When do you start brewing for christmas

[sbond10]

Just wondered when most people start brewing in time for Christmas.

I was thinking about putting a 6.5% milk stout on later this week and laying down 12 bottles is it too early to start christmas brewing ?

When and what kinds would you brew

[scotsloon]

As a rule of thumb the higher the ABV you want the longer the brew needs to mature, and most Christmas brews are generally stronger than normal. So, now would be a good time or any time over the last 6 months.

[sbond10]

What would you say was was a high abv I brewed a treacle porter last year at 6% in early October and I'd say it was only coming good in jan/Feb time

[MTW]

I don't let it interrupt my normal brewing plans to be honest. I tend to brew enough 'special' beers (strong belgians, imperial stouts etc) anyway, that I haven't done anything different just for Christmas. When it actually comes, I often just fancy a nice hoppy pale or two, already stuffed with food and Christmas treats.

[Capped]

Around Dec 15th.

[phatboytall]

Boxing day

[Peatbogbrewer]

I do a gallon of 8.5% strong spiced scotch ale for xmas, usually brew in January. Then a nice 5% chinook simcoe IPA late summer too.....

[Pinto]

I dont think there's such a thing as too much conditioning time unless you're talking years As it's been said, if you're thinking about doing something quite potent, the sooner the better.

Maybe this year I'll get to take a crack at my Sammiclaus lager recipe - traditionally brewed on the 6th of December - but I'd guess thats for NEXT year

[BenB]

Just brewed up an old ale for this year, the upcoming Barley Wine will be for next, after that the Dubel for this year. .... there's a good book on the subject- something like A Year of Beer.

[sbond10]

Well I put on the coconut milk stout 8 days ago gonna dry hop some more coconut tommorow then bottle on Sunday then stick 12 bottles away for Christmas.

[fego]

I've taken the week off to brew my Christmas collection so I'd say about now....

[Peatbogbrewer]

I've taken the week off to brew my Christmas collection so I'd say about now....

Whats your xmas collection fego?

[fego]

So far an ESB a Belgian blond and soon an Oktoberfest.

[Peatbogbrewer]

So far an ESB a Belgian blond and soon an Oktoberfest.

Good selection, partial to a belgain blonde myself, any preferred recipe for it?

[fego]

Ive not tried enough to form a list, but this one works well and is a crowd pleaser made simple. Made this today and OG was 1070 at 24 litres so well pleased with that.

http://www.themaltmiller.co.uk/index.ph ... ead_review