'Tis the season.... Has anybody ever brewed a split batch like the one illustrated in the Sept/Oct Zymurgy? Or plan on brewing that recipe? It's pretty intriguing due to it's ability to kill two birds with one stone. I had three beers scheduled for the annual Christmas party, and this Pumpkin saison idea could cap off the line up.
I'm leaning towards doing it. I wasn't thrilled with my pumpkin ale last year...I waited too long because I wanted fresh pumpkins in it. The fresh pumpkins were a pain in the arse to clean, bake, and peal. I'm bailing on that genuine idea.
If I do this, I think I would modify the recipe to put my own twist on it.
a. Maybe cut out a 1/2 lb of each the honey and maple syrup and add in a lb of molasses
b. Add a later addition of Mt. Hood hops. I like the spiciness of that hop in a pumpkin ale
It also lists 6 row pale malt as the base grain. I have never used 6 row. What would be the significant difference in using 6 row as opposed to 2 row?