I Don't Make Beer, Yeast Does.

I keep forgetting to do this but maybe you'll remember. The next time you brew try this little experiment. Before dumping the wort sample you use to take initial gravity put it in a sealed container. Once fermentation is complete taste both samples side by side. What flavor effect did the yeast have on the wort? What do you taste in one but not the other? You'll notice a huge difference between the wort and beer.
Let me know what you find and brew on!

Book Review - Ambitious Brew by Maureen Ogle

An interesting book. A little dry at times but there are very interesting facts about the US's brewing history. There's even some great looks into the politics of the past and how beer held an important roll in the shaping of our country.
It also has some insight into why the US is stuck on Budweiser. Adolphus Busch and company created it for the US not to be the cheap flavorless lager it is today but a light low alcohol beverage for the "capitalist on the go". It actually cost a lot more to make it at the time. I'm happy we Americans are slowing down a bit and enjoying our food and beer.

Sinbrychoff - Baltic Porter

I picked this up at The World of Beer, in the brewery district, downtown Columbus. Porters* are among my favorite styles and I had never heard of this brand let alone it coming out of Finland.

It's a black ale with a very assertive dark chocolate and coffee aroma. Thick and creamy the taste is fairly sweet. It kind of reminded me of dark fruits like plums or raisons until it finished. As the last bit goes down the hints of coffee and roasted malts come out but too little too late. In my opinion it's a little too "fruity" and needed more of the roasted goodness I love in porters. The alcohol is hidden very well so be careful of the second round as it may sneak up on you.

I enjoyed it but wouldn't get it a second time. There are much better porters. Who might you ask? Smuttynose and Flying Dog are excellent choices.

* Porters are a dark ale that predates stouts and some would say that if it weren't for porters stouts wouldn't exist. A good example of a porter will have very little hop flavor or aroma, be very roasty, almost coffee-like, and very smooth going down. They'll go great with smoked foods like barbecue, prime rib and even chocolate cake.

Beer Review - Great Lakes Christmas Ale

Enjoying the glass of the month at the Winking Lizard on Hutchinson off 23. I can't believe they have it available, afterall its the 4th! /sarcasm intended
$4.75 for the pint and $6.95 for the glass. A bit expensive in my opinion but I liked the glass.
I've never had anything bad to say about Great Lakes brew and it'll stay the course in this review.
The color was a deep amber with a very nice head that didn't last very long. The aroma was filled with honey and Christmas spices, yes, it smelled like Christmas. Cinnamon, clove, caramel in the finish. Malty with a slight bite near the end but nothing to complain about, in fact I enjoyed it and it warmed my spirit. If I had to make a guess at the hop addition I would say some noble German hop like Hallertau or Saaz. This time of the season is my favorite for beers and this is among the top. It's very good and worth a try. If you can find it pick up a sixer and give it a shot. I'm still working on next years Christmas Ale because I've been busy over at the Graydentech blog working on inputting Microsoft's SCCM into my computer lab at home. I know I know, beer is helluva a lot more fun but it's not bringing in the Benjamin's (yet).
Stay tuned for the upcoming I'd Tap That Christmas Beer Tasting Extravaganza! I'm getting together a small group of beer snobs for a group tasting. Each of us will be tasked to pick up a six-pack, bomber, or growler of the Christmas Ale of their choice. We'll divide and conquer from there and try all of them. I'll post the results within 2 weeks so stay tuned!

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.