Mmmm...Pumpkin

The first taste of the pumpkin ale was really good! Nice hop aroma, a slight bitterness from the flavor hops, and a subtle pumpkin and spice flavor to the beer. The OG was about 1.045, and it has dropped to about 1.018, putting it at a little less than 3.5% ABV on the potential alcohol scale. I'd like to get it to about 4.5%, so we're looking at approximately 1.008 for a FG. I wasn't sure what to expect from the first batch out of the my all-grain system, but given that I didn't get the OG to where I had hoped, I'm nonetheless pleased with the early results.

I'll bottle in about a week, and hopefully crack the first chilled pumpkin ale in 2 weeks' time!

~Jim

Slowly Plugging Away...

A few adjustments and improvements to the blog this evening, all guided by the sweet nectar of a Brooklyn Brown Ale (or two). Quick plug for Brooklyn Brewery: if you ever happen to be in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn on a weekend (or Friday after 6pm), check this brewery out. About 2/3 of their production is contracted out of Matt Brewing Co. in Utica, NY, so the brewery is a bit smaller than one might expect in light of their respectable production and distribution. The tour itself was enjoyable (albeit short), and the beer inexpensive ($20 for six 12 oz. beers, a steal by NYC standards). Perhaps the most interesting tidbit from the tour is the story behind their logo (that classic Brooklyn Dodgers-inspired "B"), though I'm not giving any details away here.

Check them out online at http://www.brooklynbrewery.com/.

~Jim

Maiden Voyage

Yeah, that title's a bit dramatic, don't you think? Smacks of Styx lyrics or a yachting club send-off. Regardless, this is a new experience, so bear with me as I construct this page, using time I would otherwise spent this weekend reading up on beer brewing or participating in fantasy basketball mock drafts.

Quick beer post just in case anyone is interested:

I picked up a Samuel Smith's 4-pack this evening (feeling the English ales after the dreary, somewhat rain-soaked week we've experienced in VT). Thankfully, the Beverage Warehouse in Winooski doesn't charge extra for mixing a pack, as I packed together the following:

• Imperial Stout
• India Pale Ale
• Oatmeal Stout
• Old Brewery Pale Ale

As I type this, I'm slowly savoring the Imperial Stout. Unlike some American imperials, this one lacks a significant hop aroma to balance out the sweetness and perceptible alcohol, both in the aroma and taste. Nonetheless, it's a velvety smooth stout with a lot of character. Though I love many of the higher-gravity imperial stouts on the market (Stone Brewing Co.'s Russian Imperial fits the bill), it's refreshing to find one that wouldn't overpower most traditionally British fare. That aside, I had the chance to savor the Oatmeal Stout and IPA this evening, both pleasing in their own right. I'd write a more detailed description of all three tonight, but I could use some sleep (and this Imperial has made that much easier).

Cheers.

~Jim