Stop Looking for Malt Complexity in Pilsners - Czech Premium Pale Lager - 2011 National Homebrew Competition Winner

Ingredients

For 5 Gallons (18.93 L)

    11.0 lb (4.99 kg) Bohemian Pilsner malt
    0.5 lb (227 g) Cara-Foam malt
    0.5 lb (227 g) Cara-Hell malt
    0.5 oz (14 g) Magnum pellet hops, 14% a.a. (60 min)
    1.75 oz (49 g) Czech Saaz pellet hops, 4% a.a. (15 min)
    1.0 oz (28 g) Czech Saaz pellet hops, 4% a.a. (5 min)
    1.75 oz (49 g) Czech Saaz pellet hops, 4% a.a. (0 min)
    Wyeast 2278 Wyeast 2124, and White Labs WLP820 blend, 1 gallon slurry, decanted)
    100% reverse osmosis water
 

Specifications

    Original Gravity: 1.055
    Final Gravity: 1.013
    ABV: 5.51%
 

Directions

    Mash at 155° F (68° C). Decoct one-third and boil for 15 minutes. Add back to main mash, which should bring around a mashout temp. Pitch in the low 40s and ferment at 45° F (7° C). Raise toward the end of fermentation. Keg and lager for two weeks.
    Primary fermentation for 35 days at 50° F (10° C)
    Secondary fermentation for 133 days at 33° F (1° C)
    Forced CO2 to carbonate (2.5 vol)