BrewMate

[Good Ed]

I've just downloaded the free BrewMate software, and could someone please explain the significance of the BU:GU ratio (is this a style guideline?) also what is the Balance Value, and what should you be looking for when designing recipes. If you can point me in the right direction so I can swat up, as I am new to this, thanks.

 

[phettebs]

Hey GE,
I use beersmith and not brewmate but as far as I know, BU:GU is a bitterness to gravity ratio. Yes, it does have to do with style. What is the context in which you are seeing this? Not sure what a balance value is.

I struggled for a long time in designing my own recipes. I started with other people's recipes until I got the hang of doing my own. I bought "Designing Great Beers" by Ray Daniels and that helped me a lot. The recipes and data in there have a lot to do with home brew competitions from the early 90's so they are a bit dated. However, the info in there really does show you what goes into designing a recipe. It's not all voodoo and rocket science.

Post some specifics and we can help!

Barry

 

[Good Ed]

Thanks Barry,

Heres one of the recipes that comes with BrewMate,

http://www.brewmate.net/recipes/ZBdKbpoaD3qAwm2G9DdR.xml

I've read John Palmer's book and have ordered Graham Wheeler's Brew Your Own British Real Ale, and am planning to get started on AG in the New Year.

Thanks

 

[jamesb]

The BU:GU thing is explained in detail in Ray Daniels' book Designing Great Beers.

 

[Good Ed]

Thanks James,

the link I've posted does not work, I guess you would have to have BrewMate. I've a feeling the Balance Value is something to do with sweetness & bittering with 1.00 being in balance, but I suppose it's a personal taste thing really.

 

[jamesb]

Thanks James,

the link I've posted does not work, I guess you would have to have BrewMate. I've a feeling the Balance Value is something to do with sweetness & bittering with 1.00 being in balance, but I suppose it's a personal taste thing really.

No, 1.00 doesn't mean it's in balance. Different styles want a different ratio to be balanced. For example, a plain old bitter of 1.040 with an IBU of 40 gives a ratio of 1.00 but would be too bitter for the style, you'd ideally want IBUs of 25-30 (ish) which gives you a ratio of about 0.62 to 0.75.

Do you own research into the different styles and look at the bitterness and gravities (especially for commercial beers if you can find the info) and it should all make sense.

 

[Good Ed]

ok, thanks James, there no substitute for experience, I'll do some more reading

 

[Good Ed]

I've found something on Balance Value, but I'm afraid its beyond me at the moment, I'll concentrate on getting my head round the BU:GU ratio

http://beercolor.netfirms.com/balance.html

Thanks