Pumpkin beer question?

Allekornbrauer · Aug 18, 2018

Hello I am looking into brewing a pumpkin beer come this fall. I am reading different stuff on how to brew this beer all seem straightforward for most part but I read when it’s come’s to the pumpkin spice’s there different ways to add it to the beer such as adding the spice’s the last 5 mins or so I also hear of people dry spicy the beer with the pumpkin spice, an making an extract with the pumpkin spice’s in some vodka. So basically what I am asking what is the best way to add the pumpkin spice?

RPh_Guy · Aug 18, 2018

Why does one way need to be best?

Adding extract gives the best control over flavor but requires more work.

Leezer · Aug 18, 2018

I add mine with 5 mins left in the boil. It's a mix of 5 spices I mix together in a little bowl, from this recipe found on here

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/forum/threads/samhain-pumpkin-ale.140674/

The scent of the spices mixed together first gives me a good idea of the balance of flavors in that if no one spice stands out I think the balance is right. I've gotten a lot of compliments on this brew.

TBC27 · Aug 18, 2018

Check out this. I brewed this last year and turned out great. Wait a week or two to drink after adding the vanilla extract so it blends and mellows a bit. https://beerandbrewing.com/perfect-pumpkin-ale-recipe/

RPh_Guy · Aug 19, 2018

TBC27 said:
Check out this. I brewed this last year and turned out great. Wait a week or two to drink after adding the vanilla extract so it blends and mellows a bit. https://beerandbrewing.com/perfect-pumpkin-ale-recipe/

That's the recipe I use with different spice and pumpkin technique/amounts.

aprichman · Aug 19, 2018

You can also substitute whisky or dark rum in place of the vodka, which adds some really complimentary flavors to the spice profile in my opinion. The only way I have added spices is straight into the keg using this method, but I might try splitting the spice addition up and adding them both ways for a pumpkin beer this year.

Home_alone1 · Aug 21, 2018

I plan on doing this too . Right now I’m working on perfecting my cream ale , brewed it last month and plan on brewing again this weekend . Once I get that down I’m going to be adding roasted pumpkin to the mash , maybe a little carafe for color adjustment and just a pinch of spice.