Homebrewing Adventures (misadventures?)

I've been on kind of a homebrewing kick recently, probably because of the new beer fridge, and hoping that some day, I'll be filling it up with soda-kegs of homebrew. Two weeks ago, Paddy and I tried an ex-beer-iment with some water that was used to boil beans... we thought about trying to drink it Saturday, but when we took off the air lock, it smelled like a carboy full of vomit.

So we fertilized one of my trees with it (yes, it's a tree I hope to kill).

Also on Saturday, we transferred a kit Russian Imperial Stout into secondary. That one had an starting gravity of 1.080 and when we transferred it, it went to 1.030. We re-pitched yeast in it, and will let it sit for another couple of weeks, and hope if drops a little lower.

Additionally on Saturday, for the first time, I made a yeast starter. I was mesmerized watching it create carbon-dioxide. So many bubble from only 650 ml of wort and yeast.

Sunday was brewing day. This one was going to wind up being an Imperial Blueberry Wheat. I had purchased the supplies for this last weekend. We went with 2 cans of Muton and Fison Wheat syrup, and 4 lbs of wheat dme. We used an ounce of hops at the boil, and another for finishing (I'll get the names later). After the brewing hour was done, Paddy used a potato smasher to pulverize the blueberries.

We chilled the wort down to about 80, and added the rest of the water, topped off to 5 gallons. I stirred up the yeast that I had started on Saturday, and poured it into the beer. Paddy added the blueberries, and we took a gravity reading of 1.087. This was thicker than the stout from the week before.

We capped it, and set it on the kitchen table, this was about 6 p.m. We went to our beds around 10:30, and there was no activity in the bucket. I woke up, for no reason, around 2:30 and checked, still no activity, I wondered if I had killed the yeast somehow.

When I got up at 6:30, this is what I found.

The lid had blown off the bucket. It was actually (conveniently) in the box, with the airlock still in place.

So, I cleaned off the lid, and took a foam paper plate and scooped off the krausen. Then put the lid back on... it foamed up and out of the airlock.

I left for work at 9. Before leaving, I removed the lid about 4 times, and scooped out the krausen. Before I left, I moved the pail into the bathtub. If this thing was gonna blow up, I'd feel bad about losing the beer, but I'd feel worse about having 5 gallons of blueberry sugar water on my kitchen floor for 9 hours.

When I get home, I'll update the status of my bathtub, and what the hops varieties were.

Coincidentally, Paddy asked what the clever name for this was gonna be, after we finished brewing.

He came up with BleWit.

Blew (blueberry) Wit (wheat).

As to the lid, the beer BLEWIT off the pail.


*update* I got off work at 3:30 today and ran home to check the beer. Hoping that the pail didn't asplode. Well, the lid had blown off, at some point. My bathtub looks like someone had bad diarrhea and shat all over it, but that's just from the foam.

I don't know how long the lid was off for, but here's a pic.

I cleaned up the lid and the rim of the pail, and with another paper plate, scraped off the top of the krausen (don't worry, it'll make more). Then I moved it back onto the kitchen table, put the lid on it, and re-set the airlock. (Not that it really matters now, does it?) Within seconds, the airlock started bubbling, so it's been about 20 hours since this thing was first pitched, and it's blown the lid twice, and had 2-3 inches of foam scraped off five times. It's a little aggressive.

The foam does smell nicely of blueberries, so that's good. It also has some blueberry chunks in it, I feel a bit bad about washing that away, but we'll be putting more into it later.

I'll get another gravity reading, should it ever stop blowing up.

Hops were Wilamette (bittering) and Spalt (finishing).

Days of the Beer, December 15

The beer for today is Ridgeway Lump of Coal.

On December 15, 1914, a gas explosion at the Mitsubishi Hojyo coal mine in Kyūshū, Japan; killed 687 people. This was the worst coal mine disaster in Japanese history.

Initially, Mitsubishi was a shipping firm, in 1834. It started to purchase coal mines in 1881, to provide coal for their extensive steamship fleet. Eventually, the coal mines outgrew the shipping industry, and was the main provider of income for the company, up through World War 1. When WW1 started, the company profited more from ship-building, and that turned the company into a more industrial one.

Mitsubishi's coal mines were manned primarily with prison laborers, with little to no salary, this gave the company huge profits. During wartime, Mitsubishi "employed" POW's to work in their factories and mines.

As to the beer:

Ridgeway Brewery produces 14 beers, but is probably best known for its winter lineup. Bad Elf, Criminally Bad Elf, Pickled Santa, Lump of Coal, Santa's Butt, Seriously Bad Elf, and Very Bad Elf, are some of their winter offerings.

Looking forward to a depressing holiday? Here is liquid consolation. This 8% bittersweet chocolate stout is the best you could hope for in these dark times. Actually, come to think of it, considering how bad you’ve been, this little coal-black gem is more than you deserve for Christmas this year.

The handiwork of vastly talented (but altogether too cheery) master brewer Peter Scholey, Lump of Coal is the perfect stocking stuffer for the beer lover or manic depressive in your family.

So, for the unhappy forced laborers who died in a Japanese coal mine; drink your lump of coal, you've probably earned it.

Lump of Coal is available at Crane Alley and Friar Tucks.

Days of the Beer, December 14

On December 14, 1947, in Daytona Beach, Florida, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) was founded.

Stock car racing in the U.S. has it's origins in bootlegging during Prohibition. When prohibition was repealed in 1933, these drivers continued to improve their cars, and started racing each other.

On December 14, 1947, William France, met with several other influential racers and promoters at the Ebony bar, in Daytona Beach, as a result of those meetings, NASCAR was officially formed on February 21, 1948.

NASCAR is the second most popular professional sport in the U.S. based on television ratings. Their races are broadcast in over 150 countries. It holds 17 of the 20 top attended sporting events in the U.S. It boasts more than 75 million fans who purchase more than $3 billion in annual licensed products. These fans are considered the most brand-loyal in all of sports.

Coors Light is the official beer of NASCAR. Coors replaced Budweiser as the official beer, starting in the 2008 NASCAR season. Coors paid $20 million to be called that.

As to the beer:

Coors claims it is the world's most refreshing beer, and has trademarked that statement. Coors apparently is proud that their beer is really cold.

So, for NASCAR, if you want, have their Official Beer. If you don't like roundy-round, then don't get a coors light. You'll be glad you didn't.

Days of the Beer, December 13

On December 13, 1862, the Battle of Fredericksburg was fought during the American Civil War. General Robert E. Lee defeated Union Major General Ambrose E. Burnside. The battle lasted from December 11 to December 15, but December 13 was the day that the Union Army suffered it's worst casualties. The battle is considered one of the most one-sided during the American Civil War.

Burnside had attempted to send six union divisions into Fredricksburg, across an open plain of 400 yards that was covered by Confederate infantry and artillery. All of the attacks failed, and produced 6,000 to 8,000 casualties.

A month after the battle, Burnside would be relieved of command.

As to the beer:

Olde Burnside Brewing Company is located in Hartford, Connecticut. They brew mainly Scottish style beers.

Our popular “Dirty Penny Ale” (5.7% ABV) is a hearty, but never heavy “black’n’tan” style* which is mixture of 60% Ten Penny/40% our own signature stout. This beer is also available year-round at your local bar or favorite beer store.
(Motto: Dirty Penny Ale …Polish One Off!)

The beer is available in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. General Burnside died in Bristol, Rhode Island, on September 13, 1881. He is buried in Swan Point Cemetery, Providence, Rhode Island. You can pick up Olde Burnside beer, at Swan Liquors, which is .6 miles away from the cemetary.

Days of the Beer, December 12

The beer for today is (Rogue) Issaquah Bullfrog Ale.

On December 12, 1724, Samuel Hood, was born. Samuel was a British Admiral known for his service in the American War of Independence and the French Revolutionary Wars.

In 1792, Lieutenant William Broughton named Mount Hood, in Oregon after Admiral Hood.

Hood died on January 27, 1816.

As to the beer:

Issaquah Brewhouse is located in Issaquah, Washington. They were acquired by Rogue in 2000. Bullfrog is the Issaquah flagship beer.

An American style wheat beer and an Issaquah Brewhouse original. Light in color and body and served with a lemon, Bullfrog ale is crisp, refreshing and goes down easy. Take a flying leap!

Bullfrog is made with Saaz, Horizon and Hood hops.

So, for Admiral Hood, have a beer with hops that ultimately, is named after him.

Days of the Beer, December 11

The beer for today is Labatt Blue.

On December 11, 1838, John Labatt was born in Westminster Township near London, Ontario. John was the son of the founder of the Labatt Brewing Company. When John's father, (John) died, he assumed control of the company, eventually growing it to be the largest brewery in Canada.

As to the beer:

Labatt Brewing Company was founded in 1847, by John's father. In 1995, it was purchased by Interbrew, who later became InBev, currently ABInBev. While it was once the largest brewery in Canada, it is currently in the second spot.

Pilsener-style Lager, 5.0% alc./vol. (4.9% ABV for Bleue in Quebec)

Labatt Blue is the best-selling Canadian beer in the world. Introduced in 1951 as Labatt Pilsener, it was named for the colour of its label by fans of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers football team. Blue was the first brand in Canada with a twist-off cap and won the silver medal in the International Lager category at the 1998 Brewing Industry International Awards. Labatt Blue, brewed using specially selected aromatic hops, is a well-balanced, fully matured, full-flavoured beer with a fruity character and a slightly sweet aftertaste.

Remember folks, coldness in beer hides flavor.

Labatt Blue shouldn't simply be cold - but extra cold

Labatt Blue has developed a state-of-the-art draught tower to chill your Blue all the way to the spout to ensure your beer is only served between 35.60F to 37.40F.

Cold masks aromas.

So, for John Labatt, who once turned Labatt into Canada's largest brewery, have the best selling Canadian beer in the world.

Or just have something from Unibroue, it's from Canada too.

Beer Review, Lost Abbey Avant Garde Ale

Last night, while watching Creation in the 21st Century, Paddy and I drank The Lost Abbey Avant Garde Ale.

this one poured out crystal clear. It was a lovely yellow golden-brown color. It had some residual bubbling inside the glass, and had a decent head. Finishing off the bottle later produced a much hazier beverage.

It smelled sort of farm house funky, with some sour in the nose. There was a little bit of hops present, and also a yeast smell. To me it felt, initially thin, but then when compared to how clear it was, I decided it was rather thick, not quite syrupy, but almost as thick as a double IPA.

The taste had some bitter, and of a light colored bread. There was also a little bit of citrus. Paddy said it tasted malty (which added to the thickness). As it warmed, and got cloudy from the bottom of the bottle, it started to get some vanilla notes, and also some woody, oaky flavors. I finally determined it had a taste of the Popcorn Jelly Belly (Paddy said "it's a Buttered Popcorn Jelly Belly"). We also compared this beer (favorably) to a nilla wafer.

Paddy also said it reminded him of the recent beers that we've had that have also had grape in them (I believe he was thinking of the Allagash Victor and Victoria Ale's).

This was a darn good beer, that I picked up at West Lakeview Liquors, on the Turkey Day Beer Run. I'll be picking up some more of these and stashing them away in the basement, as it's a Biere de Garde (beer for keeping), I'll be keeping a bunch. *Note* It's biere de garde, not biere de share!!!

Days of the Beer, December 10

The beer for today is Bar Harbor Peach Ale.

On December 10, 1956, Milorad R. Blagojevich was born. "Rod" as he's known, is the current governor of Illinois. Rod was the first democrat to be elected governor in 30 years, since Daniel Walker in 1972.

Walker was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, but served 18 months, for fraud, perjury, and making false statements.

Blagojevich, was arrested on December 9 (yesterday) and charged with various crimes, most in connection with attempting to sell the senate seat left vacant by president-elect Barack Obama. Blagojevich has been the target of many federal investigations, and has very low approval ratings in Illinois. He has been called "America's Least Popular Governor".

He was first elected in 2002, and was re-elected in 2006.

I anticipate, if he doesn't spend the rest of his term in office, he'll be impeached.

As to the beer:

Bar Harbor Brewing Company is located in Bar Harbor, Maine, about 3 hours north of Portland. The brewery was established in 1990. They produce only 260 barrels of bottle-conditioned beer each year.

A peach beer? Yes. When you give peach a chance, you'll discover a mildly aromatic, subtle brew unlike any other.

Rich chestnut hue. Pours with an off-white head. Aromas are suggestive of real peach. On the palate this has a lovely nutty roast character with an aromatic suggestion of peach and a clean, lightly toasted finish displaying subtle hay-like hop flavors. Wonderfully drinkable and not remotely sweet.

So, for governor "Rod", have a "Bar", and since he'll probably [expletive] be [expletive] impeached soon, have a Peach.

*Edit* *Bump*

It took less than a month from his birthday for him to be impeached. It was exactly a month from the day he was first arrested.

Reps Milton Patterson and Elga Jefferies, hopefully will be remembered by their constituents, or hopefully the people running against them next election will remember them.

They have campaign slogans against them already. Patterson, he stood alone behind blago...

Beer Event Wrapup, Lefthand Beer Dinner

Last night was the Left Hand Brewing beer dinner at Crane Alley.

Each beer was presented by Mike Walters, the Midwest sales manager for the brewery.

The first course was the panko crusted salmon cake, stuffed with spiced cream cheese. This was paired with Ju Ju Ginger.

The salmon cake was awesome. It looked, and tasted kind of like a crab-cake, but it was better. The spiced cream cheese in the middle was outstanding. It went pretty good with the beer. The salmon cake might have been my favorite dish of the night.



The second course was served with Sawtooth Amber, and was a salad, served with jumbo lump crab. The salad wasn't really anything that looked like "salad". It looked more like a plate of clover, but it was really tasty. It was served with a remoulade and smoked sea salt. The smoked salt was great, I need to find some, or figure out how they made it.

The third course was a duck breast with wild rice, grilled zucchini and squash. It was served with the Snowbound Winter Ale. The duck was outstanding. I didn't think it went very well with the Snowbound. The beer was a little bit spiced, and reminded me of a darker version of the Ju Ju. When the beer was drank with the food, it completely changed the flavor of the beer, and cut the spices right out, making the beer go better with it. Looking through the Left Hand beer lineup, I thought the Deep Cover Brown or the Black Jack Porter, might have been a better choice to go with the darker duck, and the rice.

The fourth course was the Alligator on creole cous-cous, with a spicy trinity broth. It seemed that the alligator was what everyone was most interested in trying. I was a little disappointed in it. It was a little tough and stringy, but then what do you expect from a creature that is pure muscle. When it came out, it almost looked like boneless buffalo wings. The smaller pieces were ok, but the larger ones seemed to have a flavor and sort of wet/squishy texture that reminded me of deep fried catfish. The cous cous was good, and the trinity sauce was great. This was presented with Warrior IPA. The warrior did a good job of cutting the spice of the sauce.

The final presentation was a pistachio infused Tres Leches cake with a Milk Stout Reduction, served with Milk Stout. The cake itself was outstanding, the milk stout reduction worked like a chocolate syrup. It also came with some edible flower petals, that were pretty good in the sweet (i think it was cream) sauce that was also drizzled on the plate. The beer was a good compliment to the cake, washed it down nicely without upsetting the sweetness that was already quite present in the sauces.

Overall it was a good menu, with a good beer selection, there was only one of the beers that I would have tried to change, but it still worked well with the food. The food was all good, with the two cakes (first and last) being great. I asked Aaron if they would be putting the salmon cakes on the menu, and he said they probably wouldn't. If they put the Tres Leches cake on the menu, I wouldn't complain about that, and it might even turn me into a desert person.

Days of the Beer, December 9

The beer for today is Dogfish Head Raison D'Extra.

On December 9, 1608, John Milton was born. Milton was an English poet best know for his epic poem Paradise Lost.

Paradise Lost was composed by Milton from 1658 to 1664. At the time he was blind, and the poem was dictated to several of his aides. Paradise Regained was published along with Samson Agonistes, in 1671.

Milton died November 8, 1674.

As to the beer:

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery is located in Milton, Delaware. Their tasting room is open Tuesday - Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. They offer tours on those days at 3 on T,W,Th, and 3 and 4 on Friday and Saturday. It's recommended to have reservations for the tour.

Dogfish Head Raison D'Extra was last released in March of 2007. It is currently listed as "On Hiatus" by Dogfish Head.

A bigger, bolder version of our Raison D'Etre.

This is a bulbous, brown ale brewed with a bunch of malt, brown sugar and raisins.

This outstanding beer was 18% ABV (or higher). If you look around in the right places, you might be able to find a couple of bottles.

So, for the Birthday of Milton, who wrote Paradise Lost, see if you can find an out of production bottle of Raison D'Extra by the Milton brewery.

(I have 4 bottles in my cellar). (Kriddy and I toured the brewery on October 24).