Need a suggestion

[Cabin Joe]

I'm planning on brewing 4 wks ahead of Christmas and bringing 5 gal. to my in-laws. My brother-in-law has brewed a rather hoppy IPA and so don't want anything too close in style, but won't have time to age the crap out of something.

So...any suggestions on what to brew? Was thinking maybe a smooth porter/stout or something lighter to counter balance his beer and the tons of food/sweets/etc. we inhale around the holidays.

Any ideas are much appreciated.

Joe

[Dmac08]

If you are looking to pair with different types of food I would stay away from anything too roasty. Those characters may over power some of the food. What about an Amber Ale? I think this would go great with all sorts of food from Turkey all the way down to pumpkin pie. You could make it a little more on the carmel/malty side since there will already be an IPA available. Just my two cents.

[MuddyMikes]

If you are looking to pair with different types of food I would stay away from anything too roasty. Those characters may over power some of the food. What about an Amber Ale? I think this would go great with all sorts of food from Turkey all the way down to pumpkin pie. You could make it a little more on the carmel/malty side since there will already be an IPA available. Just my two cents.

I think that's a great idea. But I've always been partial to a hearty Amber Ale ....

[thetooth]

I could see a nice belgian being good here as well.

[hotrod38]

How about an ESB

[Cabin Joe]

If you are looking to pair with different types of food I would stay away from anything too roasty. Those characters may over power some of the food. What about an Amber Ale? I think this would go great with all sorts of food from Turkey all the way down to pumpkin pie. You could make it a little more on the carmel/malty side since there will already be an IPA available. Just my two cents.

I'm liking the amber ale idea, a nice malty beer isn't something that shows up too often at that house (lots of good pale ales, just not a huge range of styles). So, any recipes to go with that suggestion, Dmac?

[Dmac08]

If you are looking to pair with different types of food I would stay away from anything too roasty. Those characters may over power some of the food. What about an Amber Ale? I think this would go great with all sorts of food from Turkey all the way down to pumpkin pie. You could make it a little more on the carmel/malty side since there will already be an IPA available. Just my two cents.

I'm liking the amber ale idea, a nice malty beer isn't something that shows up too often at that house (lots of good pale ales, just not a huge range of styles). So, any recipes to go with that suggestion, Dmac?

I've got recipes for lots of things, whatcha looking for?

[Cabin Joe]

Something not overly sweet, robust malt character, 35 or less IBU's (but won't turn my nose up at something higher if it's a good one!), smooth finish, and a nice, creamy head (this part is optional, but thought it might be a nice touch). Just some top of mind thoughts, if you have one you really enjoy, throw it out there. Thx

[Dmac08]

My go to Amber is JZ's from BCS

6 Gallons
OG - 1.052
IBU - 35
SRM - 13

9.25lbs Maris Otter
1lb Munich
.75lbs Crystal 40
.5lbs Crystal 120
.5lbs Victory

.6oz Horizon 60 min 32 IBU's (I usually sub magnum)
.25oz Cascade 10 min
.25oz Cent. 10 min
.25oz Cascade 0 min
.25oz Cent. 0 min

WLP001, Wyeast1056, or US-05

Someone also suggested and ESB, which I think would be excellent as well. I love English beers. Here is a recipe I have been working on.

11.5 Gallons
OG - 1.057
IBU - 49
SRM - 15

21.75lbs Maris Otter
1lb Aromatic
1lb C-60
1lb Special B
.5lb Special Roast
4oz Challenger 6.3% 60 min 39 IBU;s
2.5oz East Kent Golding 15 min
1.5oz East Kent Golding 5 min
WLP007