Fall is just around the corner, so it's time to start planning those late October and November beers. Picture yourself in cooler weather, in the southern states you might be hanging out outside on your patio with friends and family and in the north you're starting to get bundled up and cozy by the fire. What kind of beer did you have in your hand? I usually brew a Porter this time of year, but this year I'm switching it up and trying a Dark Lager and to go even further I'm throwing in some Texas roasted pecans. I am calling this one the Mischievous Squirrel. This is a strong Bavarian style Doppelbock that will warm you up pre-winter.

As a homebrewer you really get in tune with the seasons and changing weather. Make sure you are brewing a style that you and others will enjoy too. I chose a Doppelbock because of it's rich full-bodied carmel malty flavor, blanketed light hop aroma with a light ruby-hazed color. This style with the pecan addition just screams Thanksgiving to me.

In the traditional German way of the style, you would do a decoction mash, but I chose a step mash instead. I've tried decoction mashing in the past and it results in a great beer, but you get relatively the same result with a step mash and for the homebrewer it is not as involved as dealing with multiple kettles of mash. I'll let larger breweries tackle the decoction stuff while I brew a second batch.

Let's talk yeasties. You need a BIG pitch for a Doppelbock whether you are using vials, smack packs or using your own harvested yeast and starter, make sure its big and aerate your wort well before the pitch. A final note is about the diacetyl levels. Remember to do a diacetyl rest for two days at 65F before you rack into secondary.

A few good places to find Pecans online are at Pecans.com and AustinNuts.com

Related Recipes:
Toasted Coquito Porter - Using Coquitos (Baby Coconuts) in this Silky Porter recipe, the HomeBrewing.com home brewers spin the traditional Coconut porter.
Pecan Porter - Our Pecan Porter recipe delivers a vigorous ale with a smooth blend of chocolate, malt, and pecan overtones that flow relatively seamlessly together.
Molasses Stout - A strong, dark, warming Molasses Stout with a simple selection of flavoring malts.