I'm just thinking ahead here. Planning to re-brew Tasty's JBA in the near future. Did it last Fall and used American ale 1056 (built up a starter)
I can't find my FG info from that brew, but I don't recall it being other than what was anticipated. I've found in general that with 1056 or S05 dry that I tend to finish a little lower than the recipe indicates. I've tried to offset that by mashing a couple degrees higher than the recipes call for.
My 1st JBA result was delicious and very well-received. However, it was lacking in body... at least compared to what I had in mind for a brown ale. a couple months ago, I had a homebrewed brown (not same recipe, brewer, etc, so apples and oranges, I know) from the owner of my lhbs. His had a lot more body to it. He said he used an ESB yeast and attributed the yeast to the body.
Made me wonder, if for my next JBA attempt, I should consider using a different yeast. Not looking for British esters, but more mouthfeel and body. Would American Ale II or V be worth trying? Have yet to use either of those. From the descriptions I'm getting the feeling I might get a bit more body and even a slight nuttiness.
Thoughts on those yeasts (or others) for the JBA?





