Thursday, October 3, 2013

Batch #135 ~ Bohemian Red Ale


There is a roasted barley called "Cara Bohemian", which I have combined here with "Cascade" and "Citra" hops, for a delightfully rich ale that reminds me of Autumn, crisp breezes and a hint of snow on the peaks, as silly as that sounds.

This photo was taken a few years ago in early October, on the Hay Park Trail, looking over the red Gambrel Oak and the golden Aspen trees, to the peaks around Independence Pass.

All I really know is that I'm really glad I brewed ten gallons of this Ale, rather than five.  C'mon over and have a taste!

Cheers!
MT

Batch #134 ~ Granary Gold E.S.B.

An invitation from the "Yampa Valley Sustainability Council" to teach a homebrewing class at the old Hayden Granary, led to more than just this Batch of Ale.  There I met twenty-some beginner and wannabe homebrewers, plus the two young gentlemen launching Steamboat Springs' first modern micro brewery, Butcherknife Brewing Company.  There and then may have been the start of a Steamboat Springs Homebrewers Club, based around a brew pub.  Cheers!

We brewed this batch of ESB from malt extract, so we could keep the time withing a few hours, in a barn, next to a big sliding door, open to the railroad tracks.  Primary fermentation began in earnest in the carboy that night, in the car, while I stayed in Steamboat.  Upon driving home the next day, I was surprised not to be pulled over, the scent of fermentation was so strong in the car.  Thankfully, no spillover occurred, and I got this batch safely home to finish becoming beer.

MT