I lied! Long overdue updates!!

I didn't even know it!  Anyway, a lot has happened.  I recently finished a 15gal fermentor using a 1/2bbl keg and ran my first 15gal batch of brew.  I must say, it's exciting to have a "triple" batch of beer.  I would love to go even bigger, but for now 10-15gal of beer is all I am willing to screw up at a time!

Other Items

• New casters for the brewer, the original ones are failing and leaving the brewery "on tilt".
• 15gal of Cockhammer v3.0 fermented an conditioning for drinking.
• My second shot at O-Fest was much better,  very good actually.  It is on tap and drinking smooth!
• Christmas Beers are also conditioning.  I brewed a version of the Santa's Bootstrap, and separated the two batches into kegs (5gal each).  One will be a remake of the bootstrap called "Gingerbread Stout", the other is "Mint Chocolate Stout".  7%ABV.  I am using chocolate nips this year, man to they add chocolate to the flavor!  Same idea as last year, soaked beans and spices in vodka and will ad to "spice" the brew.
• I will be taking the BJCP exam in February, got to study!!

Here are the label proofs for this year's brews:

    

Updates galore!

ESB: Still tasting like an IPA, but smoother.
O-Fest: Dumped and prepping a new batch.
Brewing on deck: Steam Beer, O-Fest, and an Imperial Stout.
Fermenting: "Gold" ale with different yeast strains in the different carboys. I plan to add some Strawberry mead I brewed last year to see if I can make a hybrid worth drinking.

Otherwise brewing marches on. I've had a good bit of success with the new brewery. Efficiency is stable around 78% and I've almost zoned in a good thermal mass on my mash tun (so as to get correct strike water temp that will give me the mash temps I want). I judged another competition in Mooresville, NC, and was pleased with the scores for my beers even though I didn't win any ribbons. I DID win 2.5lbs of hops and $75 in gift certificates. One could argue that's a better haul than ribbons anyway!

More Updates

Samiclaus continues to churn away, Bo-Pils is lagering, and a young Double Bock is on tap and will be good once it has aged (if it makes it that long!)...

Brewery construction is moving along nicely, frame is painted, motors and motor guard installed. Pilot lights tested and solenoid control valves tested great. Wiring is the last daunting task, good thing I worked a summer as a car stereo installation guy! Here's a few pics showing the burner test firing...

Bottling complete, brewery revamp.

Christmas beer is bottled and labeled...now it's just a matter of if you are on my "good" list! Anyway, after brewing the other day I finally decided that I would move forward with wholesale changes to the RCBC. I sold my Chevelle (68) and will use a small portion of the profits to gather the last few pieces I need for upgrades...more to follow, otherwise Merry Christmas!

Back by Popular Demand...

OK, OK, OK...I know I've been delinquent in posting. The stash of O-Fest is almost finished off, as well it should. turned out well, although the "toasted" variety seemed to hold it's bite a tad more than the regular. Still a fine brew!

So I'm now in the process of dreaming up a new version of the brewery that's a little more traditional. It probably won't happen anytime soon, but you never know. I also brewed the full run of the x-mas stout, as the first one came out pretty nice. It's finishing up primary, and I haven't decided if I'm going to bottle condition or force carbonate...

Hopefully I'll get back into a grove of posting on a regular basis!

Where the hell have I been?

All over...really. No, not really. Actually I've been at home mostly, getting a new business of it's feet. Don't worry, I still make time for brewing, just not so much in the way of this blog!

Updates:

- Switch died on the brewery pump, had to hotwire it, but I should have a new switch soon. I've brewed 3 times w/o it, so it's not impeding my progress, just rigged for the time being.

- Brewed cream ale, original recipe brown, and just today a Bass Ale clone which is in between an English Mild and English Pale. Also brewed a Belgian wit (Blue Moon Clone), or I should say Irish Jim did with me as his assistant. I personally don't care for the Blue Moon, or the style, but that's what makes the sis-in-law happy. And, it'l getcha drunk!

- Entered the Belgian Dubble and Bock in the US Open Brewing competition in Charlotte, NC this weekend, and will be travelling there to steward (read "sample great beers all day"). We'll see if I can break the 40pt barrier!

- Jalapeno beer was a hit at the Cino de Mayo party last weekend. It has the aroma of a fresh pepper, but the smooth, clean flavor of a golden ale. This was my idea, but Drank Tank's pet project. He used Tequila instead of vodka for the peppers, but it still turned out great.

- Started my own business, Tumblin Construction. If you know anyone in the greater Triad NC area that needs a deck, fence, shed, or whatever else, contact me here.

I'll try to keep in touch more often, and maybe I'll win a ribbon this weekend!