Star Anise Stout

This recipe, by Reed Vander Schaaf, won Best of Show, Santa Cruz County Fair 2008 out of 85 entries.

The base of their Ginger Pale Ale is a traditional mid-19th century English pale ale but with fresh ginger, honey, and a moderate dose of hops added. This beer is golden in color, aromatically floral with underlying notes of spice and hops. Despite being a dry beer, Ginger Pale Ale has a deceptively sweet character that balances the strong ginger spiciness with the hops playing a supporting role. If you don’t have toasted malt, perhaps substitute Munich malt.