Monday, December 13, 2010

2010 HHHC

Well, the 2010 Happy Holidays Homebrew Competition is over and done with.  While I am not sure of scores or comments (haven't gotten scoresheets just yet), I do know that I won TWO medals!

1st Place - The Aphrodisiac (Chocolate/Maple/Cayenne Mead)
3rd Place - Cinnamon Stick Mead

The Aphrodisiac took 2nd place Best of Show too!  I got beat out by Dale's "Strawberry Mead Forever" Melomel...a VERY excellent mead!  I had a great time judging 3 of the 4 rounds and look forward to seeing what the judges had to say about all 5 of my entries!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Vacation!

I am off work from December 23 - January 3...guess what I am doing?!  That's right...brewing a LOT of beer!  I won't give out too much information, but know that I am brewing at least 5 times in the 11 days I am off.  Here is a very brief run down of what I am brewing:

Wicked Winter Warmer - this beer is going to be an attempt at Pete's Wicked Winter Brew, which I have not had since 1996.  It is an amber(ish) ale that will have Nutmeg and Raspberry in the mix.  About 5.5% ABV

Ebenezer Ale - this beer is going to be a Golden Ale, spiced with Vanilla, Cinnamon, Clove and Coriander.  About 6.7% ABV

Middernacht (Midnight) Dark Strong Ale - this is a Belgian Dark Strong Ale that will be aged on Pinot Noir soaked French Oak (medium toast) and Brett C.  About 8% ABV

Old Stock Ale - this is going to be an Old Ale, plain and simple.  About 7% ABV

Kaiser Weizenbock - this is my Weizenbock (strong German Wheat beer).  About 7.5% ABV

I may throw in another beer or two if time, budget and room allows...may need to buy another carboy or two!  One hint, though...one beer that I brew may, in fact, be a LAGER!!

Unfortunately, none of these will be done in The Brewhemoth this go around.  I am saving that space for a 10 gallon batch to be determined in January!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Wow...

Well, Christmas is fast approaching...which makes me take pause and think back at the year 2010.  This year has brought a lot to me...an increase in my mead making, a momentary lapse of reason (my thoughts of giving up brewing), The Brewhemoth, a ton of ideas on beers to brew and a "vertical epic" of my own to begin, and of course...beer.

I also gained some friends, lost a few too, lost a dear family member (love you Grandma), and started a few new adventures of my own...The ATF (All Things Fermented) Brew Club, kegging, and new duties / challenges at work.

Overall, this post is just me reflecting...looking back and 2010 and forward to 2011; wondering what life has in store.

So, to the few of you that look at my blog...thank you.  I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday, whichever you celebrate, and I wish you all the very best for 2011!

~Josh