We ain't no PUNKin' Ale

Today's batch falls on two important dates. One I won't mention by name but today is the 10th anniversary of the day someone tried to break the American will and failed. This truly is a great nation and I salute anyone and everyone who puts their life on the line for their fellow man.

Today is also the start of the football season for the 2011-12 season.
So reflecting on the sacrifices of others and the great American past time we all know and love I have dubbed this brew: We Ain't No PUNKin Ale!

This brew is an extract kit from AHS and here is the basic recipe:

Recipe:
1/2 lb Vienna Malt
1/2 lb Cara Munich Malt
1/2 lb Crystal 60L Malt
3 cans of 365 Pumpkin from Whole Foods
6 lb Extra Pale Extract
1 lb Munich Extract
1 oz. Kent Golding
Pumpkin Spice Pack (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Orange Peel)

Yeast:
WLP005 British Ale Yeast

Brew Day 9/11/11:
I added 3 cans of pumpkin to the muslin bag and steeped with the crushed grains for 30 min.
I got the wert to boil and added the extract. I let that get to a good boil before adding the hops and 1 can of pumpkin. I used 1/2 oz of UK Kent Goldings and the can of pumpkin in a nylon bag. I've used the nylon bag for 4 batches now. I recommend using nylon to save some cash. Just remember to clean them good. I added the Irish Moss at this time too. I used a tsp of it and sprinkled it around the chiller.
I added the other 1/2 oz of hops with 10 min left. I then added the spick pack with 5 min left.
I hit the OG right on the money with the kit's instructions.
OG READING: 1.052 at 79 degrees.

Christmas Ale

OG:   1.049 at 77 degrees

FG:    1.012

ABV:  4.84%

ABW: 3.87%

Volume: 5 gal

Brew Date: 9/5/2011

Keg Date:  10/9/2011

Tap Date: 12/14/2011

Recipe:

7lb. Extra Pale Extract

1/2 lb 2 row malt

2 oz chocolate malt

3/4 lb crystal 60l malt

Caramel, or crystal, malts are produced by roasting, rather than kilning, green malt. This will caramelize the sugars in the grain and produce flavors and aromas not achievable in a drying kiln. Crystal 60L will create a deep golden to red color and has a pronounced sweet caramel flavor. 

1 oz mt hood

1 oz saaz

Holiday Pack:

WLP008 White Labs East Coast Ale