h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

September 24, 2005

Winter Warmer

Ingredients
8 lb Alexander's Pale Malt Extract
1 lb Wildflower Honey
1/2 lb Briess Crystal Malt 120L
1/2 lb Munton & Fison Carapils Malt 20L
2 oz Munton & Fison Roasted Barley 675L
1 oz Northern Brewer's Hops (bittering)
1 oz Hallertau Hops (flavoring)
1 oz Czech Saaz Hops (finishing)
1 Vanilla Bean
1 Cinnamon Stick
1 tsp Nutmeg
1/2 tsp Irish moss
Wyeast #1332XL Northern Ale Yeast

Boiling Times
60 minutes
- malt extract
- bittering hops
20 minutes
- honey
15 minutes
- Irish moss
10 minutes
- flavoring hops
5 minutes
- finishing hops
2 minutes
- spices

Specific gravity - 1.048

Ah, the bitter cold of winter! What could possibly overcome this dark chill plaguing us for three long months! Two words - Winter Warmer. A relatively strong and dark ale with mounds of character and bold spices. The taste should be remeniscent of Harpoon's seasonal treat.

Originally, I had wanted to make a blend for my first winter treat. But I decided that it would be a little complicated at this point and I really didn't have the time. But next year, my thoughts are a Belgian Abbey/Crannberry blend with oak chips. Ummm, oak chips.

Cheers!

September 29, 2005

Transfer to secondary

Specific gravity - 1.006

Bold and spicy! It's going to be a nice winter!

Cheers!

November 3, 2005

Bottling Date

It really isn't easy bottling by yourself. But I got the job done.

Specific gravity - 1.012

Yeah, I don't understand that. Something went wrong with the reading either now or when I put it into the secondary.

This beer is going to be dynamite! The spices are perfect. I did kind of want it to be darker, though. That can be fixed next time with either chocolate or darker extracts.

Happy Holidays!