I plan to brew a very high gravity beer in the near future – which will require a big yeast count. To get there, we need to brew a few lower gravity beers. This, along with the Wil Wheat should provide enough pacman cells for the big batch. Another Cream Ale? You bet. This stuff […]

I have been brewing for a few years. Of course, if you read this blog, you probably already knew that. A large percentage of the posts revolve around brewing. A few weeks back, I submitted two beers to the Slurp and Burp Open – the largest home brew competition in the pacific northwest. My hope […]

Yes, I have scarlet fever – again. This is at least the 3rd time that I have contracted a disease that many people believe was eradicated a century ago. Even the doctor couldn’t hold back his excitement: “This is the first case of scarlet fever that I have seen in my 35 years practicing!” And, […]

I was not expecting to brew this weekend… Then Jamie started talking about the yeast he purchased to brew 24 gallons of “Snowfall Pale Ale” (his house beer). We quickly realized that he would need at least 1 Trillion yeast cells – he only had 2 vials of WLP005 (200 Billion total). He also wouldn’t […]

As a child of the 80’s, I grew up watching Wil Wheaton on TV (Star Trek, Stand by Me). When I recently found out that he is also a home brewer – well, I knew that a beer needed to made in his honor. Yesterday, I noticed that FH Steinbarts (my LHBS) is going to […]

Decided to make some labels for all the different beers. Something simple. Something bold. Typeface is Red October Patterns are by Vonster They are meant to be printed at 300 dpi (apx. 4″x5.5″)

Last year, we made a bunch of infused liquors as holiday gifts. The most outrageous was an unfiltered, unsweetened absinthe: The Green Devil. Recently, someone asked for the recipe – so, I decided to do a quick post: The Green Devil The base for the infusion is a strong, clear spirit. You can use vodka, […]

Time for another IPA. I love the Ranger(ish) clone that we brewed last time. It is simple to brew and delicious. However, I remember thinking that it could use some more Pine/Citrus hop flavor. Lucky for me, I have a glut of Chinook right now. So, the following recipe is based on the Ranger with […]

How any IBU’s is too many? Most craft beers now list the IBU (International Bittering Units) on the side of their bottles. I like hopped up beers – but, really couldn’t tell you my hop preference in an number form. You see, it all depends on the style of beer – some beers seemed too […]

I have been brewing for several years and feel pretty confident with most ale recipes. However, this will be the first lager attempt. It’s not that I don’t like lagers – rather, I have avoided them in the past due to the fermentation temperatures. My home stays between 60-70°F, which is optimal for ales. Lagers […]