Newquay Steam Bitter

[stevey]

Anybody remember Newquay Steam Bitter which came in the flip top bottles? I used to drink it a lot back in the 80's early 90's. I brew my own beer and am looking for a recipe and I am unable to find hardly any info at all. From what I can make out og was 1.038 abv was 3.8%.
As to grain bill and hops not a scooby.
I saw a post on this ages ago, but don't think it was ever answered, I don't even remember if it was on this forum.
Any ideas? I'd love to recreate it.
The name incidentally has nothing to do with the brewing process, it was apparently a reference to getting steamed on it.

 

[MyQul]

This an old thread from 10 years ago (when I was but a wee lad)

https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/newquay-steam-bitter-clone-if-known.9066/
post 11. states;
Draught 1038 100% maris otter Fuggles Goldings and Progress to 30IBU

So some experimentation may be in order

Edit: A small amount more info on jims Newquay Steam Beer - Home Brew Forum

 

[stevey]

This an old thread from 10 years ago (when I was but a wee lad)

https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/newquay-steam-bitter-clone-if-known.9066/
post 11. states;
Draught 1038 100% maris otter Fuggles Goldings and Progress to 30IBU

So some experimentation may be in order

Edit: A small amount more info on jims Newquay Steam Beer - Home Brew Forum

Yeah, I saw that, but I don't think it refers to steam bitter. They used to do steam lager, steam beer, steam bitter and strong steam bitter. The bitter definitely had a darker grain than maris otter, I remember it was quite dark, about the same colour as speckled hen for instance. I might try a recipe based on the above and add some chocolate malt or something, if I don't find any further info, but it won't be steam bitter.

 

[MyQul]

Yeah, I saw that, but I don't think it refers to steam bitter. They used to do steam lager, steam beer, steam bitter and strong steam bitter. The bitter definitely had a darker grain than maris otter, I remember it was quite dark, about the same colour as speckled hen for instance. I might try a recipe based on the above and add some chocolate malt or something, if I don't find any further info, but it won't be steam bitter.

If you look at my edit from jims the poster thought that some crystal may have been used

 

[stevey]

If you look at my edit from jims the poster thought that some crystal may have been used

I didn't see your edit at the time, I must have read it as soon as you posted. Yes that makes sense.
I'll try and make something using those ingredients. I'll probably make some decent beer, but I'm not sure I would even remember what it tasted like now, even though I used to drink lots of it, so it probably won't be anything like the real thing.
Damn, nostalgia isn't what it used to be!

 

[stevey]

Opinions on this please,

This is what I've come up with so far:

for 23 litres.

3500g MO
250g dark crystal
20g Roasted barley

mash @66c for 60 mins

20g WGV @60mins
20g Progress @60 mins
10g WGV @10 mins
10g Progress @10 mins
10 Progress Hopstand for 10 mins (before chilling)

3g Irish moss @15 mins

ferment with S-04.

Bugger, I haven't any progress hops. Until I get some I will sub progess for fuggles, as google tells me "progress were bred as a low cost alternative to fuggles".

 

[MyQul]

I didn't see your edit at the time, I must have read it as soon as you posted. Yes that makes sense.
I'll try and make something using those ingredients. I'll probably make some decent beer, but I'm not sure I would even remember what it tasted like now, even though I used to drink lots of it, so it probably won't be anything like the real thing.
Damn, nostalgia isn't what it used to be!

Also being a bitter a lot of the flavour will come from the yeast. Without having that or knowing what strain it was so you can maybe get something similar you'll be shooting in the dark

 

[stevey]

Also being a bitter a lot of the flavour will come from the yeast. Without having that or knowing what strain it was so you can maybe get something similar you'll be shooting in the dark

Of course, there are so many variables it'll be virtually impossible to stumble on the exact recipe. I was really hoping that someone would say something like "this is it, it's now called xxxxx".
It'll be fun trying though.

also as I don't even remember what it tasted like, I wouldn't even know if I got it right 1st time.

 

[Honk]

I can remember drinking it and I liked it at the time but like you can't remember what it tasted like now.

I will be interested in how your version turns out if you brew it.

 

[Appleyard]

Coincidentally, I have today found some old bottles. Attached pics for your enjoyment! I remember drinking this stuff, it was my favourite. Deep, dark, dark-tasting, sticky and strong. Well, those cropped pics have not come out well, still the bottles look reusable.

Edit: Someone on eBay wants £24 for two empty Steam Bitter bottles!

Edit: This "Newquay Extra Stout" says on the bottle: OG 1064-1068, 5.4 % alc vol", also but on the back "Tony Wharmby, Head Brewer" and "Best Before End Sept 89".

 

[Clint]

I remember these beers! Google Boake and Bailey. They have quite a large article about the origin of them.