It's Been a While...

Well, the New Year is here...here's what has happened since last I typed:

Christian's Brew-

It got bottled just in time!  Bottled the beer on 12/8.  Christian was born on 12/24/12 at 1:11p.  He and Mom are both doing GREAT!  It is carbonated finally, the labels have been made and the first two bottles we handed out last week.  Now I just need to take the time to label some to take to family and friends...

Up The Kriek-

Still sitting...thinking I will get this one either kegged or bottled in late February.  I'm in no rush...

Game of Thrones Mead-

My brother decided that he wanted a mead made that was like those they drink on the TV show "Game of Thrones".  So, we started a 2 gallon batch using some interesting ingredients.  I will post a whole different thread about that once it's finished.  We are also going to be brewing a beer similar to what would have been available in those times as well.  I will be using current methods and sanitation, so it will not be historically 100% accurate, but I will use as close of a recipe as I can find.

Really, a whole lot has happened since November 26th...this is really just the recap of things alcohol related.

I think as I have started a new chapter of my life, there may be a little less time to devote to my hobby...at least until Spring.  Until then you may see a ramble here or there, but I will attempt to get better once things start getting less hectic around the house!

Cheers.

Brewing Updates

So, I finally got some stuff finished up that is note worthy...

I cleaned up the kegerator yesterday and toook the empty Peaches Wheat out, along with the remainder of the Root Beer that nobody was drinking anymore.

I FINALLY kegged the Lucky Man IPA.  Tastes and smells great...we will see how it is after it's chilled and carbonated.  And then there is the Up The Kriek...

Wow.  You talk about an interesting beer!!  I tasted this while racking it on top of the cherries and, while the taste is not overly tart (there is definitely some there), the smell makes you think it's going to be more sour.  This one is going to be GOOD when it's all done...

That's about all for now.  I will post again after doing some bottling this week.

Cheers!

Christian's Brew - Brewed!

Christian's Brew-

8.75 lb.  Golden Promise Malt
4.25 lb.  Maris Otter Pale Ale Malt
0.50 lb.  Crystal Malt I (45L)
1.00 lb.  Flaked Barley
1.00 lb.  Lyle's Golden Syrup (added @ 15 min.)

0.70 oz.  Target (14% AA) @ 60
1.00 oz.  East Kent Goldings (5.5% AA) @ 5

Wyeast 1098 British Ale Yeast

I mashed this beer for 60 mintes @ 148 degrees.  It was a little cooler than I had initially planned (was shooting for 150), but I'm not complaining...

Looked great going into the fermenter (exact color I wanted) and fermentation started quickly!

Here it is less than 18 hours after pitching the yeast!  Going STRONG!  Started this on Friday, October 19th.  Should be ready to be BOTTLED by the beginning of December.  Special labels and all that jazz being worked on as we speak!

Cheers!

MEAD!

So, I just finished racking the Vanilla-Oak Mesquite Mead and the Purple Pyment over to finish clearing and aging...then I thought I may as well start a couple new ones!

In the picture, you see The Aphrodisiac (v 2.0) and Jolly Pumpkin. Both have been started this evening! Behind them are the Mesquite and Pyment, in case you were wondering.

Now we wait...