I have a can of this, but want to do something different with it and have it ready for the holidays. My first thought was pumpkin, but I couldn't figure out from reading how or when to put it in; and most people found it didn't change flavor at all, it's about the spices you add...again, not sure how much or when. I also read of people adding lactose and making a cream stout. Or oatmeal stout. Etc. Unfortunately searching …

I just brewed my first oatmeal stout (the Brewer's Best kit), and decided I'd try to add a little "holiday" flair. At my local brewing supply store, I found a recipe for a holiday ale, so I followed the spicing directions used in that, but I wonder if there's a better way. Here are the ingredients I used: 1 orange, with whole cloves stuck into the skin cinnamon sticks peeled ginger root Here's what I did: During the last 15 …

I'm getting ready to brew up a holiday batch to bring to parties and give as gifts, etc. Any suggestions on a good one? I'm thinking a cranberry beer might be surprising and delicious...