Book Review - Yeast The Practical Guide to Beer Fermentation by Chris White with Jamil Zainasheff

If you're interested in how wort is turned into beer and how a tiny  molecule called Saccharomyces cerevisiae and S.carlsbergensis can turn that sugar water into the flavorful creation from the gods than this will be a great read. Without getting too technical Chris and Jamil explain the history, care, biology, and growth of brewers yeast. From making the perfect starter to reusing the same strain, to pro-brewing labs this book makes a great opener into the realm of that magical molecule.

Beer Review - Bells Cherry Stout

I was given three of these by a friend. He asked me to give my honest opinion since he wasn't a fan.
I like them. The aroma is baking chocolate, oak, and cherries. When served chilled right from the frig the cherry is very tart but it calms down as it warms. The longer I let it sit and warm the stronger the chocolate and oak comes through. It reminds me of chocolate cake drenched in boozey cherries.
Its a good desert beer and I could drink one occasionally.
Next up Bells Java Stout, and after that I plan on mixing the two.
Thanks Bill, without your kind donation I doubt I would've ever picked this up.

Pouring the Perfect Pint

Glassware is important too. Just say no to the shaker pint! :)
Drink up brothas and sisters and have a safe Friday night.

Book Review - Brewing Up a Business by Sam Calgione

 Ah to dream. Seems as though Sam hit it at the right time and moment. It's not a book about how to start brewing or a brewpub but a book about how HE started and his trials. Trials and tribulations, humorous and inspirational this is a good read for almost any entrepreneur.

A good read but nothing about actually brewing beer.

Beer Reviews - Guinness Black Lager

(normally picture goes here) - Sorry but it seems the Android didn't like the fantastic picture I took and deleted it.

Given to me by one of the OB (original brewers)  from I'd Tap That HomeBrewClub, I was finally able to sit down and crack this open.
Black patent malt is very obvious in the aroma and taste. Strong black coffee is very dominant. Hops don't make up a lot of the flavor (if I had to guess I'd say cascade or saaz) . If you're looking for a lager version of the famous Stout then its close but its very light and not as creamy.
All in all for a schwarzbier I've had better. I'd drink this again but I wouldn't spend money on it. Remember, I'm no pro try it yourself and you might like it!

Book Review - Tasting Beer: An Insider's Guide to the World's Greatest Drink by Randy Mosher

Great book for everyone interested in beer culture, tasting, and history. Randy hits each subject with passion and manages to get very detailed without losing the interest of the reader. From the introduction of hops to the reason I cringe when someone hands me a frosted "shaker pint" with beer in it. I could barley (intended) keep this book closed.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in getting away from the typical beers that have been offered over the past 60 years.

Oregon's Rogue Brewery Voodoo Doughnut Shop Combine Forces to Create

Why? I love Rogue Ales, doughnuts, and creativity but why?

Double Tap Undead Ale

This is the premier of my latest creation. The Double Tap Undead Ale is based on a Strong Ale with German and American hops.
I used a "fruitier " yeast for this and it turned out great! 9.1% and very smooth. Apples, pears, and a slight bit of honey combine to create a fantastic aroma as you drink. Nice fruity hops and malty backbone create an unforgettable beast of a beer.
Cheers!

White Labs WLP023 Burton Ale Yeast

This is the first time I've tried this yeast and I loved it. I put it in my "Double Tap Undead Ale" Strong Ale and it worked like a champ. Optimum temperature for this is 68 - 73 degrees. I pitched at 66 and brought it up to 68 in a day maintaining that temperature for 24 hours. It took off like F-22 and within 6 hours had a huge head of krausen perfect for top cropping. After 48 hours I slowly raised it to 71.

It floccuated decently enough. WLP023 will produce big apple, pear, and honey aromas for you so if you don't want heavy fruit this may not be the yeast for you. I wanted to try something different to pair with the American and German hops and I think I got a winner.

Smoked Porter - Stone

First smoked porter and since it's from Stone I should be pleased. Poured thick, dark brown with a small beige head that dissipated quickly.

Smelled the smoke, some hops, and baking chocolate.

Coffee, heavy malt and a slight sensation of smoke followed by a decent hop bite.

Mouthfeel was slightly thin, but not disappointing. I would love to have this again sometime.

The Kaiser Imperial Oktoberfest - Avery Brewing

Spotted this at a local brew shop and for $6.99 and figured why not, it's Oktoberfest somewhere. Very interesting label, German WW1 flag with a picture of Kaiser Wilhelm on the front and an Iron Cross.

Slick, oily pour with a nice orange/sienna hue holding a two-fingered beige head. The smell of caramel, nuts, hops and some alcohol lingering in the nose. Bitter hops pleasently mixed exceptionally with sweet lingering malts, hiding the big 9.3 ABV. Don't get fooled by it's subtlty. Smooth and creamy with a velevety texture, it leaves a little of itself behind after every drink. Overall this is an exceptional brew from Avery and probably one of my favorites. Unfortunately this is limited so I'll have to grab another very soon.

Old Leghumper Robust Porter - Thirsty Dog Brewing

One more reason to drink local brews and another to thank The Winking Lizard. I can't wait to get up to Canton and try it off the tap.

Deep maroon with a slight ring of beige around the top leaving an oil slick behind.

Toffee dominates the first whiff of this selection. Chocolate and a slight very mild taste of alcohol (called "hot" by most reviewers).

Slick feel as I took the first sip which brought good malt, chocolate, and coffee flavors. A slight tinge of bitterness from small amounts of hop followed up to make this one of my top porters.