Christmas Ale

[greenxpaddy]

Well the Xmas Mild doesn't taste of cinnamon at all at bottling time. its rather bitter though surprisingly. Maybe from the orange zest?

Of course it will change in the next 4 weeks. Yum

[crafty john]

Update, I managed to get 25 litres of wort, after boiling and topping up with spare liquor through the boil I ended up with 22 litres at sg 1.052, it's fermenting like a good un at the moment, I had a taste of the wort and the spices have come through better than I thought, I used just over 2 grams of Cinnamon, 2 cloves and a pinch of freshly ground nutmeg.

[YorkshireTiger]

hey up John, hows it looking? I did mine (shamelessly nicked your recipe) the day after you did yours. First time Ive done a dark beer that looks/smells/tastes good, so feel really pleased about that! When I bottled on Tuesday night I felt that there was a definite 'christmasy' aroma but less so of a taste, guess thats because the spices went in with the aroma hops?? Anyway, cheers for the help and hope it went well, thanks Matt

[crafty john]

Hi Matt
No probs mate, I am glad your brew turned out well. Mine is awesome, I haven't kegged it yet but I have had a taste of a sample and I am glad there isn't much spicy taste as it can ruin a beer if it's too strong, the spices are only supposed to give the beer a spicy nose if you know what I mean.

Cheers