Saturday, January 31, 2009
The beer worked and it's really good!
I tried one of my beers tonight with dinner and it's great! It carbonated, had a nice head, and a light golden color. The taste I have to say is almost if not my favorite of any beer I've ever bought. It is not bitter at *all* but has a very light, refreshing taste with a clean finish. It took a month, but it was worth the wait. Now, I am interested to see what the difference is when I leave the beer to condition a while.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Now that I'm not dying of the plague...
Ugh...I've had a cold the last few days so I haven't posted. Still coughing now, but better enough to go to work and kung fu yesterday. I got to help out with the kids' class, which was a hoot. Even the littlest one, a five year old, was really paying attention and doing well. Then in the adult class, instead of a normal class, after warming up we were each asked to teach something for five minutes. That was so much fun, and a pretty non-threatening way to practice teaching.
Beer update:
The Mr. Beer is bottled and fully carbonated! I'll be moving half to the attic steps (for warm conditioning) and half to the fridge (for cold conditioning) this evening. I'll try one on Sunday and let you know what it's like.
Beer update:
The Mr. Beer is bottled and fully carbonated! I'll be moving half to the attic steps (for warm conditioning) and half to the fridge (for cold conditioning) this evening. I'll try one on Sunday and let you know what it's like.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Mr. Beer is Mr. Slow
I can't believe it...it's been over two weeks and is still not ready to bottle. (Fine bubbles are still rising in the keg.) The cold snap must really have retarded the fermenting process.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Bard's
from Bard's Tale Beer Co, http://www.bardsbeer.com
This is a sorghum malt beer, with no wheat, barley, rye, or oats. I'm really curious to see what this will taste like.
A very bubbly beer, without a head. (Is it my pouring method?) A bright coppery color. A "bready" smell. The taste is not hoppy. It's a very balanced beer, with both sweet and bitter tones. A unique flavor, as of course there's not the barley malt aspect. This is a beer to drink slowly and think about it as you sip, not one to slug down quickly at a ball game. Much less bitter than yesterday's. A maple-ish, woodsy undertone. I feel like I should be sitting in a dark rathskeller, possibly smoking a cigar, discussing Important Things.
This is a sorghum malt beer, with no wheat, barley, rye, or oats. I'm really curious to see what this will taste like.
A very bubbly beer, without a head. (Is it my pouring method?) A bright coppery color. A "bready" smell. The taste is not hoppy. It's a very balanced beer, with both sweet and bitter tones. A unique flavor, as of course there's not the barley malt aspect. This is a beer to drink slowly and think about it as you sip, not one to slug down quickly at a ball game. Much less bitter than yesterday's. A maple-ish, woodsy undertone. I feel like I should be sitting in a dark rathskeller, possibly smoking a cigar, discussing Important Things.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Loose Cannon Hop3 Ale
from Clipper City Brewing Company, LP http://www.clippercitybeer.com
from the bottle: Our Loose Cannon Hop3 Ale is a hop shot across the bow! Hops, hops, AND MORE hops -- over 3 lbs per barrel, at 3 different times in the process. Herbal and aromatic: an amazingly delicious American IPA. 7.5 abv
My review:
With the stated hoppiness, I'm expecting a bitter taste. Upon opening, the smell is revealing--indeed very hoppy. Upon pouring into the glass, almost no head, but an attractive reddish-golden color. First sip...wow! If you were looking for an IPA, I think you've found it. If you favor malty, sweeter beers you probably wouldn't care for this. Indeed quite bitter, but not in an unpleasant way. Goes well with salty foods; right now I'm having some brie and crackers. Leathery tones, a clean finish, no lingering aftertaste.
from the bottle: Our Loose Cannon Hop3 Ale is a hop shot across the bow! Hops, hops, AND MORE hops -- over 3 lbs per barrel, at 3 different times in the process. Herbal and aromatic: an amazingly delicious American IPA. 7.5 abv
My review:
With the stated hoppiness, I'm expecting a bitter taste. Upon opening, the smell is revealing--indeed very hoppy. Upon pouring into the glass, almost no head, but an attractive reddish-golden color. First sip...wow! If you were looking for an IPA, I think you've found it. If you favor malty, sweeter beers you probably wouldn't care for this. Indeed quite bitter, but not in an unpleasant way. Goes well with salty foods; right now I'm having some brie and crackers. Leathery tones, a clean finish, no lingering aftertaste.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Hot Apple Cider Tea
again from the Republic of Tea. Their description: When Autumn leaves begin to change and the chill returns to the air, this cozy, naturally caffeine-free blend of apples and spices will surely warm you up. Enjoy the luscious aroma of cinnamon and cloves as the steam rises from your cup. Pull on your coziest sweater and embrace this golden season.
Brew time: 5 minutes
A rather pale tea, the color of apple juice. Very strong cidery smell. Too hot, must let it cool a bit. Again, could use a little sweetener. Yes, that's more like it. Honestly, a bit disappointing. It smells much better than it tastes. Not that it tastes bad, it just doesn't have much of a taste at all. I probably would not buy this flavor again.
Brew time: 5 minutes
A rather pale tea, the color of apple juice. Very strong cidery smell. Too hot, must let it cool a bit. Again, could use a little sweetener. Yes, that's more like it. Honestly, a bit disappointing. It smells much better than it tastes. Not that it tastes bad, it just doesn't have much of a taste at all. I probably would not buy this flavor again.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
I am back, with dinner (pizza) and a new beer: Michelob Ultra Lime Cactus.
As you uncap the beer and smell the "smoke" that rises from the bottle, you definitely smell the lime, with a hint of the cactus. Tasting it, the lime is definitely there, and the sweetness of the agave (cactus) ameliorates any bitterness. I'm so tired of "flavored" beers where you can't actually taste any of the flavor. Tart and sweet, a little reminiscent of a margarita. I need a big plate of nachos now. I will definitely buy this again.
As you uncap the beer and smell the "smoke" that rises from the bottle, you definitely smell the lime, with a hint of the cactus. Tasting it, the lime is definitely there, and the sweetness of the agave (cactus) ameliorates any bitterness. I'm so tired of "flavored" beers where you can't actually taste any of the flavor. Tart and sweet, a little reminiscent of a margarita. I need a big plate of nachos now. I will definitely buy this again.
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