Gail, Belgian Dark Strong, Take #2

Last November I brewed my 1st Belgian Dark Strong named after my Grandfather Gail.  The overall beer was a huge success and created a love affair with the style.  (My original "Tasting Notes" are here.)  The complexity of this beer is such a desired change from the standard Pale Ale and IPA's I've been brewing lately.  

After my 1st sip I started to tweak the recipe for another go around at this, now beloved style. Looking at the original grain bill I noticed I used German Pilsner as the base malt, it was the first change. Switching to Belgian Pilsner.  Belgian malt is noted for having a higher bready flavor profile vs the German which is said to be more grainy.  The next change was to add some Acid Malt (which is quickly becoming my favorite addition to any beer.)  The Acid Malt or Aculated Malt lowers the PH of the wort, highlighting the hop profile(s) and lowering the color of the wort.  If I remember, a side by side next to the first Gail would be cool to see any perceived color differences.  

Gail, Belgian Dark Strong Ale

Growing up my Grandfather would always give me a nickel when he came over.  I remember being so excited to drop that shinny coin into my piggy bank, as I got older the receiving nickel got a little, well "Old".  Now looking back, that nickel was him showing love to the Grand-kids, as any affection from him would of shocked everybody.  To my Grandfather Gail, a nickel was a lot of money, the simple act of giving that away was a big deal to him which I will always remember. 

Gail, like most other men of his age was sent off to war.  He ended up in France and Belgium for most of WWII.  During this time he developed a strong hatred for anything French.  He would randomly state, "French Pussies." and other inappropriate comments as he got older.  No one can understand what happens during war but I can assume it's not pretty.  He would talk about how the French Troops would be running away from the German's while the American's stood firm protecting their country.  Even with this hatred for French men, French women on the other hand he loved.  Eventually marring an American born, French girl.