Cheers to all,
Trying my second iteration of my Holiday ale for the upcoming season. I am looking for something similiar to Anchor Brewing Christmas Ale so this is what I came up with after my first attempt last year fell a little short. This may be more complex than necessary so I am looking for some input:
0.pkg California Lager (Wyeast Labs #2112) [12 Yeast 18 -
I also tried to incorporate the yeast and hops that I assume Anchor uses for their steam beer since that seems to be their trademark. I did email them for some input but not holding out hope they will reply. They are quite tight with their recipes...
A couple of things:
Not sure if you are aware that Anchor changes their Christmas ale recipe every year. So unless you are trying to clone a specific year, it is next to impossible. But, there is nothing wrong with making a Christmas ale inspired by Anchor
My second guess is that they use their house ale yeast in the Christmas ale. Liberty ale is brewed with an ale strain. The Wyeast equivalent is American Ale II or 1272, White Labs is American Ale V or WLP051.
Major is right about the Cardamon. A little goes a very long way. 2tsp is way too much!!! I wouldn't use over 2 grams. I would probably play it safe and shoot for 1 gram. Also, take the seed out of the pod.
You probably only need one type of wheat in there at 5-10%
Crystal at 10%
Either bump of the Vienna or eliminate it completely as Major said.
If you are shooting for a spiced ale, I would probably eliminate a lot of the late hopping and use a 60 minute addition of northern brewer or chinook to get all of my IBUs.
Good Luck!