Holiday Ale / Winter Warmer

[mkozlowski]

Just finished brewing a batch of holiday ale last night. I got to try a few recently and really liked the flavors. Also thought they might be nice to give out for christmas.

Heres what i went with:

5 gallon - Extract

1.0lb Caramel 40L
0.5lb Caramel 80L
0.5lb American 2-Row
0.25lb Chocolate
0.25lb Roasted Barley

3.3lb Amber LME
3.3lb Golden LME

1.0oz Saaz 60min
0.5oz Hallertau 30min
0.5oz Hallertau 15min

1oz Bitter Orange Peel 10min
2-3/4 Cinnamon Sticks 10min
1/4tsp All Spice 10min
1/4tsp Nutmeg 10min
1/4tsp Whole Cloves 10min
2tsp Irish Moss 10min

Yeast Cry-Havoc

3tsp Vanilla Extract Secondary

2/3cup Dark brown sugar Priming

OG: .50-.56 (.54)
FG: .12-.16

I have to say it smells amazing so far.
any thoughts?

 

[JLem]

Looks like a nice recipe. I've never used whole cinnamon sticks, so I don't know what to think about the amount you used. You were smart to go low on the other spices, though you may find that you'll want to add more at bottling (or in secondary) - they seem low overall, but that is better than too high.

All those flavors will take some time to meld so you may find that this will be good, but not quite ready for Christmas. Should age well though.