my christmas/winter warmer recipe...thoughts

Beer Recipes
1

this is what i am thinking based on what i have in stock for ingredients
also my first wack at a recipe formulation
any advice would be welcome
thanks
steve

Recipe Specifications

Batch Size: 5.25 gal     
Boil Size: 8.63 gal
Estimated OG: 1.079 SG
Estimated Color: 18.4 SRM
Estimated IBU: 29.4 IBU
Brewhouse Efficiency: 60.00 %
Boil Time: 90 Minutes

Ingredients:

Amount        Item                                      Type        % or IBU     
8 lbs        Munich Malt (9.0 SRM)                    Grain        45.07 %     
6 lbs 8.0 oz  Pilsner (2 Row) Ger (2.0 SRM)            Grain        36.62 %     
12.0 oz      Caramel/Crystal Malt - 40L (40.0 SRM)    Grain        4.23 %       
4.0 oz        Cara-Pils/Dextrine (2.0 SRM)              Grain        1.41 %       
4.0 oz        Chocolate Malt (350.0 SRM)                Grain        1.41 %       
1.25 oz      Tettnang [4.70 %]  (60 min)              Hops        24.4 IBU     
1.00 oz      Williamette [4.50 %]  (15 min)            Hops        5.0 IBU     
0.50 tsp      Cinnamon, ground, dry (Boil 1.0 min)      Misc                     
0.50 tsp      Nutmeg, ground, dry (Boil 1.0 min)        Misc                     
2 lbs        Honey (1.0 SRM)                          Sugar        11.27 %     
2 Pkgs        Dry English Ale (White Labs #WLP007)      Yeast-Ale

Mash Schedule: Single Infusion, Medium Body, No Mash Out
Total Grain Weight: 15.75 lb

Single Infusion, Medium Body, No Mash Out
Step Time    Name              Description                        Step Temp   
60 min        Mash In            Add 25.20 qt of water at 168.3 F    154.0 F

2

Looks pretty tasty to me. The only suggestion I might have would be to get the OG down closer to 1.065 or so. You may be pushing it to get a 1.079 beer conditioned by Christmas. OTOH it might just squeak in.

I’d also make a starter over just pitching 2 vials. 2 vials is still underpitching a 1.079 beer. Check the pitching calc at www.mrmalty.com to get an idea just how many vials/packs you would need.

3

The grist looks a little like a doppelbock.  Nice base for a spiced beer.  You can always adjust the spice level later, so don’t worry about that too much.

If it fully ferments, it will likely need to age some time.  If it finishes sweet, you can probably enjoy it sooner.

I’m in favor of the “use up what’s in the closet” brews.  Sort of like “this is what’s in the fridge, let’s see what we can make for dinner”.  It’s a bit of a challenge but appeals to the frugal side of homebrewers.

4

Sounds very good.  I agree with Gordon about the spices.  You can always adjust later if you need more.  Christmas time may be a bit soon for this beer due to the OG/FG.  It will definitley improve with age.

Happy Brewing,
Brandon

5

i am loosing a pound of honey and using WLP001 and making starters

thanks of the help