Old World Russian Imperial Stout

[mstrelan]

I'm planning to brew #70 Old World Russian Imperial Stout from the DIY Dog recipe book and have a few questions.

1. What exactly is Dark Crystal 350? Darkest crystal I can find is 220-260 EBC. Should I use Special B at around 300 EBC?
2. Where can I get Herkules hops, or what should I sub it with? I've read perhaps Hallertau, Tradition or Warrior.
3. Any suggestions for hop schedule timings? 60/30/0? 60/30/5? Something else?
4. The ABV calculation doesn't seem to add up. 1.075 to 1.014 gives 8.0% to 8.5% depending on which calculator you use, but the recipe and advertised ABV is 9.5%. Since 1.075 is right at the bottom end for an Imperial Stout should I try boost that or just run with it?

Recipe attached.

View attachment 70-Old-World-Russian-Imperial-Stout.pdf

 

[mstrelan]

Also, 64°C seems low.

 

[indica86]

Caraaroma is 350
I'd play with 60, 20 then near the end for the hops.
As for the ABV, no idea/

 

[Tex083]

Dark crystal would probably be a Simpsons grain given they are UK brewery. I find matching the malt to the country of origin gives best results. But Simpsons is only 200-230.
Sub with any hops it's a RIS so you want IBU'S not flavour. I usually go 60, 30 on a stout maybe a 10 as brew dogs like hops
Boost the base malt to hit 9.5% but watch the yeast selection. American Ale may not go to 9% try it and see how it goes.

 

[barls]

64 is for the fermentability of the wort.
low temp gives good fermentability.