Using Homebrew to Smoke a Turkey

[oldmuttonhead]

Hello!

In the past, I have used the "beer can" technique to smoke turkeys for thanksgiving. My typical method is to buy a large (wide) can of beer, pour off several oz out of the can and put in seasonings. Then I put the turkey over the can and smoke it low and slow. I always get high praise for my turkeys! In the past, I have usually used Fosters simply because their large can fits best in the turkey. (As an aside, I was never a "beer drinker" until I discovered craft beer and then started brewing. I always thought I hated beer.. turns out I just hated bad beer! So, to me at that time beer was beer and it didn't matter.. anyway..)

This year will be the first time I've smoked a turkey since I've started homebrewing. I also bought a new ceramic container to put my beer and seasonings in, so the can is now not important. My question is, to all of you who are WAY more experienced and knowledgeable about beer than me, what kind of beer would be best for this kind of use? I currently have an Indian Brown Ale and a Scottish Ale in bottles ready to go. I can also purchase any other kind of beer if a different kind would be better. Or, does it really matter at all and would a cheap BMC beer be better to use so I don't waste either a homebrew or a craft beer and I have one more available for drinking with my turkey?

Thanks everyone!!

Rick

 

[Brettomomyces]

I would suggest using something more malty than hoppy, and not something with very strong flavors. I think your scottish ale would be a good choice! You don't need a ton of beer for this anyway, so I think "sacrificing" a few homebrews is worth it just to say you used your beer

 

[DennisinIowa]

A good site with lots of info.

http://amazingribs.com/recipes/chicken_turkey_duck/index.html

D

 

[Brettomomyces]

Amazing ribs has an AMAZING turkey section, +1 on that

 

[oldmuttonhead]

That site looks good, I'll check it out!

Brettomomyces, that's exactly what I was thinking, but I wanted to get a more educated opinion than just my gut feeling.

Thanks everyone!

 

[oldmuttonhead]

Gentlemen,

After reading on amazingribs.com, I decided NOT to do the beer can thing and instead followed their smoking recipe including using their "Simon & Garfunkel" rub. I got RAVE reviews! Thanks for the tip!

Rick

 

[Brettomomyces]

I did the same thing, but made my own rub. Smoked her with apple, cherry and hickory at 300, took me 2 hours'ish for an 11lb bird. My dad was blown away cause he's never had smoked turkey before

 

[unionrdr]

I like to make a mop/injector sauce out of Cooper's English Bitter. Some seasonings, worcestershire sauce mixed together the day before. The recipe is in my book in my sig for the beer & sauce. Injected with cottonwood on the coals gives a great light smoke flavor. The mop/injector sauce just adds a nice slightly darker juicy flavor. A dampfbier would be great as well. I had some with turkey dinner yesterday. It kinda tasted like a light wine with a mouthful of turkey. Didn't expect that...

 

[oldmuttonhead]

Sounds delish!!

 

[unionrdr]

Now that I've got the dampfbier worked out pretty good, I might post it if anyone's interested?...

 

[DennisinIowa]

I did a spatchcock (butterflied) turkey and it was the best bird I have cooked.
Breast temp to 160. Came out just right between the dark and white meat.
D