate this success, sourcing high-quality ingredients is paramount. Understanding how each ingredient interacts during the brewing process can lead to remarkable results. Experimentation and refinement are key to unlocking the full potential of this recipe.

Brewing Techniques for Consistent Quality

Consistency is vital when brewing a medal-winning stout. Third Eye Brewing employs advanced techniques to maintain quality across batches. One critical aspect is achieving optimal brewhouse efficiency, set at 72%. This ensures a higher yield of fermentable sugars from the malted grains, contributing to the beer’s robust flavor. Proper mashing techniques facilitate efficient extraction of sugars, while precise temperature control during fermentation prevents off-flavors.Another essential factor is water chemistry. Adjusting the mineral content of the brewing water can significantly impact the flavor profile. Soft water tends to produce smoother, more rounded beers, while hard water can enhance bitterness. Third Eye Brewing tailors their water treatment methods to suit the specific requirements of Lil Astral. By controlling variables such as pH levels and mineral concentrations, they achieve a well-rounded and flavorful stout.

Homebrewing Insights from a Master Brewer

Kelly Montgomery’s expertise shines through in the detailed instructions provided for homebrewers. Starting with an all-grain batch size of 5 gallons (19 liters), aspiring brewers can follow a step-by-step guide to recreate this award-winning recipe. The initial stages involve preparing the malt bill, which includes a mix of base malts and specialty grains. Mashing, lautering, and boiling are executed with precision to extract the maximum flavor from the ingredients.Fermentation is another critical phase where attention to detail is crucial. Selecting the right yeast strain and maintaining ideal fermentation conditions are key to producing a high-quality beer. After fermentation, conditioning allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a smoother and more refined taste. Bottling or kegging the finished product completes the process. Homebrewers can take pride in crafting a beer that rivals commercial offerings, thanks to the insights shared by Kelly Montgomery and his team at Third Eye Brewing.