Low abv beer competition

[admin]

This was mooted before, but no figure was ever decided upon. Was giving it some thought over the last few days and 2.8% seems to have a relevance as it's an excise duty cut off rate and the reason why Guinness Mid Strength exists.

So who is up for a 2.8% brew comp?

I'd be pretty happy to give this a shot as it's an interesting challenge, notably how to get body, and how to balance the beer.

[Bubbles]

I thought it was decided that <4.5% was the upper limit for this competition?

I think brewing a satisfying 2.8% ABV beer might be beyond the skill level of many homebrewers tbh.

[CARA]

I think this is a great idea-I really miss the c. 3% milds of the midlands ;(

[Eoin]

But but but surely we already have white wine or a fruit based alcopop for the ladies?

[Bubbles]

Just looking back on the thread, I don't think anything was officially decided, but most people seemed in favour of something around the 4% mark.

(Members area thread)
http://nationalhomebrewclub.com/forum/index.php/topic,2526.0.html

It's a nice little challenge alright. I did a 3.8% "Dead Pony Club" clone a couple of months back. Turned out really well. Plenty of body, but a little lacking in malt flavour. Will definitely attempt something similar again though.