Discover the unique flavors of Spruce Beer Recipe with this traditional recipe that incorporates a modern twist. Brewed using only spruce tips and molasses, this ale retains the resinous character of spruce while offering a well-rounded taste. With simple yet carefully selected ingredients, you can embark on a brewing journey to create a batch of Spruce Beer that showcases the essence of this classic style.
Spruce Beer
Equipment
- 1 Large pot for mashing and boiling
- 1 Fermentation vessel
- 1 Airlock for fermentation vessel
- 1 Immersion chiller or ice bath for cooling the wort
- 1 Brewing thermometer
- 1 Mash paddle or spoon
- 1 Measuring scales
- 1 Measuring cups or jugs
- 1 Hop bags or strainer for adding hops and spruce tips
- 1 Wort transfer equipment (siphon, racking cane, or auto-siphon)
- 1 Bottles or kegs for carbonation and storage
- 1 Bottle capper or kegging system
- 1 Sanitization solution or sanitizer
- 1 Brewing hydrometer or refractometer for gravity measurement
- 1 Brewing calculator or software (optional but helpful)
- 1 A brewer's log or notebook for recording the brewing process and measurements
Ingredients
For the Mash – Liquor 12.75 Litres (22⅓ Pints) – Mash Time 1 hr – Temperature 65°c/149 °F
- 9.11 oz Pale malt Quantity 4.4kg
- 1.2 oz Caramalt Quantity 500g
- 7 oz Crystal wheat Quantity 200g
For the Boil – 27 Litres (47½ Pints) – Boil Time 1 hr – 10 mins
- ½ oz (Hops) Magnum 16% When to add – At start of boil (IBU 25.0)
- ¼ oz (Hops) Magnum 16% When to add – At turn off (IBU 0.0)
- 5½ oz Spruce tips Other – When to add – At start of boil
- 1 tsp Protofloc Other – When to add – For last 15 mins of boil
To Ferment – 18°C (64°F) – Conditioning 4 weeks at 12°C (54°F)
- 1 White Labs WLP013 London Ale
- 1¾ oz (Hops) Apollo 19.5% (Hops) – When to add – After 4 days, leave for about 1 week
Instructions
Mash Preparation:
- In a large pot, heat 12.75 Litres (22⅓ Pints) of water to a temperature of 65°C (149°F).
- Add the following ingredients to the pot:
- 9.11 oz (4.4kg) Pale malt
- 1.2 oz (500g) Caramalt
- 7 oz (200g) Crystal wheat
- Stir well to combine the ingredients.
- Let the mixture mash for 1 hour at a temperature of 65°C (149°F).
Boiling the Mixture:
- In another large pot, add 27 Litres (47½ Pints) of water and bring it to a boil.
- Once the water is boiling, add the following ingredients:
- ½ oz of Magnum Hops (16%) at the start of the boil. This will contribute to an IBU of 25.0.
- 5½ oz of Spruce tips at the start of the boil.
- Continue boiling for 1 hour.
- After 45 minutes of boiling, add Protofloc and continue boiling for the remaining 15 minutes.
- At the turn off, add ¼ oz of Magnum Hops (16%) to contribute to a bitterness rating of 0.0.
Cooling and Fermentation:
- After the boil, cool the mixture rapidly using an immersion chiller or by placing the pot in an ice bath.
- Transfer the cooled mixture (wort) into a fermentation vessel.
- Once the wort has cooled to 18°C (64°F), pitch the White Labs WLP013 London Ale yeast into the fermentation vessel.
- Seal the vessel with an airlock to allow gas to escape while preventing contamination.
- Ferment the beer at a consistent temperature of 18°C (64°F) for approximately 4 days.
Dry Hopping and Conditioning:
- After 4 days of fermentation, add 1¾ oz of Apollo Hops (19.5%) to the fermentation vessel.
- Let the beer condition for about 1 week at the same fermentation temperature (18°C or 64°F).
- After the conditioning period, transfer the beer to bottles or kegs for carbonation.
- Condition the beer for an additional 4 weeks at 12°C (54°F) before it is ready to drink.
Enjoying the Spruce Beer:
- After the total conditioning period of 6 weeks, your Spruce Beer should be ready to drink.
- Pour it into a glass, and enjoy the well-rounded ale with its unique spruce character!
| Makes 🍻 | Ready to Drink 🍺 | Estimated ABV | Bitterness Rating | Color Rating |
| 23 Litres (40 Pints) | 6 Weeks | 4.8% | 25 IBU | 15.5 EBC |
Unique Flavor Profile
This Spruce Beer recipe offers a distinctive flavor profile that combines the resinous character of spruce with a well-rounded taste. It provides a modern twist on a traditional ale, resulting in a truly unique brewing experience.
Simple Ingredients
With a focus on simplicity, this recipe uses only spruce tips, molasses, and carefully selected malts and hops. The ingredient list is approachable, making it easier for both beginner and experienced brewers to recreate this flavorful beer.
Heritage and Tradition
Spruce Beer has a rich history and is deeply rooted in brewing traditions. By trying this recipe, you can explore the heritage of this classic style and appreciate its cultural significance.
Home Brewing Adventure
Brewing your own Spruce Beer allows you to embark on a home brewing adventure, experimenting with flavors and techniques. It’s a rewarding and creative process that allows you to tailor the beer to your preferences and impress your friends with a unique brew.
Impressive Results
With careful attention to detail and following the provided instructions, you can achieve impressive results. This Spruce Beer recipe yields a well-balanced ale with a pleasant spruce character, making it a delightful drink to savor and share with others.
FAQ on Making this Spruce Beer Recipe
How long does it take to ferment the Spruce Beer?
The fermentation of the Spruce Beer typically takes around 4 days.
What is the estimated ABV (Alcohol By Volume) of the Spruce Beer?
The estimated ABV of the Spruce Beer is 4.8%.
How many pints does this Spruce Beer recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 40 pints of Spruce Beer.
What type of yeast is recommended for brewing this beer?
The recommended yeast for this recipe is White Labs WLP013 London Ale.
At what temperature should the fermentation take place?
The fermentation should take place at a consistent temperature of 18°C (64°F).
What is the recommended conditioning time for the Spruce Beer?
The Spruce Beer should be conditioned for 4 weeks at 12°C (54°F) after fermentation.
How much spruce tips are needed for the recipe?
You will need 5½ oz of spruce tips for this Spruce Beer recipe.
What are the main ingredients used in the mash?
The main ingredients used in the mash are pale malt, caramalt, and crystal wheat.
Which hops are added at the start of the boil?
At the start of the boil, you add ½ oz of Magnum Hops (16%).
What is the recommended mash time for this recipe?
The recommended mash time for this recipe is 1 hour.
