This recipe started out as an experiment in what would happen if I doubled the malt bill for a popular pale ale that I had brewed a few times. As it turns out, the result was quite good, and received rave reviews from all tasters. Here is the recipe:

17 lbs British 2-row
2 lbs Cara Pils
1 lbs Cara Munich
1 lbs Crystal 20

3/4 oz Magnum (boil 60 minutes)
2 oz Kent Golding (boil 60 minutes)
2 oz Centennial (boil 30 minutes)
1 oz Kent Golding (boil 30 minutes)
1/4 oz Magnum (boil 30 minutes)
1 oz Willamette (boil 02 minutes)
1 oz Willamette (boil 02 minutes)
2 oz Centennial (dry 1 week)

Wyeast 1056 American Ale Yeast.

Original Gravity: 1.105
Finishing Gravity: 1018

This experiment taught me a very important lesson about the spirit of brewing. When I sat down and decided to brew this ale, I was motivated mostly by the desire to experiment and create something that was different from I typically brew, and what I typically drink. The result was excellent! Had I spent more time thinking about the ingredients and following common wisdom about the barley wine style, I would surely have brewed a very different type of strong ale. This serves as a nice example of how the spirit of adventure in brewing can yield very positive results. I encourage everyone to try it!