tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501361286897702641.post2783213485167002404..comments2008-03-27T12:42:59.546-05:00The Bearded Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09272265527986943248noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501361286897702641.post-71389402138444759252008-03-27T12:42:00.000-05:002008-03-27T12:42:00.000-05:00take a look at these new tips...I am going to look for some...<BR/><BR/>//Darrell<BR/><BR/>http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2425427950066796437uxTDflDarrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10355369680891392330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501361286897702641.post-87570822375992289502008-03-25T11:02:00.000-05:002008-03-25T11:02:00.000-05:00I am motivated to try a Spruce ale again myself...<BR/><BR/>I think that if we keep the hops on the low side (20 ibu at the most) then the spruce will come out. As I recall, the last time I brewed this it was a handfull of spruce tips at 30 minutes into the 1.5 hour boil, then the same at 60, then another handfull at 15. I believe that it is the late additions that are most important.<BR/><BR/>Good luck with yours...and let us know if you brew this with the real tips...<BR/><BR/>...DarrellDarrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10355369680891392330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501361286897702641.post-36954768840259437332008-03-25T10:58:00.000-05:002008-03-25T10:58:00.000-05:00Darrell,<BR/>Thanks for the posting. I haven't posted my impressions of this beer because it has taken along time to mellow out. I used 2 tsps of extract in a 3 gallon batch and it was way too much. There is a real medicinal essence to the beer that is off putting. Next time around I will try the real spruce tips because it sounds like they may be the way to go.<BR/>Thanks!The Bearded Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09272265527986943248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501361286897702641.post-18742549783042853802008-03-25T10:28:00.000-05:002008-03-25T10:28:00.000-05:00I would not use the spruce essence. I have used it in the past and VERY few people liked the brew. However, when I used fresh spruce tips, many loved it.<BR/><BR/>In a few weeks you will see the fresh spruce buds growing, and as they break out of the bud they are short and very light green...this is when to get them.<BR/><BR/>Put in near the end of the boil so as to sanitize, yet not lose all of the flavor...<BR/><BR/>You will be surprised at how good this tastes.<BR/><BR/>..Darrell<BR/>leavitdg@plattsburgh.eduDarrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10355369680891392330noreply@blogger.com