The Process: During the last update we reviewed what I considered to be an extremely successful brew day. It was only the third brew but it felt like I was getting comfortable with the process. The fermentation went well and the transfer to the secondary fermenter was seamless. This is also the first time we... Continue Reading →
In our last homebrewing post I was wavering between brewing a Porter or a Stout, ultimately the Porter won. I went this direction for two reasons, both of which may have nothing to do with the actual outcome of the beer. One, I have heard from other homebrewers that this is a fairly easy style... Continue Reading →
Over GABF week Meg and I both went to a Cicerone based off-flavor tasting course at Epic Brewing. The focus of the course was to compare the six most common off-flavors to a control and learn why these can happen during the brewing process. This isn't the first off-flavor course I have taken but it... Continue Reading →
It's the moment of truth, did we learn anything from the first brew? Optimism was running high when I popped the top and it was beautifully carbonated, something we struggled with on the first attempt. Optimism turned to questions and reflection - Something went wrong. Visual: Gold with deep red hues, almost copper. Predominantly clear... Continue Reading →
The second time you go through something like homebrewing you find that there is a certain way you like to do things. I thought I had the siphon and bottling process all figured out and even requested the extra assistance from Meg since I nearly lost the first batch trying to do it all myself.... Continue Reading →
AHA (American Homebrewers Association) Some things have to be seen in person to truly understand them. My first AHA rally at my local brewery, Dry Dock, this past weekend was one of those things. I am not sure I can put into words what I expected but the reality was even better. The beer vibe... Continue Reading →
Equinox IPA continued - I received much appreciated feedback from friends and followers on my first brew. A lot of people told me the secondary fermentation process wasn't needed, you can keep it in first and the batch will even go quicker. Quicker beer? Generally speaking, I would jump right on that but since this... Continue Reading →
The first brew experience was a bit stressful, a lot of fun, and I have to admit made me want to do it again. People talk about it getting to you and I was a skeptic but now as I dive into this one with ideas for the one after I have to admit they... Continue Reading →
The moment of truth. We finally cracked open a bottle and tried our homebrewed beer for the first time. The instant reaction... "Hey, this doesn't suck," which is a small victory. The first beer was tried among friends, the type of people who will share their true feelings and the feedback was positive. It was... Continue Reading →
The bottles have been sitting peacefully for two full weeks as of today. According to my brew kit instructions and most of the research I have been doing, they should be good to drink. Of course, I would prefer to test it but there isn't a way to do it without risking one of my... Continue Reading →
Hard 12 Brews 