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Saturday, 2 August 2025

Let's Brew - 1883 William Younger Stock Ale

A William Younger Double Century Ale with a drawing of Edinburgh castle and the bust of founder William Younger. There's the text "Brewed and Bottled by Scottish Brewers Ltd., Edinburgh".
You nay well ask: exactly what is the difference between Stock Ale and Special Export? They have the same gravity and a similar grist. Not that dissimilar level of hopping, either. But that’s William Younger for you. With so many beers, it’s no surprise that some are quite similar.

With more dextro-maltose (for which I’ve substituted No. 2 invert) in the grist and the name, I suspect this might have been aged longer. So perhaps two years.

The recipe is really typical for Younger: base malt and sugar. Equal amounts of three types of base malt. Not very exciting.

As usual, the hopping was more complicated. They were American from the 1882 and 1883 harvests, and East Kent and Hallertau, both from 1883. Dry hops were Württemberg and American, both from 1883.

Long, long ageing. My guess would be at least two years. With Brettanomyces, obviously. Which would really dry the beer out.  And leave it closer to 8% ABV. 

1883 William Younger Stock Ale
pale malt 13.25 lb 89.83%
No. 2 invert 1.50 lb 10.17%
Cluster 120 min 3.50 oz
Hallertau 60 min 3.50 oz
Goldings 30 min 3.50 oz
Hallertau dry hops 1.00 oz
Cluster dry hops 1.00 oz
OG 1068
FG 1016
ABV 6.88
Apparent attenuation 76.47%
IBU 154
SRM 9
Mash at 153º F
Sparge at 163º F
Boil time 120 minutes
pitching temp 59.5º F
Yeast WLP028 Edinburgh Ale

 

 

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