Boil or mash Pumpkin?

[brewinhard]

Guido,

So after roasting, you do boil the pumpkin with the wort? You don't mash it at all? How long do you boil it for and have you noticed any difference between mashing and boiling the pumpkin in terms of flavor and aroma?

[Guido]

Guido,

So after roasting, you do boil the pumpkin with the wort? You don't mash it at all? How long do you boil it for and have you noticed any difference between mashing and boiling the pumpkin in terms of flavor and aroma?

I boil for 90 minutes. I don't mash it at all. The flavor and aroma is excellent. I don't use jack o lantern pumpkins either. I think it's called a crooked neck squash. I know it goes against the grain, but it works for me.

[brewinhard]

I've been looking all around western NY for those and can't find them this way. I have read that crook neck squash is native to the PA area and would love to get my hands on some as I have read they gave more pumpkin flavor and aroma than actual pumpkin does.
Do you still add the typical spices to your beer as well?

[Guido]

I've been looking all around western NY for those and can't find them this way. I have read that crook neck squash is native to the PA area and would love to get my hands on some as I have read they gave more pumpkin flavor and aroma than actual pumpkin does.
Do you still add the typical spices to your beer as well?

I'm able to find lots of the squash (pumpkins) at Amish stores. I add Saigon cinnamon, fresh ginger, fresh nutmeg, and a bit of vanilla extract to blend the spice flavors and add creaminess. Add the spices in small amounts and taste as you go until you get the flavor profile you want. I don't add cloves or allspice, but there's no rule against adding them.

[Bugeater]

I was up at the New Belgium brewery yesterday. I talked with a couple of the brewers about the pumpkin beer they contract brew for Elysian. They put the pumpkin in the mash. They also toast the pumpkin seeds, run them through the grinder and add them to the mash too.

They do use a processed pumpkin puree. The cooking helps gelatinize the starches so they can be converted more easily in the mash.

Wayne

[brewinhard]

I've never had the Elysian. How is the flavor contribution from the pumpkin? Noticeable and more so than others? I have heard about the seed thing and that is crazy! Wonder if that just adds some extra nuttiness to the product?

[RedRory]

Guido,

Did you write an article for Zymurgy, last year about your pumpkin beer? I made one about three weeks ago based of that recipe; using pumpkin in the boil. I have to say. everyone told me not to do it, but its tastes great so far. I'm sure when its completely finished, it won't last long. Good tip about putting the pumpkin in a mesh bag. I didn't do that and I lost a ton of wort. Good excuse to try it again!

[Guido]

Guido,

Did you write an article for Zymurgy, last year about your pumpkin beer? I made one about three weeks ago based of that recipe; using pumpkin in the boil. I have to say. everyone told me not to do it, but its tastes great so far. I'm sure when its completely finished, it won't last long. Good tip about putting the pumpkin in a mesh bag. I didn't do that and I lost a ton of wort. Good excuse to try it again!

Yeah, it was me. Glad you liked it.