12.20.2009

A special edition of JG's Conglomerate Brown Ale; this edition added a hint of vanilla on the 12.20 bottling date.

6.6 lb Muntons Dark Malt Extract
8 oz Crystal Malt
4 oz Black Patent Malt
48 oz Maple Syrup
1.5 oz Fuggles Hops (boil)
.5 oz Fuggles Hops (finishing)
1 American Ale yeast
2 oz Vanilla Extract

OG            12.7.2009          1.062
FG             12.20.2009        1.03
ABV%        4.2%

Opening: 12.29.2009
Opened the first bottle.  The bottle aging hasn't completed yet, the beer will continue to further develop in the coming weeks, but we couldn't wait for a debut taste.

Conclusion: B-
The vanilla version of JG's really doesn't taste too much like vanilla.  However, it is still very drinkable.  At first taste, we gave this a C+.  It seems to taste better the longer it's been in the bottle.  Reviews have been higher for this beer, but the lack of the intended vanilla taste is holding it back a bit.