Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 lbs. of fresh cherries, pitted
- 2 lbs. of smoked malt
- 1 lb. of caramel malt
- 1 oz. of Cascade hops
- 1 packet of ale yeast
- 5 gallons of water
- 1 cup of honey
- 1 tsp. of Irish moss
- 1 tsp. of gypsum
Special Equipment Needed:
- Smoker
- Large stockpot
- Fermentation vessel
- Airlock
- Bottling equipment
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Spread the pitted cherries on a sheet pan and place them in the smoker for 1 hour.
2. In a large stockpot, bring 5 gallons of water to a boil. Add the smoked malt, caramel malt, and Cascade hops. Boil for 60 minutes.
3. After 60 minutes, add the smoked cherries, honey, Irish moss, and gypsum. Boil for an additional 15 minutes.
4. Remove the pot from the heat and cool it to room temperature. Transfer the mixture to a fermentation vessel and add the ale yeast.
5. Attach an airlock to the fermentation vessel and let it ferment for 2 weeks.
6. After 2 weeks, transfer the beer to a bottling bucket and add priming sugar. Bottle the beer and let it carbonate for 2 weeks.
7. Chill the beer and serve.
- Time:
Preparation time: 1 hour
- Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Fermentation time: 2 weeks
- Carbonation time: 2 weeks
Temperature:
- Smoker temperature: 225°F
- Boiling temperature: 212°F
- Fermentation temperature: 68°F
Serving size:
- Makes 5 gallons of beer
- Serving size: 12 oz.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 10mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Smoked malt can be substituted with regular malt
- Ale yeast can be substituted with any beer yeast
- Honey can be substituted with corn sugar or table sugar
Variations:
- Add vanilla beans for a cherry-vanilla flavor
- Add cinnamon sticks for a cherry-cinnamon flavor
- Use different fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, for a different flavor
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to sanitize all equipment before use
- Use a hydrometer to measure the specific gravity of the beer during fermentation
- Store the beer in a cool, dark place during carbonation
Storage Instructions:
- Store the beer in a cool, dark place
- Beer can be stored for up to 6 months
Reheating Instructions:
- Beer does not need to be reheated
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the beer in a pint glass with a cherry garnish
Garnishes:
- Fresh cherries
Pairings:
- Grilled meats
- BBQ
- Spicy foods
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Potato salad
- Coleslaw
- Grilled vegetables
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the beer does not carbonate, add more priming sugar and let it sit for another week
- If the beer tastes sour, it may be infected with bacteria and should be discarded
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to sanitize all equipment before use
- Use a thermometer to ensure proper temperatures during brewing
Food History:
- Smoked beer originated in Germany in the 1500s
Flavor Profiles:
- Smoky
- Sweet
- Tart
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled in a pint glass
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