philm63
Grandmaster Brewer
Besides the obvious addition of pumpkin; what are the differences between a pumpkin ale and a Christmas ale?
From what I've seen thus far; the spice bill is very similar if not identical. Some of the Christmas ales I've tasted seemed to be a bit more hop-forward in comparison (possibly a BU/GU of .5 or even .6) and with a touch of piney hop on the nose - reminded me of a Christmas tree - but are there also some differences in the grains and/or yeast used that would readily distinguish it as a Christmas ale and not a pumpkin ale?
From what I've seen thus far; the spice bill is very similar if not identical. Some of the Christmas ales I've tasted seemed to be a bit more hop-forward in comparison (possibly a BU/GU of .5 or even .6) and with a touch of piney hop on the nose - reminded me of a Christmas tree - but are there also some differences in the grains and/or yeast used that would readily distinguish it as a Christmas ale and not a pumpkin ale?