UPDATE: 1.20.09
I broke out the Norwegian Christmas (Jul) Ale on Christmas Eve and found it to be amazing. The cardamom is sometimes a little unexpectedly potent, as is the beer. This one ranks high on my Crapulation Index, weighing in a ~7% ABV and tricking you into thinking that you can..."have just a couple more". To make matter worse/better, I've bottled it almost exclusively in 16oz or larger bottles. There's plenty left in the cellar, so stop by!
11.11.08
It's starting to cool down out there and the cool temps get me in the spirit of Christmas/winter ales. I nearly always brew some kind of high-octane winter warmer (Vanilla Bourbon Porter), but this year marks the first year that Two Thumbs will be releasing a holiday ale. I've found a recipe from Brew Your Own magazine for a Norwegian Christmas Ale . My recipe is slightly changed from the one on the website, so as to minimize my need to purchase new ingredients. As I write this I am patiently waiting, as I have been for a freakin' hour, for the wort to boil.
What better way to celebrate my Norwegian heritage than with an ale that may or may not have anything to do the old country. The recipe outlines an atypical methodology and I'm not quite sure how it'll turn out, but the additions of crushed cardamom and a vanilla bean (which I recently purchased at Pike Place Market - Seattle) have me intrigued enough to make 5 gallons.
Stay tuned for updates!
