First Home Brew - Pickle Beer - What you think of my plan?

[Mdean4421]

I have never done this before. asked ChatGPT. Here is what it said. What do you all think?

PICKLE BEER INGREDIENT LIST (5-GALLON EXTRACT BATCH)​

Item	Amount
Pilsner Liquid Malt Extract (LME)	6.6 lb
Wheat Dry Malt Extract (DME)	1 lb
Saaz or Hallertau hops (low bitterness)	0.5 oz
Coriander seeds (crushed)	1 tbsp
Kosher salt (non-iodized)	1 tbsp
Lactic acid (optional, for tartness)	1 tsp
Yeast: Safale US-05 or similar	1 packet

Pickle Additions (after fermentation)​

Pickle brine (cold-pasteurized, e.g., Claussen or Grillo’s)	1–2 cups
Cucumber (thin-sliced)	1 large
Fresh dill sprigs	3–5 (optional)

BREWING PROCESS (EXTRACT VERSION)​

Brew Day:​

1. Heat 2.5–3 gallons of water in your brew kettle
2. Once hot (not boiling), turn off heat and stir in:
   
   • 6.6 lb Pilsner LME
   • 1 lb Wheat DME
3. Return to heat and bring to a boil
4. Start 60-minute timer, add:
   
   • 0.5 oz Saaz or Hallertau hops
5. With 10 minutes left, add:
   
   • 1 tbsp coriander
   • 1 tbsp kosher salt
   • (optional) 1 tsp lactic acid
6. Chill wort quickly to 68°F using ice bath or wort chiller
7. Transfer to fermenter, top up with cold water to reach 5 gallons
8. Aerate wort by shaking fermenter
9. Pitch yeast (e.g., Safale US-05)
10. Seal with airlock

Fermentation (Wait 2 Weeks)​

• Place fermenter somewhere around 65–70°F
  
  • Example: basement, closet, or in a tub of cool water
• Let it sit undisturbed for 14 days

​

Pickle Flavoring (2–4 Days)​

After fermentation is done:

1. Add to keg (or secondary fermenter):
   
   • 1–2 cups pickle brine (from Claussen or Grillo’s)
   • 1 sliced cucumber
   • Optional: 3–5 sprigs fresh dill
2. Let it sit cold in your kegerator or fridge for 2–4 days
   
   • Taste daily, remove solids once flavor is good

Keg & Carbonate​

1. Transfer beer to your sanitized Corny keg
2. Hook up CO₂ and set to:
   
   • 30 PSI for 2 days (cold), then
   • Drop to 10–12 PSI for serving

 

[BrewnWKopperKat]

[ ... LLM generated recipe ... ]

What do you all think?

For steps 1 through 4, it is well known (among people who brew regularly with 'extract') that there are better ingredients and better process steps. Consider OPs process in the "Extract Brewing" forum topic "I Brewed a Favorite Recipe Today".

 

[MograhmDeadbraid]

Start light with the pickle brine and add to taste.

 

[FloppyKnockers]

I went to ChatGPT and got this for you when you need it:

You said:​

How do I clean pickle beer vomit off the carpet?

ChatGPT said:​

Pickle beer vomit is a special kind of awful — between the acidity, salt, and smell, you’ve got your work cut out for you. Here's how to clean it up properly so your carpet doesn't reek like a dive bar floor:

---

What You’ll Need:​

• Paper towels or old rags
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Dish soap
• Warm water
• A spray bottle (optional)
• Vacuum cleaner
• Optional: Enzyme cleaner (like Nature’s Miracle or something made for pet stains)

---

Step-by-Step:​

1. Remove the Chunky Stuff​

• Put on gloves (trust me).
• Use paper towels, a dustpan, or an old spatula to scoop up the solids.
• Blot — don’t rub — the area with paper towels to soak up as much moisture as possible.

2. Neutralize the Smell and Start Breakdown​

• Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the spot.
• Let it sit for 10–15 minutes. It’ll help absorb odor and some liquid.

3. Make a Cleaning Solution​

In a bowl or spray bottle, mix:

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dish soap

You can also add a little baking soda here if you didn’t use it dry.

4. Scrub Gently​

• Pour or spray the solution on the stained area.
• Blot and gently scrub with a soft brush or cloth.
• Work from the outside in to keep it from spreading.

5. Rinse and Blot​

• Dampen a cloth with plain water and blot the area to rinse out the soap.
• Use dry towels or paper towels to blot up excess moisture.

6. Use an Enzyme Cleaner (Optional but Highly Recommended)​

• Especially if the smell lingers.
• These break down organic compounds and are great for vomit.
• Follow the product’s directions and let it fully air dry.

7. Vacuum​

• Once the area is dry and the baking soda (if any is left) has done its job, vacuum it up.

---

Tips:​

• Act fast — the longer it sits, the worse the smell and stain.
• If it still smells after drying, repeat the process or use an ozone spray or deep carpet shampooer.

 

[Miraculix]

I went to ChatGPT and got this for you when you need it:

You said:​

How do I clean pickle beer vomit off the carpet?

ChatGPT said:​

Pickle beer vomit is a special kind of awful — between the acidity, salt, and smell, you’ve got your work cut out for you. Here's how to clean it up properly so your carpet doesn't reek like a dive bar floor:

---

What You’ll Need:​

• Paper towels or old rags
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Dish soap
• Warm water
• A spray bottle (optional)
• Vacuum cleaner
• Optional: Enzyme cleaner (like Nature’s Miracle or something made for pet stains)

---

Step-by-Step:​

1. Remove the Chunky Stuff​

• Put on gloves (trust me).
• Use paper towels, a dustpan, or an old spatula to scoop up the solids.
• Blot — don’t rub — the area with paper towels to soak up as much moisture as possible.

2. Neutralize the Smell and Start Breakdown​

• Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the spot.
• Let it sit for 10–15 minutes. It’ll help absorb odor and some liquid.

3. Make a Cleaning Solution​

In a bowl or spray bottle, mix:

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dish soap

You can also add a little baking soda here if you didn’t use it dry.

4. Scrub Gently​

• Pour or spray the solution on the stained area.
• Blot and gently scrub with a soft brush or cloth.
• Work from the outside in to keep it from spreading.

5. Rinse and Blot​

• Dampen a cloth with plain water and blot the area to rinse out the soap.
• Use dry towels or paper towels to blot up excess moisture.

6. Use an Enzyme Cleaner (Optional but Highly Recommended)​

• Especially if the smell lingers.
• These break down organic compounds and are great for vomit.
• Follow the product’s directions and let it fully air dry.

7. Vacuum​

• Once the area is dry and the baking soda (if any is left) has done its job, vacuum it up.

---

Tips:​

• Act fast — the longer it sits, the worse the smell and stain.
• If it still smells after drying, repeat the process or use an ozone spray or deep carpet shampooer.

Made my day, faith in homebrewtalk.com restored!

Sincerely
The German who cannot believe that somebody wants to throw pickle brine into a beer

 

[Willy]

Made my day, faith in homebrewtalk.com restored!

Sincerely
The German who cannot believe that somebody wants to throw pickle brine into a beer

Yeah ... Gonna say the same thing ... Pickle beer? Besides not really making me want it, it is going to make things more complicated to brew good beer. Go simple on your first brew day. (No pickle juice, fruit, exotic nuts or berries, etc etc). A pale ale is pretty easy and forgiving and ... Delicious.

 

[ehall]

why on earth do you want to make your first homebrew a pickle beer? FFS! start off simple and get the process down. and for the record, I've had that pickle beer... a few sips, that's it! I'd rather soak brats in it.

 

[FloppyKnockers]

In OPs defense, we have a brewery here in Fort Worth that is known for its sours and odd beers. One of their most popular is their pickle beer. I think they just release their watermelon pickle, orange pickle, strawberry pickle, and hot pickle varieties. https://martinhousebrewing.com/

I tired their flagship pickle beer. Only beer I ever poured down the drain. Their Pils is good though.

 

[Willy]

In OPs defense, we have a brewery here in Fort Worth that is known for its sours and odd beers. One of their most popular is their pickle beer. I think they just release their watermelon pickle, orange pickle, strawberry pickle, and hot pickle varieties. https://martinhousebrewing.com/

I tired their flagship pickle beer. Only beer I ever poured down the drain. Their Pils is good though.

In his defense???? Remind me to not let @FloppyKnockers be my attorney. Hahaha.

 

[BrewnWKopperKat]

Start light with the pickle brine and add to taste.

^^^ this is the way ^^^

In his defense???? Remind me to not let @FloppyKnockers be my attorney. Hahaha.

What? no Pickle Beer at the NC State Fair?

Over the years State Fairs near me have been a great opportunity to be exposed to a wide variety of novelty beers.

 

[sibelman]

@ehall is right. Even if you've tried and enjoyed pickle beer (?!?!) and really want to make your own, @Mdean4421, I urge you to start simple and build your brewing chops before attempting anything complex or exotic.

 

[Willy]

^^^ this is the way ^^^


What? no Pickle Beer at the NC State Fair?

Over the years State Fairs near me have been a great opportunity to be exposed to a wide variety of novelty beers.

We got massive jars of pickled pigs feet and pickled eggs at some rural gas stations, quick marts. They frighten me.

Just not my thing. Don't like sours or fruit in my beer either. Just me. YMMV.

 

[rmr9]

It’s rare that I open a thread on HBT shake my head and decide to close the web browser for the day

 

[Snuffy]

This is a recipe that screams "small batch!". The only thing worse than pickle beer is a lot of pickle beer.

 

[Yooper]

^^^ this is the way ^^^


What? no Pickle Beer at the NC State Fair?

Over the years State Fairs near me have been a great opportunity to be exposed to a wide variety of novelty beers.

The worst beer I have ever been forced to try was as a judge in a stout competition.

French onion soup stout. Yep, oniony cheesy roasty nastiness. When it foamed over, the aroma wafted many feet away and judging had to stop for a while. That was a real "What were they thinking???" moment.

Pickle beer though. Not for me, but I'd definitely recommend a very small batch (less than 1/2 batch- maybe a 1 gallon batch) to see if something drinkable comes out. The recipe doesn't look great for pickle brine though- saaz hops would be very odd with dill I think.

 

[Skeeter686]

Over the years State Fairs near me have been a great opportunity to be exposed to a wide variety of novelty beers.

But... how would you put pickle beer on a stick and deep fry it?

 

[wsmith1625]

If you're serious about trying this and haven't been talked out of it already, I would try adding some pickle juice to a lager you already have in the fridge. Use small, measured amounts so you can get an idea where you want your beer to be. If you like the flavor and still want to brew it, use the same process with your finished beer. You can always add more, but you can't remove it when you add too much.

Also, starting with a simple recipe is solid advice. Maybe save this one for another time.

 

[lumpher]

UH UH... Nope... Like others said... Simple... As wsmith says: "Maybe save this one for another time."... like next lifetime.

 

[mac_1103]

how would you put pickle beer on a stick and deep fry it?

Wrap it in corn bread batter.

 

[Rish]

I've had this beer and it's not bad but then I like sipping pickle juice from the jar. Pretty good lawnmower beer. Haven't tried to brew it but I'd say make a low malt, low ibu beer and add the juice to taste. Good luck!

 

[BrewnWKopperKat]

The worst beer I have ever been forced to try was as a judge in a stout competition.

French onion soup stout. Yep, oniony cheesy roasty nastiness. When it foamed over, the aroma wafted many feet away and judging had to stop for a while. That was a real "What were they thinking???" moment.

Wow.

I was a steward for a couple of years in the late 2010s - never served or saw anything that bad. 'Barrel aged' and DIPAs are 'hard' on judges - as they need to judge with very small sips to avoid too much ABV and too much 'wood' flavor. With basic styles (APAs, Ambers, Browns, IPAs), it was finding the "good" in "the good, the bad, and the ugly". For those categories, mini-BOS was typically a delight to serve.

 

[Snuffy]

Wickles would be a good pickle to work with. Sweet and heat. I could see maybe a sweet pickle saison...

Who am I kidding? No. No I couldn't. All I can picture is ruined beer.

 

[bwible]

We just canned some pickles from cucumbers we grew. And I have to say - the thought of pickle beer never even entered my mind. (!)

 

[bwible]

I went to ChatGPT and got this for you when you need it:

You said:​

How do I clean pickle beer vomit off the carpet?

ChatGPT said:​

Pickle beer vomit is a special kind of awful — between the acidity, salt, and smell, you’ve got your work cut out for you. Here's how to clean it up properly so your carpet doesn't reek like a dive bar floor:

---

What You’ll Need:​

• Paper towels or old rags
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Dish soap
• Warm water
• A spray bottle (optional)
• Vacuum cleaner
• Optional: Enzyme cleaner (like Nature’s Miracle or something made for pet stains)

---

Step-by-Step:​

1. Remove the Chunky Stuff​

• Put on gloves (trust me).
• Use paper towels, a dustpan, or an old spatula to scoop up the solids.
• Blot — don’t rub — the area with paper towels to soak up as much moisture as possible.

2. Neutralize the Smell and Start Breakdown​

• Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the spot.
• Let it sit for 10–15 minutes. It’ll help absorb odor and some liquid.

3. Make a Cleaning Solution​

In a bowl or spray bottle, mix:

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dish soap

You can also add a little baking soda here if you didn’t use it dry.

4. Scrub Gently​

• Pour or spray the solution on the stained area.
• Blot and gently scrub with a soft brush or cloth.
• Work from the outside in to keep it from spreading.

5. Rinse and Blot​

• Dampen a cloth with plain water and blot the area to rinse out the soap.
• Use dry towels or paper towels to blot up excess moisture.

6. Use an Enzyme Cleaner (Optional but Highly Recommended)​

• Especially if the smell lingers.
• These break down organic compounds and are great for vomit.
• Follow the product’s directions and let it fully air dry.

7. Vacuum​

• Once the area is dry and the baking soda (if any is left) has done its job, vacuum it up.

---

Tips:​

• Act fast — the longer it sits, the worse the smell and stain.
• If it still smells after drying, repeat the process or use an ozone spray or deep carpet shampooer.

We have cats. I’m going to say Nature’s Miracle is some good stuff.

 

[refect]

I can't remember what beer it was, but when I was visiting New Orleans a few years ago i drank an IPA that tasted like straight dill to me. It wasn't terrible, but wasn't my thing. Especially since i don't really like pickles. I'm pretty sure the dill flavor came from the hop variety they used in this particular IPA. If I remember correct, I think Sorachi Ace was in that beer. After I found out what hops were in there, I was like oh yeah now this makes sense lol That hop is known for dill flavors in beer. Maybe try hitting your beer with a good amount of Sorachi Ace to try and get that dill pickle flavor in there?

 

[madscientist451]

For all the naysayers out there, here are a few published recipes for pickle beer:

https://byo.com/recipe/pickle-beer/

https://homebrewersassociation.org/homebrew-recipe/spicy-pickle-cream-ale/

https://blog.homebrewing.org/pickle-beer-a-sour-summer-favorite/

Thanks to to OP for posting the question, I’ve never heard of pickle beer and was surprised to see how many recipes, videos and discussion there are about it. You can keep it simple and add pickle flavor to a light lager or ale or make it complicated with different sour beer techniques. It’s not my thing, I’m not going to brew it, but I’d try it if there was some at a homebrew event.

 

[Rish]

For all the naysayers out there, here are a few published recipes for pickle beer:

https://byo.com/recipe/pickle-beer/

https://homebrewersassociation.org/homebrew-recipe/spicy-pickle-cream-ale/

https://blog.homebrewing.org/pickle-beer-a-sour-summer-favorite/

Thanks to to OP for posting the question, I’ve never heard of pickle beer and was surprised to see how many recipes, videos and discussion there are about it. You can keep it simple and add pickle flavor to a light lager or ale or make it complicated with different sour beer techniques. It’s not my thing, I’m not going to brew it, but I’d try it if there was some at a homebrew event.

Thanks for the links! Looking at that spicy pickle cream ale!

 

[BrewnWKopperKat]

I'm pretty sure the dill flavor came from the hop variety they used in this particular IPA.

Randy Mosher is a good source for more information on this idea (using other ingredients to create the desired flavor). Check out the list of podcasts where he has been a guest at his site (link). The books Mastering Homebrew and Tasting Beer also have thoughts on flavored beer. The books are often $10 or less in eBook format and are occasionally free to borrow with Kindle Unlimited.

 

[Flushot22]

I went to ChatGPT and got this for you when you need it:

You said:​

How do I clean pickle beer vomit off the carpet?

ChatGPT said:​

Pickle beer vomit is a special kind of awful — between the acidity, salt, and smell, you’ve got your work cut out for you. Here's how to clean it up properly so your carpet doesn't reek like a dive bar floor:

---

What You’ll Need:​

• Paper towels or old rags
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Dish soap
• Warm water
• A spray bottle (optional)
• Vacuum cleaner
• Optional: Enzyme cleaner (like Nature’s Miracle or something made for pet stains)

---

Step-by-Step:​

1. Remove the Chunky Stuff​

• Put on gloves (trust me).
• Use paper towels, a dustpan, or an old spatula to scoop up the solids.
• Blot — don’t rub — the area with paper towels to soak up as much moisture as possible.

2. Neutralize the Smell and Start Breakdown​

• Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the spot.
• Let it sit for 10–15 minutes. It’ll help absorb odor and some liquid.

3. Make a Cleaning Solution​

In a bowl or spray bottle, mix:

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dish soap

You can also add a little baking soda here if you didn’t use it dry.

4. Scrub Gently​

• Pour or spray the solution on the stained area.
• Blot and gently scrub with a soft brush or cloth.
• Work from the outside in to keep it from spreading.

5. Rinse and Blot​

• Dampen a cloth with plain water and blot the area to rinse out the soap.
• Use dry towels or paper towels to blot up excess moisture.

6. Use an Enzyme Cleaner (Optional but Highly Recommended)​

• Especially if the smell lingers.
• These break down organic compounds and are great for vomit.
• Follow the product’s directions and let it fully air dry.

7. Vacuum​

• Once the area is dry and the baking soda (if any is left) has done its job, vacuum it up.

---

Tips:​

• Act fast — the longer it sits, the worse the smell and stain.
• If it still smells after drying, repeat the process or use an ozone spray or deep carpet shampooer.

Just when you thought hard seltzers and kombuchas were bad. Another stake in the heart of craft beer homebrewing arrives.

 

[camonick]

I have a personal disdain for pickle beer. Several years ago I entered a HB Schwarzbier in a beer competition. It was sponsored by the Homebrew Hut HBS in the Denver metro area (Aurora). It’s called the Rocky Mountain Homebrew Challenge. They share a building with Drydock Brewing Co. The best of show winner gets their recipe brewed by Drydock and their beer on tap for a month in the taproom.
My Schwarzbier won 1st in its category and went to the BOS competition. I took second place overall and missed the chance for my beer to be served in Denver… I got beat by a pickle beer!!!