Pumpkin Porter (BB Kit)

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by maltmuncher, Sep 5, 2012.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. maltmuncher

    maltmuncher Initiate (0) Aug 22, 2012

    So I got this kit: http://www.brewersbestkits.com/pdf/New%20BB%20Recipes/1062%20Pumpkin%20Spice%20Recipe.pdf
    Added some nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and cup of brown sugar, in the next few days I am going to put into the secondary (been in primary since 9-2, 1:00 AM ). I would like to add some canned pumpkin from the store to the secondary. Two questions on this if anyone has suggestions…
    1. When would be the best time to move into the secondary?
    2. How much pumpkin should I use and should I do anything to treat it before hand or just dump in secondary?
     
  2. MaxSpang

    MaxSpang Initiate (0) Jan 28, 2011 Ohio
    Trader

    I've brewed 2 pumpkin beers but I've always put them in the mash. I can try to give some advice, though:

    1) Give it at least 2 weeks on primary. That way, you know that it's completely fermented.
    2) If it were me, I'd roast the pumpkin at 350 for about an hour-90 min before adding it (let it cool, of course). As for quantity, I wouldn't add a ton honestly. The flavor contribution will be minimal, and pumpkin produces a lot of gunk that makes it hard to clean.

    I'm not an expert on brewing, especially with pumpkin, but this is just what I would do if I were adding pumpkin to secondary.
     
  3. maltmuncher

    maltmuncher Initiate (0) Aug 22, 2012

    Thanks MaxSpang, be new to HB here just wondering... but the notes they put in the box say to put into the secondary in 5-7 days, what is the difference in doing this when compared to leaving it in the primary for 2 weeks? Thanks for time...
     
  4. BeerLover99

    BeerLover99 Pooh-Bah (2,289) Dec 13, 2008 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah

    Sounds delicious, best of luck. I just did my 1st home brew with my brother-in-law.
     
  5. maltmuncher

    maltmuncher Initiate (0) Aug 22, 2012

    Thanks BeerLover99, what did you make?
     
  6. dustinjkline

    dustinjkline Zealot (520) Aug 30, 2007 Massachusetts
    Trader

    Just picked up this same kit. Think I'll just skip the pumpkin. Going to add 1lb of dark dme to up the gravity a bit.
     
  7. afrokaze

    afrokaze Pooh-Bah (1,962) Jun 12, 2009 Oregon
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    If you move it to secondary too quickly, it could come out less attenuated than desired since you'll be racking it off the yeast cake and reducing the number of active yeast cells. Or the remaining cells could have to work too hard and it could lead to off flavors... but I doubt that since the directions suggest moving to secondary pretty quickly. I'd follow what Max said and leave it in primary for 2 weeks, since secondaries & additions increase the risk of infection. Just be thorough & clean and everything should be fine. RDWHAHB!
     
  8. BeerLover99

    BeerLover99 Pooh-Bah (2,289) Dec 13, 2008 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah

    Maple Chocolate Porter. It was delicious. I was shocked how good it turned out
    and proud that I actually made it.
     
  9. maltmuncher

    maltmuncher Initiate (0) Aug 22, 2012

    Is this a kit or all grain, how did you add the maple?
     
  10. maltmuncher

    maltmuncher Initiate (0) Aug 22, 2012

    Thanks afrokaze-I am starting to question if I even want to add pumpkin at this point and maybe just leave it alone... :confused: The store I got the kit from made the suggestion of adding the pumpkin a week later, but put it in the primary than wait a week and rack it, not really sure about that though...
     
  11. BeerLover99

    BeerLover99 Pooh-Bah (2,289) Dec 13, 2008 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah

    Kit and added 100% Vermont organic pure Maple Syrup.
     
    Henamonster likes this.
  12. maltmuncher

    maltmuncher Initiate (0) Aug 22, 2012

    Nice, what stage did you add this in at?
     
  13. BeerLover99

    BeerLover99 Pooh-Bah (2,289) Dec 13, 2008 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah

  14. afrokaze

    afrokaze Pooh-Bah (1,962) Jun 12, 2009 Oregon
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I just realized you're using canned pumpkin that's most likely been pasteurized, so no real need to worry about infection there (my bad). I'd go for it, per the suggestions of many on here regarding fruit additions I'd freeze it before hand and then thaw it out to extract more flavor. Or you could always do split batches and only add it to one. Good luck, cheers
     
  15. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    Others have mentioned sanitation concerns, but I think there's a better reason not to add pumpkin to the secondary. You'd be adding starches to your beer, which can make it hazy and increase the chances of infection (because starch is food for some microbes, not just because of any bugs the pumpkin itself may or may not contain).

    I should mention that I have not tried this myself.
     
  16. cap10cook

    cap10cook Initiate (0) Sep 6, 2012

    I'm big into home brewing myself and I have come to realize that pumpkin beers have taken a turn for the worst in the past couple years. I actually went into a bar the other day and ordered my first pumpkinhead beer of the season and they actually asked me if I wanted cinnamon and sugar around the rim of my pint like it was a margarita! Needless to say I was outraged. Anyways the moral of my story is that the best pumpkin beers are ones that are actual BEERS not this overly spiced pumpkin shit which they now call craft beer. If you would like a good baseline for what a simple yet highly flavorful pumpkin beer should taste like pick up a case of Harpoons Pumpkin UFO. The beer is smooth and not overpowering but you defiantly taste the pumpkin mash that it is made from. Cheers!
     
  17. maltmuncher

    maltmuncher Initiate (0) Aug 22, 2012

    WOW :grimacing: , so I just racked this brew (and took a little taste test :wink:). Even if this ends up being my worst beer, considering its not done fermenting and is flat--its still one of the best beers I have tasted. I ended up skipping the pumpkin addition, thought it would be best to have an idea of the starting point then add the pumpkin on the next batch.

    Maybe its pride talking:rolling_eyes: and the feeling of creating something from "scratch" if you will but it is really good.

    Two weeks in the secondary and another 2-3 in the bottles and this will be even better! :stuck_out_tongue:
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.