BuffaloBeer1
Well-Known Member
Well I can safely say that this is a very delicious beer. I cracked the first one open yesterday, and shared with 2 others; we reached consensus. I used the recipe based on pg. 20. It is also evident that this is in no way a clone of ST Pumpking. I had one side by side. The color is right on, but there is definitely not the graham cracker, vanilla, or much cinnamon in the ST beer. That being said, I am really enjoying all of those flavors in this beer; the vanilla compliments it very well. Oak would only enhance this even more. I used a full tsp of the Graham cracker extract; thankfully I have not detected any of the metallic or other off flavors that others have noted.
For what it's worth, I feel the actual clone might need less to none of the Victory, more of some kind of crystal/caramel malt, and a mash temp of 156-158. I would also drop the extract, vanilla, and add some more of all of the spices (for a clone, that is).
Thank you all who have helped this process along. I will continue to enjoy the fruits of your labor this fall.
For what it's worth, I feel the actual clone might need less to none of the Victory, more of some kind of crystal/caramel malt, and a mash temp of 156-158. I would also drop the extract, vanilla, and add some more of all of the spices (for a clone, that is).
Thank you all who have helped this process along. I will continue to enjoy the fruits of your labor this fall.