Beer Forum

Who here has sucessfully brewed a spot-on clone of Dog Fish Head's Indian Brown Ale?

I tried the recipe in Sam's book, converted it from partial to all grain. The taste was good but not the same. I would say no cloned if following the CYBI process.

I was surprised as it's direct from the brewery.

The brown ale goodness wasn't there as I expected it to be. Tasting side by side with a DFH bottle, the bottled beer was far better.

Anyone else have this problem with the published recipe? If yes, what did you do to overcome the taste difference?

Haven't tried brewing it, but what do you mean by 'brown ale goodness'? You could try applying some of the tips from the recent CYBI on building a clone without a recipe... you've got what sounds like a decent starting point, do the hops seem pretty much in line with the commercial beer? By brown ale goodness, I'm assuming you are talking a lack in the malt character...

Made a clone once - while it was nothing close to DFH India Brown it was a hella good Impy Brown.

I would say the malt character was lacking as well as the chocolatey and roasty toasty taste the some browns have.

i really love that beer, one of my faves but i can see why it would be a tough clone. the malt profile of that beer is powerful.

DFH says it's dry hopped by the recipe in Sam's book doesn't include dry hopping.