Well, you loved the idea of our spring mash up – where we cleared out the malt store – we figured it only appropriate that an all new Mash Up returns for Christmas.
And, seeing though it is a new Christmas beer we felt we should mash up 12 ingredients to represent the 12 days of Christmas.
Rest assured that there are definitely no turtle doves or partridges in the mix, just good old malts and hops.
OK, so we know that our much-loved Winter Porter has added winter twists of orange-peel and coriander amongst other things but Bruce in designing his recipe clearly fancied a more traditional Christmas. Well there ain’t nothing wrong with that in my book and the plan is to craft a very decent quaffable beer which will please all.
So, into the store cupboard he went – and decided to plump for six malts and six hops.
Looking for something reddish-brown in colour – not too dark, not too light – and delivering a light smokey flavour and aroma which comes from the addition of smoked wheat to the grist.
Full flavoured toffee and caramel with picante overtones are achieved from the use Crystal rye.
Maris Otter forms the backbone, while the addition of Brown malt allows the beer a smooth finish on the palate and Caramalt and Chocolate malt add a certain little something too. It may be a mash-up but it comes with a plan.
The same can be said for the hops, not that we ever have that many knocking around – the phrase ‘like gold dust’ springs to mind.
We’re using a combination of mainly English and American hops to give the beer a slight spicy bitterness with tangy ripe fruits; think Azacca, Mount Hood, Admiral, Pilgrim and Chinook, with a healthy sprinkling of Northern Brewer making sure that Germany isn’t left out of the Christmas fun.
Chuck it in, boil it up and see what happens – well that’s a bit of an over simplification.
Needless to say we think that this is going to be a super beer worthy of many a Christmas toast.
Enjoy.
It will be arriving in pubs via our singing Santa Dray week commencing 20 November so tuck in and enjoy.
Oh, but while you are waiting you can enjoy a fresh batch of Winter Porter which is in pubs now.