Christmas ale.

[Orfy]

I'm thinking of doing a Christmas Ale.

I'll be doing it from and extract with maybe a bit of grain steeping.
I'm thinking of putting in cinnamon, nutmeg and possible clove or all spice. (and maybe a touch of ginger to warm it up. what about raisins) I don't want it to be over powering.
I want to make it as simple of possible.
I'll go look at some recipes but my questions for starters are.

When do you think the spices should be added? Before boiling, after boiling, Primary or secondary. If after boiling should I dry roast or steep in boiling water to kill any nasties.

Also any suggestions on quantities. Other comments appreciated.
(Type of extract suitable, Hop additions etc)
I have some Fuggles and some home grown on stock along with some crystal malt.

Thanks.

 

[subwyking]

couple weeks ago i bought a book titled "the brewmaster's bible". its got a bajillion recipes in it. it also has a really tasty sounding christmas ale. if you want i can scan the page and email it to you.

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[Orfy]

Cheers subwyking, I've just ordered that book from Amazon and it should be here in a few days.
I've got several recipes I can get the ideas from.
I was wondering if any of you guys had tried it and had any ideas.

 

[Orfy]

I've just done a 2.5 gallon batch and it smells and tastes wonderfull.

I've used 3.3 nut brown hopped extract with Honey, Cinamon, Allspice, Ginger, Fresh nutmeg and Demerara sugar. OG of 1052
It smells like mulled wine.