this post was submitted on 09 Dec 2025
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Homebrewing - Beer, Mead, Wine, Cider

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On Friday I brewed up some tree beer using Leyland Cypress boughs in the strike and sparge water as well as in the mash vessel. OG was ~1.050 and I split the boil to brew up a saison and a pale ale with galaxy and sultana (denali) hops. The saison is fermenting with a wild yeast culture I captured from my neighbor's raw honey and the pale ale has Framgarden kveik. They're both fermenting at 87°F/30.5°C

The Leyland Cypress gives the beer a pleasant evergreen/christmas tree flavor that's a bit citrusy and not too overwhelming. I've brewed with this tree a number of times and thoroughly researched it so I'm fully confident that it is not toxic. I don't measure the amount of tree I put in the beer, basically just put branches into the kettle until it's annoying to try to add another one.

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[–] SpikesOtherDog@ani.social 10 points 6 days ago

Hey, I am just skimming through and see that you are saying that the ponderosa pine is edible, while making beer from the Leland Cypress. These plants are similar looking, but different species completely.

Here are a few more sources that advise that it can be toxic to humans.

https://myplantin.com/plant/6556

https://plantura.garden/uk/trees-shrubs/cypress-trees/cypress-trees-overview

https://www.thespruce.com/leyland-cypress-trees-2132063#toc-common-problems-with-leyland-cypress

Also note that a book on plant toxicology was referenced in the Wikipedia article.

I can't say whether there would be any effect on you from making a beer from it, but I am concerned that you had said it was fine because the ponderosa pine is edible. I would consult a specialist before drinking any more of this brew.