Apricot Blonde Ale bitter tastes

Northern Brewer General
1

I brewed Norther Brewer’s Dry Dock Apricot Ale two weeks ago. Today when I went to switch it to the secondary, I took a gravity reading and tasted it. It had a really strong bitter taste and strong smell. I am trying to find out if this is normal or if I should leave it in the primary longer. Followed the instructions during the brew and added the included apricot puree on day three as directed. Thanks for any info.

2

The more I think about the taste, its has the same flavor as if you had orange juice too long.

I can not think of any point in my sanitation that was not followed as it should have been. So I don’t think the problem is there. Added the apricot purée on day three and it went really active at that point. I had to change to the blow off tube within a few hours so everything seemed good up until that point.

3

I brewed this beer last summer and had the same experience. After bottling I let the beers age approximately 6 weeks and the bitterness was gone and the beer was wonderful .

4

Thanks for the info. Makes me feel better. I now have it in the secondary and pulled a sample at the 6 day point. It was still bitter but much more mellow. Plan to leave it here for another 8-10 days and then bottle or keg with the apricot extract that came with it.

5

I brewed it last year and loved the final product. Although I do have to say the bottom of the keg did start tasting a touch on the sour side. But that was just the last couple pints.

6

All my worry was for nothing. I wound up putting this in a keg instead of bottling.

Holy Crap! This beer is amazing. Pulled the first one on Monday night. Once word got out it was ready I have had so many people coming by to “sample” it, the keg is almost empty and definitely won’t make it thru the weekend. I am going to order 2 of these again next week to get ready for next month. Have not had one person who has not wanted more.

7

I’ve been thinking about brewing this beer but I’ve never had the original. Two questions:

  1. Has anyone tried drinking it without the apricot? I’m thinking about brewing 10 gallons and only adding apricot to 5.

  2. Is this a good summer beer? And by summer what I really mean is, sitting on the beach when it is 90+ degrees outside.