DonRikkles
Well-Known Member
I plan to brew a Christmas ale this year, and am having a hard time finalizing the grain bill. I'm trying to get the bready, toasty, grainy flavors from gingerbread, and of course add some subtle spices to round it out. Here's what I have so far.
5 Gallons
1.082 OG
1.022 FG
43 IBU (.52 bitterness ratio)
10 SRM
8.1 ABV
12 lbs Maris Otter
1.5 lbs Vienna
1 lb Biscuit
1 lb Caramunich (51 SRM)
1 lb Turbinado
Northern brewer at 60 and 20.
Ferment with Wyeast 1728 - Scottish Ale.
Spiced with cinnamon, ginger, all spice, clove, orange peel.
A few questions:
1) What about subbing Munich for Vienna? I'm familiar with both malts, but have a hard time picking between the two here. I think the Vienna would add a toasty and bready character I'm going for and that Munich would be too malty.
2) I chose turbinado for its carmelly and rummy flavor, but I'm thinking of using jaggery instead for the creamy breadiness I hear it imparts. Would the turbinado's carmel and rum character add a nice contrast for the gingerbread, or would the jaggery add a layer of complexity to the flavor. Or...put in .75 lbs of both sugars and get the best of both worlds.
Thanks!
5 Gallons
1.082 OG
1.022 FG
43 IBU (.52 bitterness ratio)
10 SRM
8.1 ABV
12 lbs Maris Otter
1.5 lbs Vienna
1 lb Biscuit
1 lb Caramunich (51 SRM)
1 lb Turbinado
Northern brewer at 60 and 20.
Ferment with Wyeast 1728 - Scottish Ale.
Spiced with cinnamon, ginger, all spice, clove, orange peel.
A few questions:
1) What about subbing Munich for Vienna? I'm familiar with both malts, but have a hard time picking between the two here. I think the Vienna would add a toasty and bready character I'm going for and that Munich would be too malty.
2) I chose turbinado for its carmelly and rummy flavor, but I'm thinking of using jaggery instead for the creamy breadiness I hear it imparts. Would the turbinado's carmel and rum character add a nice contrast for the gingerbread, or would the jaggery add a layer of complexity to the flavor. Or...put in .75 lbs of both sugars and get the best of both worlds.
Thanks!
