Winter warm kits

[Cisk]

Hi to all i want to make a winter warmer beer ,which kit do you all think makes the best beer for Christmas?

 

[kelper]

Are you looking for a spiced beer or a strong ale?

 

[Cisk]

A both a strong ale with a spiced christmas taste there seems to be a lot of kits whats the best one?

 

[Tweedie]

I am also looking out for something.... I was tempeted last christmas by the Woodfordes Tinsel Toes but it was too close to get it done. Just looked and the kits dont seem to be available which is a shame so looking for an alternative

 

[Graz]

Currently have a Festival Pride of London Porter brewing, there might still be some of that left by Xmas but I following it with a Festival Belgian Dubbel so I'm hoping that will hit the spot! Think I might line up a few more winter beers yet though so keep the suggestions coming!

 

[Tweedie]

Had considered a London Porter but wasnt sure if the dark beer would effect my brewing kit as always stick to IPA/Pale Ales ? Also are you looking to add spray malt or sugar ? People seems to like to add a spray malt as it helps create a smoother Porter

 

[Graz]

Had considered a London Porter but wasnt sure if the dark beer would effect my brewing kit as always stick to IPA/Pale Ales ? Also are you looking to add spray malt or sugar ? People seems to like to add a spray malt as it helps create a smoother Porter

Not doing anything different with it as it was really good the last time I made it. It comes with two malt pouches + a bag of brewing sugar / dextrose anyway.

I've brewed many different kit styles in the same buckets and never noticed any contamination from one style to another.

 

[Tweedie]

Cheers for the info on the cross contamination. I might be tempted on the Porter then if the Tinsel Toes isnt around by the end of the month

 

[obscure]

I brewed the Festival Spiced Winter Ale kit a few weeks ago (I‘m giving it two months in the keg so won’t be able to comment on how it turned out till the beginning of October) however the sample I had before putting in the keg was promising. Came in at about 6.3%.

I think this is one that is going to be best drink at ale temperatures so am hoping by October it will be cool enough to not need any refrigeration.

 

[Shatfield]

I've never tried it so I can't say if it's any good but yesterday I spotted that Wilko have a winter ale in stock.
https://www.wilko.com/en-uk/wilko-limited-edition-beer-kit-3kg/p/0468411
The Festival Porter is lovely and I plan to make another one soon (with some added coffee).
I've brewed all sorts in my buckets and as long as you clean them properly you shouldn't have any problems with cross contamination.

 

[terrym]

Now's the time to be brewing heavy beers for Xmas so they have chance to condition out properly. Not Dec 4th.

 

[noshadow]

I am also looking out for something.... I was tempeted last christmas by the Woodfordes Tinsel Toes but it was too close to get it done. Just looked and the kits dont seem to be available which is a shame so looking for an alternative

Lovebrewing have Tinsel Toes in stock

I'll be keeping an eye on this thread over the next few days before deciding what Winter ale I'll go for

 

[DavieC]

spotted that Wilko have a winter ale in stock.

Did this kit last year, turned out lovely.

 

[GhostShip]

I did St Peter's Cream Stout last Christmas and followed a recipe posted on here which involved adding spraymalt and freshly brewed coffee.

It was superb.

 

[stephen1546]

Have gone for Beerworks Russian Imperial Stout for Xmas. Fermented like a rocket launcher and finished at 8.5%. Been in the bottle for nearly a week.

A pricey kit at £38 but worth it I hope.

 

[GhostShip]

Have gone for Beerworks Russian Imperial Stout for Xmas. Fermented like a rocket launcher and finished at 8.5%. Been in the bottle for nearly a week.

A pricey kit at £38 but worth it I hope.

Beerworks kits are generally very good. Let us know how it turns out!

 

[Graz]

Have gone for Beerworks Russian Imperial Stout for Xmas. Fermented like a rocket launcher and finished at 8.5%. Been in the bottle for nearly a week.

A pricey kit at £38 but worth it I hope.

Tempted to do one of these at some stage. Would probably have to bottle it though, would be a dangerous brew to have on draught! Looking forward to hearing how it is.

 

[noshadow]

I did St Peter's Cream Stout last Christmas and followed a recipe posted on here which involved adding spraymalt and freshly brewed coffee.

It was superb.

Any chance you could post the recipe? This sounds tempting, but also tempted to split the kit and get some cocoa nibs in one half

 

[HSD]

Did the Tinsel Toes a bit late for last Christmas turned out a nice pint for Easter! Really improves with keeping a few months, 6 months in and it was great. Primed with spraymalt. This year I have been more organised, a festival dubbel bottled a couple of months and a stove toppers chilli Voodoo porter, brewferm Christmas ale bottled January (?) so Christmas is looking blurry already!

 

[stephen1546]

Will

Beerworks kits are generally very good. Let us know how it turns out!

Will do!