My first seasonal for 2011 the Hokkaido Ale also known as HKA is a recipe inspired by the typical pumpkin ale for the holidays. I researched recipes on-line and started with the Smashing Pumpkin recipe purchased from Northern Brewer. Next step was a visit to the local farmers market where I discovered the Japanese Hokkaido squash from a vendor. I roasted the 5-6 lbs of
squash then included in the mash tun adding in fermentables and character to the wort. In addition to the standard all grain recipe I added some additional organic cinnamon stick and a few pinches of organic coriander. In tasting other known labels of pumpkin brews my goal was a more subtle and drinkable beer and I hit it pretty close.
“I found that by working six weeks a year I could meet all the expenses of living”…”I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself than be crowded on a velvet cushion” Thoreau
Whitelaw Reid 