So, I was going to brew tonight when I just noticed the Extract kit I got is missing the 1/2lb Crystal 60L. The rest of the kit includes:
7lbs Extra pale extract
1lb Light DME
3 oz Cluster
3 oz Cascade

Should I still brew it or make the drive to an LHBS in the next couple of days for some Crystal?

Thanks,

I'd make the drive. The brew as is won't have any complexity in the grain bill, and it won't be balanced hop-wise. You could amend the hopping schedule but I don't think I'd recommend it.

Thanks, I decided to wait and make the drive. I'll make it worth it and pick up a couple of extra goodies while I'm there.

While you're at it, why don't you use some additional grains. I have found that with just cry60 the beer tastes 2-dimentional. It wouldn't hurt to add small qtys of some more steeping grains like aromatic and munich etc.
mark
www.backyardbrewer.blogspot.com
www.thebackyardbrewer.com

mbird, do you have any specific qtys/kinds to recommend?

You could do 1/4# 20L and 1/4# 80L. Unless you wanted to do a mini-mash I wouldn't steep Munich or Aromatic. If you did want to do a mini-mash a pound of either would be nice.

Adding a couple different kinds of crystal adds complexity to the flavor. Just using one type is fine, it's just a bit one dimensional.

I like that idea, because I do want to stay away from the mini-mash.

Mike,
you don't need to do a mini-mash to use those grains for flavor. Just place the crushed grains in a bag and place in the water (cool) and put on the heat. The grains will steep as the water temp. rises. When temp. reaches 170f. remove bag. I would suggest 1/2lb. of each if you want to use them. 1/4lb for any additional crystal malts. Just my experience.
mark
www.backyardbrewer.blogspot.com
www.thebackyardbrewer.com