What's Up Wednesday

Wednesdays are far from Monday, but still far from Friday. It's always a good day to start thinking about the weekend and recapping what has happened recently.


What Just Happened:

Scottish Redemption (80 Shilling) - After we brewed a much loved Scottish Wee Heavy last spring we were determined to make another in the fall, but the second result was lacking that je ne sais quoi. Not knowing quite changed, except the yeast I set out on a little project last weekend to redeem my ability to brew an admirable Scottish ale. The brew was made spontaneously one evening and uses three different yeasts: Wyeast Thames Valley II, Wyeast Denny's Favorite 50, and White Labs Burton Ale. It is fermenting away and more details will emerge if the results look promising.

What to look forward to:

Golden Strong Ale - I picked up the yeast and grain for this batch. Two strains of yeast will be propagated in preparation for this monster beer. The strains are both from Wyeast: 1388-Golden Strong and 3864-PC Canadian/Belgian. The final recipe and details of the brew will follow the actual brew day. If you don't know the style you can read more here. And, there might just be a rival batch in the works...stay tuned.

Pouring at the Coast 2012 - This is an annual brew fest. One of the smaller and quainter ones around, but it also includes a brewing contest. I booked a room yesterday and look forward to attending this year. The festival takes place on Saturday, March 17th and there is a brewers dinner the night before. http://www.seasidechamber.com/?page_id=50

What's on Tap:

Our Taps (from left to right) - Belgian Red IPA, American Brown, Dusseldorf Alt, Triple Decocted Bavarian Weizen, Cranberry Wit, Bohemian Pilsner

Around Town - The new Widmer rotator: Spiced IPA is out. Over the last year I have greatly enjoyed the rotator series: they presented excellent takes on NW IPA using Citra, Nelson, and Falconer hops. This spiced IPA is a whole new twist on the NW IPA style by using subtle additions of a number of spices. The beer pours with exceptional clarity and has an intriguing aroma. After the first sip you know there is something unique about this beer--a hint of something like the spice cabinet. I think they have done great work here keeping the spices at an appropriate level, but I have to say they wore on my as I worked to the end of the pint. I give it a 1 beer rating--meaning it is a good pint, but I didn't want a second. Exceptionally brewed, exciting to try and I would recommend everyone take the opportunity to try something that is a little out of the box but still in with the IPA drinkers palate.