Brunelle Brewery

Beer Log

The below are notes on the beer I've brewed as a way to keep track of successes and failures.


VesselOccupant
Ss Conical:Rye-king the Canoe
Ss Primary:
1 Gal test Batch:
Kegged (O'Connor's keg):Leafy Blond
Kegged (generic keg):3x
Kegged (Legend keg):
Bottles:Imperial Apple Cider Kit (IACK)





Useful Links:
M.Kelly Brewing
Brix Converter
ABV Calculator

Upcoming Brews:

TBB

Kentucky Common
Justin's Name
Bluegrass Benchmark (recipe)
SGTarget 1.050
FGTarget 1.010
ABVTarget 5.2%
Brew Date
Brew Time
Rack Date
Bottle Date
Ready Date
Brew Notes
Taste Notes
Ingredients **Purchased**
  • 7.25# 6-row
  • 3# flaked corn
  • 3 oz Black malt
  • 3 oz Caramel 60L
  • 0.5 oz Cluster (60) (may add 0.5 of tettnang here...)
  • 0.5 oz Cluster (15)
  • 0.5 oz Tettnang (0)
  • American Ale Yeast

Whitelot 2024

Justin's Name
Whitelot 2024 (recipe)
SGTarget 1.060ish
FGTarget 1.010
ABVTarget 6ish
Brew Date
Brew Time
Rack Date
Bottle Date
Ready Date
Brew Notes
Taste Notes
Ingredients **Purchased**
  • 7 lbs Rahr 2-Row
  • 4.5 lbs White Wheat Malt
  • 0.75 lb Unmalted Wheat
  • 0.75 lb Flaked Oats
  • 0.5 oz Summit 60 min
  • 0.5 oz Centennial 30 min
  • 1 oz Amarillo 20 min
  • 1 oz Centennial 15 min
  • 1 oz Amarillo 10 min
  • 0.5 oz Centennial 5 min
  • 1 oz Galaxy Dry Hop
  • Safale T58

Junie Likes Pilsners

Justin's Name
Junie Likes Pilsners (recipe)
SG1.040
FG1.010
ABV4.0%
Brew Date
Brew Time
Rack Date
Keg Date
Ready Date
Brew Notes
Taste Notes
Ingredients
    **Purchased**
  • 9.5 lb Pilsner (UK)
  • 0.25 lb Carahell
  • 1 lb Rice Hulls
  • 1 oz Perle @ 60
  • 1 oz Saaz @ 30
  • 1 oz Saaz @ 15
  • 34/70 Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4.016515560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.018016515

Vaso del Lupulo 2024

Justin's Name
Vaso del Lupulo 2024 (recipe)
SGTarget 1.066
FGTarget 1.010
ABVTarget 6.7%
Brew Date
Brew Time
Rack Date
Bottle Date
Ready Date
Brew Notes
Taste Notes
Ingredients **Purchased**
  • 10 lb 2-row
  • 4.5 lb English
  • 0.5 lb English 10
  • 2 lb Corn Sugar
  • 1 oz Summit @ FHW
  • 1 Cascade Hop Shot @ 60
  • 1 oz Cascade @ 20
  • 1 oz Summit @ 20
  • 2 oz Cascade @ 0
  • 4 oz Cascade DH
  • IPA yeast

Almost ready:

We Drink A Lager Beer

Justin's Name
Maypole Maibock (recipe)
SG1.062
FGTarget 1.010
ABV~6.8%
Brew Date12/27/2023
Brew Time~3.5 hrs
Bottle DateTarget 02/01/2023
Ready DateTarget 02/14/2023
Brew NotesNothing interesting...
Taste Notes
Ingredients **Purchased**
  • 10 lb pilsner
  • 3 lb Munich
  • 1 oz German Perle (60)
  • .5 oz German Perle (20)
  • 34/70 Yeast

mead

Justin's Name
mead (recipe)
SGTarget 1.050
FGTarget 1.010
ABVTarget 5ish
Brew Date
Brew Time
Rack Date
Bottle Date
Ready Date
Brew NotesWill target a dry, "sessionable" mead with light carb from bottle fermentation.
Taste Notes
Ingredients **Purchased**
  • 6 lb Orange Blossom Honey
  • Cider Yeast

Brewed Brews:

Brewed beers by year...

2023

Rye-king the Canoe

Justin's Name
Rye-king the Canoe
SG1.049
FG1.010
ABV5.0%
Brew Date12/2/2023
Brew Time~3.5 hrs
Bottle Date12/28/2023
Ready Date01/14/2024
Brew NotesMedia brew day with Mat! no surprises; let the wort chill in the van and pitched yeast when i got home from PA.
Taste Notes
Ingredients **Purchased**
  • 8 lb pilsner
  • 2 lb Rye
  • 0.5 lb caramel 10
  • 0.25 lb black malt
  • 1 oz Perle @ 60
  • 1 oz Saaz @ 30
  • 1 oz Saaz @ 15
  • 34/70 Yeast

3x Tripel

Justin's Name
3x (recipe)
SG1.075
FG0.999
ABV
Ready DateAbout 4 weeks fermenting
Brew NotesStarted spontaneously fermenting at about 100 degrees.
Taste Notes
Ingredients **Purchased**
  • 12.5 lb Belgian Pilsner
  • 0.75 lb Belgian Cara 8
  • 1 lb Candi Sugar (15)
  • 1 oz Tradition (60)
  • 1 oz Saaz (15)
  • Wyeast 3787 (@65 deg F)


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion5 Gal1751601 hr
Final Batch SpargeInfusion5 Gal18017015 min

Imperial Apple Cider Kit

Justin's Name
iack (recipe)
SGhigh
FGlow
ABVTargeting 8-ish
Bottle DateIn primary for about 6 weeks
Ingredients **Purchased**
  • The Kit
  • Plus 4 # of sugar

Leafy Blond

Justin's Name
Leafy Blond (recipe)
SG1.060
FG1.010
ABVabout 6
Taste Notes
Ingredients **Purchased**
  • 9 lb Belgian Pilsner malt
  • 4 oz Caramel 10L
  • 0.5 oz Hersbrucker (60 min)
  • 1 oz Saaz (45 min)
  • 1 lb Candi Sugar (15 min)
  • 0.5 oz Hersbrucker (5 min)
  • Belgian yeast (Wyeast 1762 / Safbrew BE256)


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion5 gal17015560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal19016515

Bombomb

Justin's Name
Bombomb (recipe)
SG1.065
FG1.010
ABV~6.5%
Brew Date??
Brew Time??
Rack Date??
keg Date??
Ready Date
Brew Notes
Taste NotesReally solid pale. Could use some increased bittering hops to make it more like Torpedo and not Sierra Nevada Pale. I'll be making this again.
Ingredients https://sierranevada.com/blog/torpedo-ipa-homebrew-recipe/
  • 13.25 lb 2 row
  • 1 lb Caramel 60L
  • 1 oz Magnum (70)
  • 1 oz Magnum (10)
  • 1 oz Magnum (0)
  • 1 oz Crystal (0)
  • 1 oz Crystal (DH)
  • 0.5 oz Magnum (DH)
  • 0.5 oz Citra (DH)
  • CA Ale


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4.017515560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.018016515

Kveikin in einem schwarzen kanu

Justin's Name
Kveikin in einem schwarzen kanu (recipe)
SG1.055
FG1.010
ABV~5.5%
Brew Date2023/06/09
Brew Time~4 hrs
Rack DateTarget 2023/06/20
Keg DateTarget 2023/06/20
Ready DateTarget 2023/07/01
Brew Notes
Taste Notes
Ingredients **Purchased**
  • 7 lb German Pilsner
  • 8 oz Special B
  • 2 lb Dark Munich
  • 0.25 lb Carafa III
  • 1 oz Hallertau (60)
  • 0.5 oz Hallertau (30)
  • 1 oz Hallertau (0)
  • Kveik Lutra

Kveikin' en una Canoa

Justin's Name
Kveikin' en una Canoa (recipe)
SG1.050
FG1.010
ABV~5%
Brew Date2023/05/27
Brew Time~3 hrs
Keg Date2023/06/08
Ready Date2023/06/20
Brew NotesNothing exciting.
Taste Notes
Ingredients **Purchased**
  • 6.5 lb Pilsner
  • 2 lb Flaked Corn
  • 0.5 lb Munich
  • 1 lb Vienna
  • 1 oz Hallertau (60)
  • 1 oz Hallertau (5)
  • Kviek Lutra

Dry Apple Cider Kit (DACK)

Justin's Name
Dry Apple Cider (Kit) (recipe)
ABV~4.9

Steam

Justin's Name
Steam (recipe)
SGTilt says 1.035. I don't beleive it...
FGTilt says 1.018. I still don't beleive it...
ABVI think this is closer to 4.5...
Brew Date02/18/2023
Brew Time~4 hrs
Rack Date 03/01/2023
Bottle Date03/14/2023
Ready Date04/01/2023
Brew NotesNothing special
Taste NotesButtery and hoppy amber. I dig.
Ingredients
  • 9 lb German Pils
  • 1 lb Caramel 40L
  • 1 lb Munich
  • 8 oz Victory
  • 2 oz Special B
  • 1 oz Northern Brewer (60)
  • 0.75 oz Northern Brewer (20)
  • 1 oz Northern Brewer (0)
  • CA Lager Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion
Final Batch SpargeInfusion

Session Saison

Justin's Name
Session Saison (recipe)
SG1.040
FG1.012
ABV~3.8
Brew Date01/16/2023
Brew Time~ 3.5 hrs
Rack DateN/A
Bottle Date01/28/2023
Ready Date02/14/2023
Brew Notes
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 4.5 lb German Pilsner
  • 2.75 lb German Vienna
  • 0.75 lb Torrefield Wheat
  • 1 oz UK Kent Goldings (60)
  • 0.25 oz Styrian Goldings (10)
  • 0.75 oz Styrian Goldings (2)
  • 0.75 oz Saaz (2)
  • French Saison Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion
Final Batch SpargeInfusion

Bucky's Paw

Justin's Name
West Coast Red (recipe)
SG1.055
FG1.010
ABV5.5%
Brew Date12/26/2022
Brew Time~4 hrs
Rack DateN/A
Bottle Date01/14/2023
Ready Date02/01/2023
Brew NotesForgot to use the hop spider to filter the hop particles out after the brew and also had to thaw the hose to chill the wort.
Taste NotesBig bitter, slight butter.
Ingredients **Purchased**
  • 9 lb 2-row
  • 1.5 lb Crystal Rye
  • 12 oz Caramel 60L
  • 0.5 oz Chinook (60)
  • 1 oz Columbus (20)
  • 1 oz Centennial (10)
  • 1 oz Cascade (5)
  • S05 Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4.5 gal17515560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.5 gal18016515

2022

Amber Ale (2022)

Justin's Name
American Amber Ale (recipe)
SG1.041
FG1.010
ABV4.1%
Brew DateI forgot to log these details... :-(
Brew Time
Rack Date
Keg Date
Ready Date
Brew Notes
Taste Notes
Ingredients **Purchased**
  • 6.5 lb Pale
  • 2 lb Munich Malt
  • 1 lb Caramel 60L
  • 1.5 oz Cascade (60)
  • 1 oz Cascade (1)
  • Wyeast 1056 American Ale


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4.516515260
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.518517015

Brunelleren 12 (2022)

Justin's Name
Northy 12 Belgian Quad (recipe)
SG1.073
FGTarget 1.010
ABVTarget 8.0%
Brew Date2022/03/25
Brew Time~5 hrs
Rack Date
Bottle Date
Ready Date
Brew Notes
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 9 lb Belgian Pilsen
  • 7 lb Belgian Pale
  • 1 oz Brewers Gold (60)
  • 1 oz Hallertau (30)
  • 1 oz Styrian Goldings (15)
  • 2 lb Dark Candi (15)
  • Trappist Ale yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion5 gal16015060
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.5 gal18517015

Spiced Fall Apple Cider Kit

Justin's Name
sfack (recipe)
SGUh...
FGI dunno?
ABVProbably low...
Brew Date10/08/2022
Brew Time20 minutes
Rack DateN/A
Bottle Date10/23/2022
Ready Date11/01/2022
Brew Notes
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • The Kit

The Classic

Justin's Name
The Classic (recipe)
SG1.041
FG1.010
ABV4.2%
Brew Date09/25
Brew Time~3.5 hrs
Rack DateN/A
Keg Date10/08
Ready Date10/24
Brew Notes
Taste NotesSolid, light, and crisp. love the belgian yeast on this.
Ingredients **Purchased**
  • 8 lb 2-row
  • 12 oz carapils
  • 8 oz Caramel 10L
  • 0.5 Centennial (60)
  • 0.25 Centennial (30)
  • 0.25 Centennial (20)
  • 0.5 Centennial (5)
  • SAF 58 yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4.5 gal17515560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.5 gal18016515

Kveikin' in a Canoe (2022)

Justin's Name
Kveikin' in a Canoe 2022 (recipe)
SG1.040
FG1.010
ABV4.0%
Brew Date2022/06/05
Brew Time~4 hrs
Rack DateN/A
Keg Date2022/06/21
Ready Date2022/07/14
Brew NotesFermented in about 1.5 days!

Made this again on 2022/09/21
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 8 lb Pilsner (UK)
  • 1 lb Rice Hulls
  • 1-2 lb rice sugar solids (or 2 lb Flaked Rice)
  • 1 oz Cascades @ 60
  • Kveik Yeast (ferment at 60-70 deg F)


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4.016515560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.018016515

Hop Breach (2022)

Justin's Name
Hop Breach 2022 (recipe)
SG1.062 (15.25 brix)
FG1.010
ABV7.0
Brew Date2022/05/14
Brew Time~6 hrs
Rack DateN/A
Keg DateTarget 2022/06/05
Ready Date2022/06/21
Brew NotesUsed the new hop spider.
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 11 lb Belgian Pils
  • 2 lb Belgian Wheat
  • 1 lb Munich Malt
  • 0.5 lb Caramunich Malt
  • 10 ml Cascades Hop Shot (60)
  • 1 oz Nuggets (30)
  • 0.5 oz Simcoe (20)
  • 1 oz Citra (15)
  • 0.5 oz Mosaics (5)
  • 1 oz Simcoe (5)
  • 0.5 oz Mosaics (0)
  • 1 oz Mosaics (DH)
  • 1 lb Corn Sugar (15)
  • 0.5 Mosaics (DH)
  • 0.5 oz Simcoe (DH)
  • Belgian Wit Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion5 gal17015560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal19016515

Lago Mar Wit (2022)

Justin's Name
Lago Mar Wit (recipe)
SG1.042 (10 Brix)
FGTarget 1.010
ABVTarget 4.3%
Brew Date2022/05/14
Brew Time~6 hrs
Rack DateN/A
Keg DateTarget 2022/06/05
Ready Date2022/06/21
Brew NotesUsed the new hop spider.
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 5.5 lbs 2-row
  • 1 lbs Flaked Wheat
  • 4 lbs Wheat
  • 1 oz Czech Saaz (60 min)
  • 1 oz Czech Saaz (15 min)
  • 1 oz Coriander (5 min)
  • 1 oz Bitter Orange Peel (5 min)
  • Wyeast 3944 Belgian Wit. Optimum temp 62°-75°F.


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion2.0 gal13512220
Conversion Step Infusion2.0 gal17515260
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.5 gal17516810

Raspberry Sour (2022)

Justin's Name
Raspberry Sour (recipe)
SG1.044
FG1.010
ABV4.5%
Brew Date2022/03/25
Brew Time~5 hrs
Rack Date2022/04/10
Bottle Date2022/05/01
Ready Date2022/05/14
Brew NotesDon't re-use washed philly sour yeast!
Taste NotesNot sour enough since washed philly sour yeast doesn't do what it's supposed to. Also made a tamarind variant.
Ingredients
  • 6 lb Pilsner
  • 4 lb Wheat
  • 1 oz Tettnang
  • Philly Sour yeast
  • Raspberry Puree (Secondary)


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4.516515560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion418016515

Great White IPA (2022)

Justin's Name
Permafrost White IPA (recipe)
SG1.046
FG1.010
ABV4.7%
Brew Date2022/02/12
Brew Time~4 hrs
Rack Date2022/02/14
Keg Date2022/03/01
Ready Date2022/03/14
Brew Notes
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 7 lb 2-row
  • 4.5 lb Wheat
  • 0.75 lb Unmalted Wheat
  • 0.75 lb Flaked Oats
  • 0.5 oz Summit (60)
  • 0.5 oz Centennial (30)
  • 1 oz Amarillo (20)
  • 1 oz Centennial (15)
  • 0.5 oz Centennial (5)
  • 1 oz Nugget (DH)
  • Belgian Wit (Wyeast 3944)


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion516515060
Final Batch SpargeInfusion418517015

Oaty McStoutFace

Justin's Name
Oatmeal Stout All Grain Beer Recipe Kit (recipe)
SG1.042
FG1.010
ABV~4.6%
Brew Date12/18/2021
Brew Time~5.5 hrs
Rack Date01/01/2022
Bottle Date01/25/2022
Ready Date02/12/2022
Brew NotesConcurrent with Secundus Hopulus 2022. Thanks, Mat!
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 6.5 lbs English Maris Otter
  • 1 lb Flaked Oats
  • 0.5 lb English Roasted Barley
  • 0.5 lb English Chocolate Malt
  • 0.5 lb English Dark Crystal
  • 1 oz. Glacier (60 min)
  • ESB or London Ale yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion~4 gal16515360
Final Batch SpargeInfusion~4 gal18017015

Secundus Hopulus (2022)

Justin's Name
Plinian Legacy (recipe)
SG1.070
FG1.010
ABV7.5-ish
Brew Date12/18/2021
Brew Time~5.5 hrs
Solids Flush Date12/20/2021
Keg Date01/18/2022
Ready Date02/01/2022
Brew NotesConcurrent with Oatmeal Stout.
Taste NotesLooooots of chunk. I don't think the fancy SS fermenter is the right vessel for dry hopping. I lose way too much liquid in the process and I never can quite get all the solids out. This was an exceptionally dry-hopped beer but still...
Ingredients
  • 14 lb 2-row
  • 0.75 lb Carapils
  • 0.5 lb Bairds Carastan
  • 0.25 oz Amarillo (First Wort)
  • 2x 10ml Hopshot (90)
  • 1 oz Columbus (45)
  • 1 oz Simcoe (20)
  • 0.75 lb Corn Sugar (0)
  • 1.5 oz Centennial (0)
  • 2.5 oz Simcoe (0)
  • 1.5 oz Columbus, 1 oz Centennial, 1 oz Simcoe (DH1) -- 01/01/2022
  • 0.5 oz Columbus, 0.5 oz Simcoe, 0.25 oz Centennial, 0.25 oz Amarillo (DH2) -- 01/14/2022


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4.517015560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.518016515

2021

Amber Ale

Justin's Name
American Amber Ale (recipe)
SG1.041
FG1.010
ABV4.1%
Brew Date11/11/2021
Brew Time~5.5 hrs
Rack Date11/20/2021
Keg Date11/28/2021
Ready Date12/11/2021
Brew NotesConcurrent with ESB. Fermentation for this beer started over night and was a steady, moderate bubble for about 4 days at 62 deg F, then stopped.
Had about 1 gal over what would fit in the keg, so making a variant with 0.5 oz Crystal dry hop.
Taste NotesThis is the best amber ale i've ever had. will be making this again!!
Ingredients
  • 6.5 lb Pale
  • 2 lb Munich Malt
  • 1 lb Caramel 60L
  • 1.5 oz Cascade (60)
  • 1 oz Cascade (1)
  • Wyeast 1056 American Ale


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4.516515260
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.518517015

ESB

Justin's Name
Extra Special Bitter (recipe)
SG1.045
FG1.010
ABV4.7%
Brew Date11/11/2021
Brew Time~5.5 hrs
Rack Date11/25/2021
Keg Date12/14/2021
Ready Date01/01/2022
Brew NotesConcurrent with Amber. This beer didn't start fermenting for 5 days. Maybe stale yeast? Either way, it was a nice, slow bubble while at 62 deg F.

Also, i tried to purge the solids from the fermenter after 4 days but it was already clogged. looks like purging after 48 hours is the way to do this, i just need to remember to do it.
Taste NotesLots of sediment. I still haven't figured out exactly when to flush the solids out of the new fermenter... Flavor is just OK. probably won't make this again.
Ingredients
  • 9 lb English Maris Otter
  • 1 lb English Medium Crystal
  • 2 oz Willamette (60)
  • 1 oz UK Kent Goldings (15)
  • 1 oz UK Kent Goldings (5)
  • London Ale Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion416515060
Final Batch SpargeInfusion418517015

Brunelleren 12

Justin's Name
Northy 12 Belgian Quad (recipe)
SG1.080
FG1.010
ABV9.0%
Brew Date2021/04/05
Brew Time~4 hrs
Rack Date2021/04/20
Bottle Date2021/10/17
Ready Date2021/11/01
Brew NotesNothing exciting... Planning a long secondary
Taste NotesThis is fantastic. Nice cherry flavors. Will make this again.
IngredientsB-day present from Mat!! Thanks, Mat!
  • 9 lb Belgian Pilsen
  • 7 lb Belgian Pale
  • 1 oz Brewers Gold (60)
  • 1 oz Hallertau (30)
  • 1 oz Styrian Goldings (15)
  • 2 lb Dark Candi (15)
  • Trappist Ale yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion5 gal16015060
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.5 gal18517015

Hop Breach

Justin's Name
Hop Breach (recipe)
SG1.062 (15.25 brix)
FG1.010
ABV7.0
Brew Date09/02/2021
Brew Time~3.5 hrs (new record with new equipment!)
Rack Date09/16/2021
Keg Date09/30/2021
Ready Date10/14/2021
Brew NotesNothing exciting...
Taste NotesSolidly dank IPA. No real belgian/saison flavors. Next year -- will bump up the bitter at 60 minutes just a hair (maybe use 0.5-1 oz Chinook @ 60?) and want to use belgian wit yeast instead of saison.
Ingredients
  • 11 lb Belgian Pils
  • 2 lb Belgian Wheat
  • 1 lb Munich Malt
  • 0.5 lb Caramunich Malt
  • 1 oz Cascades (60)
  • 1 oz Nuggets (30)
  • 0.5 oz Simcoe (20)
  • 1 oz Citra (15)
  • 0.5 oz Mosaics (5)
  • 1 oz Simcoe (5)
  • 0.5 oz Mosaics (0)
  • 1 oz Mosaics (DH)
  • 1 lb Corn Sugar (15)
  • 0.5 Mosaics (DH)
  • 0.5 oz Simcoe (DH)
  • Saison Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion5 gal17015560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal19016515

Apple 4 Teacher

Justin's Name
Apple 4 Teacher (recipe)
Brew Date09/02/2021
Brew Time~20 min
Bottle Date09/16/2021
Ready Date09/30/2021
Brew Notes
Taste NotesStandard and decently dry.
Ingredients

Kveikin' in a Canoe

Justin's Name
Kveikin' in a Canoe (recipe)
SG1.040
FG1.010
ABV4.0%
Brew Date2021/07/26
Brew Time~4 hrs
Rack Date2021/08/07
Keg Date2021/08/14
Ready Date2021/09/08
Brew NotesEasy brew day. Ended up doing 4.0 and 4.0 gal for the mash and i ended up with about an extra gallon of target wort. Lots of blow off goodies in the fermentation using the new fermenter. Kveik yeast ferments super fast; really cut down on the length of fermentation (plus, had a starter made).
Taste NotesSuper clean, no off flavors, nothing that tastes hot... i'm never using lager yeast again!
Ingredients
  • 8 lb Pilsner (UK)
  • 1 lb Rice Hulls
  • 1 lb rice sugar solids (the brew store didn't have the 2 lb Flaked Rice; probably should've used 2 lb for the target 1.045 SG)
  • 1 oz Cascades @ 60
  • Kveik Yeast (ferment at 70 deg F)


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion3.516515560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.018016515

Zweizen (2021)

Justin's Name
Zweizen (recipe)
SG1.052 (11.8 brix)
FG1.010
ABV5.3%
Brew Date2021/07/16
Brew Time~3 hrs
Rack Date2021/08/01
Keg Date2021/08/10
Ready Date2021/09/01
Brew NotesUsed the new burner (super nice!) and fermenting in the new stainless conical setup. Will flush the yeast instead of actually racking to secondary.

UPDATE: The smack-pack must have not worked. I didn't get real fermentation unil 07/24. I think i can still "rack" on 08/01 but that may get delayed...
Taste NotesKinda tangy and harsh. not sure i dig this... huge funk on the nose. the smack-pack may have been bad?
Ingredients
  • 5.5 lb Pale Wheat
  • 4 lb Pilsner
  • 1 oz Tettnang (60)
  • 0.3 oz German Hersbucker (45)
  • Wyeast 3068
  • Ferment at 70 deg.F


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal16015060
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal17516015

Gerr-Toberfest

Justin's Name
Gerr-Toberfest (recipe)
SG1.040
FG1.010
ABV4.0%
Brew Date05/14/2021
Brew Time~6 hrs (2x brew day)
Rack Date06/14/2021
Keg Date07/01/2021
Ready Date07/18/2021
Brew Notes
Taste NotesOver-flow bottled samples taste just OK. Not my best work but not bad for a first lager?
Ingredients
  • 5 lb german pils
  • 5 lb german munich malt
  • 1 lb Dark Munich Malt
  • 1 oz tradition (60)
  • Oktoberfest (Wyeast 2633) yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion5 gal16515560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal19016515

Virginia Beach Pale Ale

Justin's Name
Sierra Madre (recipe)
SG1.048
FG1.010
ABV5.1%
Brew Date05/14/2021
Brew Time~ 6 hrs (2x brew day)
Rack Date06/01/2021
Keg Date06/14/2021
Ready Date07/01/2021
Brew NotesThe Midwest folks forgot to inclue the German Perle hops, so I subbed 0.5 oz Summit and 0.5 oz Styrian Goldings from my stash @ 20 min. I also went ahead and added the full 1 oz of Chinook @ 45.
Taste NotesDecent pale but a little funk that i don't like on the front. aging well, though...
Ingredients
  • 10 lb 2-row
  • 0.75 lb Caramel 60L
  • 0.75 oz Chinook (54)
  • 0.75 oz Perle (20)
  • 2 oz Cascade (10)
  • CA Ale yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4.516515260
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.518517015

S4 IPA

Justin's Name
S4 IPA
SG12 Brix (1.048)
FG1.010
ABV5.1%
Brew Date04/05/2020
Brew Time~3 hrs
Rack Date04/19/2020
Bottle Date 05/14/2021
Ready Date 06/01/2021
Brew NotesAnother stale-hop beer brewed with leftover 2020 ingredients. Leaving this in the garage for a year with all the temp ups and downs. we'll see what happens :)
Taste NotesWorst. beer. ever. Throwing it all out.
Ingredients
  • 9 lb 2-row
  • 1 oz Pacific Jade @ 60
  • 1 oz Pacific Jade @ 30
  • 4 oz Pacific Jade @ 5
  • Wyeast Belgian Lambic Blend


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal17015560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal18516515

Socially Distant Lambic (2020)

Justin's Name
Socially Distant Lambic (recipe)
SG1.062
FG 1.010
ABV 6.9%
Brew Date 03/22/2020
Brew Time~4 hrs
Rack Date04/05/2020
Bottle Date 05/14/2021
Ready Date 06/01/2021
Brew NotesBrewed with leftover 2020 brew ingredients. Leaving this in the garage for a year with all the temp ups and downs. we'll see what happens :)
Taste NotesTurns out, when you put a sour beer in a garage for a year during a pandemic, it tastes like poo.
Ingredients
  • 9 lb 2-row
  • 10 oz Aromatic
  • 6 oz Caramel 80L
  • 8 oz Carafa
  • 0.5 oz UK Kent Goldings (60)
  • 0.75 oz columbus (30)
  • 0.25 oz Styrian Goldings (15)
  • 1 lb Dark Candi Sugar (15)
  • Oak Chips (just a few sprinkled in during flameout)
  • Wyeast Belgian Lambic Blend


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion3.5 gal16515560 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.5 gal17516515 min

Raspberry Sour

Justin's Name
Raspberry Sour (recipe)
SG1.044
FG1.010
ABV4.5%
Brew Date2021/01/24
Brew Time~4 hrs
Rack Date2021/02/07
Bottle Date2021/03/07
Ready Date2021/03/20
Brew NotesWill be using Philly Sour yeast. It adds pH during fermentation without the need to kettle sour, do lots of sanitization, etc. This will be an experiment to see if it actually works and is easy enough to execute for sours.
Taste NotesExcellent raspberry sour. Will do this again.
Ingredients
  • 6 lb Pilsner
  • 4 lb Wheat
  • 1 oz Tettnang
  • Philly Sour yeast
  • Raspberry Puree (Secondary)


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4.516515560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion418016515

Great White IPA

Justin's Name
Permafrost White IPA (recipe)
SG1.044
FG1.010
ABV4.5%
Brew Date12/22/2020
Brew Time~4 hrs
Rack Date01/02/2021
Bottle Date01/28/2021
Ready Date02/12/2021
Brew NotesHad issues with the grain mill again. Didn't get a full crush on the grain, hence the lower-than-targetted SG (1.07ish)
Taste NotesNicely done session IPA. More body isn't necessarily more better.
Ingredients
  • 7 lb 2-row
  • 4.5 lb Wheat
  • 0.75 lb Unmalted Wheat
  • 0.75 lb Flaked Oats
  • 0.5 oz Summit (60)
  • 0.5 oz Centennial (30)
  • 1 oz Amarillo (20)
  • 1 oz Centennial (15)
  • 0.5 oz Centennial (5)
  • 1 oz Galaxy (DH)
  • Belgian Wit (Wyeast 3944)


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion516515060
Final Batch SpargeInfusion418517015

Black is Beautiful

Justin's Name
Black is Beautiful (Weathered Souls) (recipe)
SG16.5 Brix, 1.068
FG1.010
ABV7.7%
Brew Date11/26/2020
Brew Time5 hours
Rack Date12/14/2020
Bottle Date01/14/2021
Ready Date02/01/2021
Brew NotesNot my favorite brew day. Grain mill got jammed and I had to empty the gain a few times to get the non-drill-driven wheel to start turning again. It took 20 minutes just to mill the grain. The boil never really settled down and I needed to tinker with the heat levels to prevent boil-over the entire boil.
Taste NotesBig beer with nice mouthfeel. Excellent recipe that i will use again!
Ingredients
  • 10 lb pale malt
  • 2 lb flaked oats
  • 1 lb chocolate malt
  • 12 oz flaked barley
  • 12 oz Caramel 120
  • 12 oz Roasted Barley
  • 8 oz Chocolate Rye Male
  • 4 oz Black Patent
  • 1 lb Dextrose
  • 1 oz Columbus (60)
  • 2 oz Cascade (20)
  • 2 oz Cascade (10)
  • CA Ale Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion5 gal16515560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal19016515

Kirby's Pollinated Pale Ale (2021)

Justin's Name
Kirby's Pollinated Pale Ale (2021) (recipe)
SG1.059 (14.5 Brix)
FG1.010
ABV6.5%
Brew Date2020/11/15
Brew Time~4 hrs
Rack Date2020/11/26
Keg Date2020/12/15
Ready Date2021/01/01
Brew NotesNothing eventful
Taste NotesA little sweeter than years' past, but the hop flavor definitely comes out nicely.
Ingredients
  • 9.5 lb 2-row
  • 1 lb Caramel 60L
  • 0.5 lb Cara-pils/Dextrine
  • 0.5 lb Caramel 10L
  • 1 oz Willamettes @ 60 min
  • 0.5 oz Kent Goldings @ 30 min
  • 0.5 oz UK Kent Goldings @ 10 min
  • 0.5 oz Crystal @ 10 min
  • 1 oz Cascade @ Flame out
  • CA Ale


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal170 deg F152 deg F60 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.2 gal182 deg F165 deg F15 min

Forgot the Malta (2021)

Justin's Name
Forgot the Malta (2021) (recipe)
SG1.065
FG1.010
ABV7.3%
Brew Date2020/11/03
Brew Time~4 hrs
Rack Date2020/11/14
Keg Date2020/11/26
Ready Date2020/12/14
Brew NotesNothing exciting...
Taste NotesNot a huge fan. May be time to retire FTM...
Ingredients
  • 10 lb 2 row
  • 2 lb Caramel 10L
  • 1 lb Caravienne
  • 1 oz Magnum (60)
  • 0.5 oz Amarillo (30)
  • 0.5 oz Amarillo (15)
  • 2 oz Cascade (5)
  • 1 oz Cascade (Dry)
  • Maine IPA yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion5 gal16515560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal17516515

2020

Simpel Tripel

Justin's Name
Simpel Tripel (recipe)
SG1.070
FG1.010
ABV~7.9%
Brew Date09/12/2020
Brew Time~ 5.5 hrs
Rack Date09/26/2020
Bottle Date11/26/2020
Ready Date12/15/2020
Brew NotesI had a tough time with the multi-stage protein rests and mash temps. It took much more water than I anticipated to get the mash up to the appropriate temps. I ended up with *way* too much volume in the boil (maybe 8-9 gal as opposed to the desired 7 gal). That made things take longer, more closely monitored, etc. Not the smoothest brew day...
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 12.5 lb belgian pilsner
  • 0.75 lb belgian cara 8
  • 1 lb clear candi sugar
  • 1 oz tradition (60)
  • 1 oz saaz (15)
  • Trappist ale yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Protein Rest Decoction3 gal14512220
Beta Sacch Rest Decoction1.5 gal19014930
Alpha Sacch Rest Decoction(add boiling water as needed)--15830
Mashout Infusion4.518517010

COVID Saison

Justin's Name
COVID Saison (recipe)
SG1.059 (14.5 brix)
FG1.010
ABV 6.6%
Brew Date08/16/2020
Brew Time~4 hrs
Rack Date09/01/2020
Keg Date09/10/2020
Ready Date10/01/2020
Brew NotesAlso aged ~1 gal on ~15 raw figs from my neighbor. I'm calling that variant "Figgin' Saison".
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 10 lb Belgian Pils
  • 1 lb Carapils
  • 1 lb Vienna
  • 1 lb Wheat
  • 1 oz Kent Goldings (60)
  • 0.5 oz Styrian Goldings (10)
  • Saison Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4.5 gal16515560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal17515515

Mid-Atlantic Pale

Justin's Name
Mid-Atlantic Pale (recipe)
SG1.056
FG1.010
ABV6.0
Brew Date05/25/2020
Brew Time~3.5 hrs
Rack Date06/08/2020
Keg Date06/15/2020
Ready Date06/28/2020
Brew Notes
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 9 lb 2-row
  • 1 lb flaked oats
  • 1 lb carapils
  • 0.75 lb vienna
  • 2 oz Caramel 120
  • 0.5 oz Citra @ 60
  • 2 oz Citra @ 15
  • 1 oz Citra @ 5
  • 1 oz German Mandarina @ 5
  • 1 oz Citra @ flameout
  • 1 oz German Mandarina @ flameout
  • Kveik Yeast (ferment at 90 deg F)


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4.216515560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.018016515

seltzer

Justin's Name
seltzer
SG1.040
FG 1.008
ABV 5.0%
Brew Date03/22/2020
Brew Time~20 min
Rack Date--
Bottle Date04/05/2020
Ready Date04/19/2020
Brew Notes1 gallon small test batch. Boiled the sugar and orange peel for 10 min. Cooled it, added the champagne yeast.
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 0.75 lb corn sugar
  • 1 oz sweet orange peel
  • 4 pellets of columbus
  • Champagne Yeast


Mash:
1 gallon boiled water

Goser the Destructor (2020)

Justin's Name
Goser (2020) (recipe)
SG1.053 (13.2 Brix)
FG1.010
ABV~5.5%
Brew Date03/14/2020
Brew Time~ 4 hrs
Rack Date03/24/2020
Bottle Date04/05/2020
Ready Date04/28/2020
Brew Notes
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 5 lb Wheat
  • 1 lb Flaked Wheat
  • 3 lb Pilsner Malt
  • 4 oz lactic acid (at bottle time)
  • 0.5 lb Rice Hulls
  • 0.5 oz Hallertau (60 min)
  • 1 oz Whole Coriander (5 min) (half whole, half freshly ground)
  • 1 oz Sea Salt (5 min)
  • Saison Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion3.5 gal16015260
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.0 gal18016560

Secundus Hopulus

Justin's Name
Secundus Hopulus (recipe)
SG1.071 (17.1 Brix)
FG1.010
ABV8.1%
Brew Date2020/02/16
Brew Time~5 hrs
Rack Date2020/02/29
Bottle Date2020/03/16
Ready Date2020/04/01
Brew NotesLong, cold 90 minute boil day...
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 14 lb 2-row
  • 0.75 lb Carapils
  • 0.5 lb Caramel 40L
  • 0.25 Amarillo (pre-boil in the wort)
  • 15 ml Hop Shot (90)
  • 1 oz Columbus (45)
  • 1 oz Simcoe (20)
  • 0.75 lb Sugar (10)
  • 1.5 oz Columbus (0)
  • 2 oz Simcoe (0)
  • 5 ml Hop shot (0)
  • 1.5 oz columbus (DH1: 14 days to bottle)
  • 1 oz Centennial
  • 1 oz Citra
  • 0.5 oz Columbus (DH2: 4 days to bottle)
  • 0.5 oz Simcoe
  • 0.25 oz Centennial
  • 0.25 oz Amarillo
  • Washed Maine Dinner yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4.5 gal16515160
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.5 gal17516515

YACK (Yet Another Cider Kit)

Justin's Name
YACK (recipe)
Brew Date02/02/2020
Brew Time~20 min
Bottle Date02/14/2020
Ready Date02/29/2020
Brew Notes
Taste Notes
Ingredients

Norfolk Lavender UK Pale Ale (2020)

Justin's Name
Norfolk Lavender Pale Ale (2020) (recipe)
SG1.053 (13.2 Brix)
FG1.010
ABV5.7%
Brew Date02/02/2020
Brew Time~4 hrs
Rack Date02/16/2020
Keg Date03/01/2020
Ready Date03/14/2020
Brew Notes
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 9 lb 2-row
  • 10 oz Munich 10
  • 1 lb Caramel 10
  • 0.25 lb Caramel 40
  • 0.5 lb UK Lavender Honey (0)
  • 1 oz UK Kent Goldings (60)
  • 1 oz UK Kent Goldings (30)
  • 0.5 oz Hallertau (5)
  • London Ale Yeast
  • 2 tablespoons Lavender (in a hop ball at flameout)


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal16515560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.5 gal18016515

Lago Mar Wit

Justin's Name
Lago Mar Wit (recipe)
SG1.042 (10 Brix)
FG1.010
ABV4.3%
Brew Date12/28/2019
Brew Time~6 hrs
Rack Date01/11/2020
Keg Date02/01/2020
Ready Date02/14/2020
Brew Notes
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 5.5 lbs 2-row
  • 4.75 lbs Flaked Wheat
  • 1 oz Czech Saaz (60 min)
  • 1 oz Czech Saaz (15 min)
  • 1 oz Coriander (5 min)
  • 1 oz Bitter Orange Peel (5 min)
  • Wyeast 3944 Belgian Wit. Optimum temp 62°-75°F.


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion2.0 gal13512220
Conversion Step Infusion2.0 gal17515260
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.5 gal17516810

IRA (2020)

Justin's Name
Miss Maggie McGeary (recipe)
SG1.047 (11.75 brix)
FG1.010
ABV5.0%
Brew Date12/28/2019
Brew Time~6 hrs
Rack Date01/11/2020
Keg Date02/01/2020
Ready Date02/14/2020
Brew Notes
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 8 lb 2-row
  • 1 lb Vienna
  • 3 oz Roasted Barley
  • 3 oz Caramel 120L
  • 0.5 Kent Goldings (60 min)
  • 0.5 Kent Goldings (30 min)
  • 0.25 Kent Goldings (15 min)
  • Irish Ale yeast
  • 1 tbsp Irish Moss (15 min)


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion3 gal 168 deg F155 deg F60 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.5 gal175 deg F165 deg F15 min

Vaso del Lupulo

Justin's Name
Vaso del Lupulo (recipe)
SG1.057 (14 Brix)
FG1.010
ABV6.3%
Brew Date10/12/2019
Brew Time~6 hrs
Rack Date10/24/2019
Bottle Date11/14/2019
Ready Date12/01/2019
Brew Notes
Taste NotesA little less bitter than I'd like. Will add more bittering hops up front for the next round. Great hop and malt flavor, though! Big crowd pleaser!
Ingredients
  • 12 lb 2-row
  • 1 lb Caramel 20L
  • 0.5 lb Corn Sugar
  • 0.25 oz Columbus @ 75
  • 0.5 oz Simcoe @ 75
  • 0.25 oz Columbus @ 60
  • 0.25 oz Simcoe @ 60
  • 0.25 oz Columbus @ 30
  • 0.25 oz Simcoe @ 30
  • 0.75 oz Columbus @ 15
  • 0.75 oz Simcoe @ 15
  • 0.5 oz Amarillo @ 0
  • 1 oz Cascade @ 0
  • 1 oz Centennial @ dry-hop
  • Maine Dinner Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4.5 gal16515560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.5 gal18016515

Competition BIPA (2020)

Justin's Name
Competition BIPA (recipe)
SG1.071 (17.1 Brix)
FG1.010
ABV~7.9%
Brew Date10/12/2019
Brew Time~6 hrs
Rack Date10/24/2019
Keg Date11/14/2019
Ready Date12/01/2019
Brew Notes
Taste NotesFantastic IPA!!!
Ingredients

  • 11.5 lb 2-row
  • 0.5 lb caramel 80L
  • 6 oz carafa III or special B/black patent
  • 4 oz chocolate malt
  • 1 lb corn sugar @ 0
  • 1 oz summit @ 60
  • 1 oz chinook @ 15
  • 1 oz centennial @ 10
  • 1 oz cascade @ 5
  • 1 oz centennial @ 0
  • 1 oz cascade (dry hop)
  • Maine Dinner Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4.5 gal165 deg F155 def F60 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.0 gal180 deg F165 deg F15 min

2019

Hibiscus Wheat

Justin's Name
Hibiscus Hefeweizen (recipe)
SG1.0488 (11.8 brix)
FG1.010
ABV5.2%
Brew Date2019/06/31
Brew Time~4 hrs
Rack Date2019/07/10
Keg Date2019/07/20
Ready Date2019/08/10
Brew Notes Since Zweizen 2019 ended up getting infected, making this to replace it in keg!
Also made a dry-hoped version in bottles.
Taste NotesFan favorite. Everyone loves this; had a little floral, tart finish on top of the hefe flavor. Will definitely need to make this again.
Ingredients
  • 5 lb Pale Wheat
  • 4 lb Pilsner
  • 1 lb Flaked Wheat
  • 1 oz Tettnang (60)
  • 0.3 oz German Hersbucker (45)
  • 2.5 oz Hibiscus (Dry Hop, added in whirlpool in primary in a muslin bag)
  • Wyeast 3068
  • Ferment at 60-75 deg.F


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal16015060
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal17516015

9:00 PM

Justin's Name
9:00 PM (recipe)
SG1.045 (11 Brix)
FGTarget 1.010
ABVTarget 4.5%
Brew Date03/03/2019
Brew Time~4 hrs
Rack DateTarget 03/14/2019
Bottle DateTarget 03/28/2019
Ready DateTarget 04/07/2019
Brew NotesHad a run-off accident and lost ~1.5 gal of sparge... added it back in the mash tun and ran and extra bit through.
Taste NotesCreamy and funky with a good hop kick, but probably to style for a corn beer.
Ingredients
  • 7.5 lb 2row
  • 1.0 lb flaked corn
  • 0.5 lb biscuit malt
  • 0.5 lb Carapils
  • 0.25 lb grits
  • 1 oz Columbus @ 60
  • 0.5 oz Centennial @ 15
  • 0.5 oz Centennial @ 10
  • 1 oz Cascade @ 5
  • S-04


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal16515560 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.5 gal18016515 min

Just Another Cider (Kit)

Justin's Name
Just Another Cider (Kit)
SG1.042
FG1.010
ABV5.2%
Brew Date03/03/2019
Brew Time~10 minutes
Rack Date03/14/2019
Bottle Date03/28/2019
Ready Date04/07/2019
Brew NotesPlanning to only add a portion of the sweetener to make this on the drier side (similar to the Sly Clyde ciders)

Note that I made the same kit using the same procedures, but only kept it in primary for a week before moving to keg. "Brewing" done on 08/24/2019 and kegged on 09/01/2019. I bottled what wouldn't fit in the keg and added blackberry and strawberry flavor to the bottles.
Taste NotesReally excellent cider! Will be doing this again...
Ingredients

JB's Suffolk Special (2019)

Justin's Name
JB's Suffolk Special (recipe)
SG1.075 (18.5 Brix)
FG1.010
ABV8.1%
Brew Date02/02/2019
Brew Time~5 hrs
Rack Date02/15/2019
Keg Date02/28/2019
Ready Date03/07/2019
Brew NotesCold weather and a broken grain scale may have contributed to this being well over the target SG.
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 11 lb 2-row
  • 1 lb Caramel 20L
  • 1 lb Caramel 10L
  • 1 oz citra @ 60
  • 0.5 oz Columbus @ 60
  • 1.5 oz Citra @ 30
  • 2 oz Citra @ 10
  • 1.5 oz Citra @ 0
  • Washed CA yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal170 deg F155 deg F60 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal185 deg F165 deg F15 min

Straight Outta Compton SIPA (2019)

Justin's Name
Straight Outta Compton SIPA (recipe)
SG1.042
FG1.000
ABV4.0%
Brew Date02/02/2019
Brew Time~5 hrs
Rack Date02/15/2019
Keg Date02/28/2019
Ready Date03/07/2019
Brew Notes
Taste Notes
Ingredients

  • 7 lb 2-row
  • 1 lb Victory
  • 1 lb Rice Hulls
  • 4 oz Crystal 20L
  • 0.5 oz Simcoe @ 60
  • 2.5 oz Simcoe @ 10
  • 1 oz Eukanot @ 10
  • 2 oz Simcoe @ Dry Hop
  • DFH washed yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion3.5 gal177 deg F155 def F60 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.7 gal180 deg F165 deg F15 min

Cider

Justin's Name
Test Batch of Cider
SG13 Brix (1.053)
FG1.010
ABV5.7%
Brew Date01/05/2019
Brew Time~10 minutes
Bottle Date01/13/2019
Ready Date02/01/2019
Brew NotesTest batch (64 oz) of cider with just store-bought juice and yeast.
Taste NotesThe cinnamon and super dry-ness were a bad combo. It tastes like gross, fake cinnamon flavor and a sour fermented apple back.
Ingredients

Imperial March Saison

Justin's Name
Imperial March Saison (recipe)
SG19 Brix, 1.0785
FG1.010
ABV9.1%
Brew Date12/20/2018
Brew Time~5.5 hrs
Rack Date01/01/2019
Bottle Date02/02/2019
Ready Date02/14/2019
Brew Notes
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 10 lb 2-row
  • 2 lb Belgian Wheat
  • 0.5 lb Munich 10L
  • 0.25 lb Aromatic
  • 2 lb Belgian Clear Candi
  • 0.5 oz Summit (60)
  • 1.25 oz Styrian Goldings (30)
  • 2 tsp Sweet Orange Peel
  • Saison Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4.8 gal16515560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion3.6 gal18516515

Zweizen (2019)

Justin's Name
Zweizen (recipe)
SG1.048 (11.8 brix)
FG1.010
ABV5.1%
Brew Date12/20/2018
Brew Time~5.5 hrs
Rack Date01/01/2019
Keg Date01/14/2019
Ready Date01/28/2019
Brew NotesWashed yeast from last year's batch didn't ferment. Used Bell's Oberon instead.
Taste NotesReally tart, probably from the mix of yeasts. Hoping this will mellow. Nice banana on the end, though...
Ingredients
  • 5.5 lb Pale Wheat
  • 4 lb Pilsner
  • 1 oz Tettnang (60)
  • 0.3 oz German Hersbucker (45)
  • Wyeast 3068
  • Ferment at 60-75 deg.F


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal16015060
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal17516015

TrashCan IPA

Justin's Name
TrashCan IPA (recipe)
SG1.057, 14 Brix
FGTarget 1.010
ABVTarget 6.3%
Brew Date11/25/2018
Brew Time~6 hours
Rack Date12/09/2018
Bottle Date01/01/2019
Ready Date01/15/2019
Brew NotesConcurrent with Leftover Brown
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 12 lb 2-row
  • 2 oz kent goldings @ 60
  • 0.5 oz Styran Goldings @ 45
  • 0.5 oz Saaz @ 30
  • 2 oz Columbus @ 15
  • 2 oz Hallertau @ 5
  • S-04


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4.216515560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.218016515

Leftover Brown

Justin's Name
Leftover Brown (recipe)
SG1.052, 13 Brix
FGTarget 1.010
ABVTarget 5.6%
Brew Date11/25/2018
Brew Time~6 hours
Rack Date12/09/2018
Bottle Date01/01/2019
Ready Date01/15/2019
Brew NotesConcurrent with TrashCan IPA
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 9 lb 2-row
  • 0.5 lb Caramel 120L
  • 0.25 lb Caramel 80L
  • 0.25 lb Chocolate
  • 0.25 lb Black Prinz
  • 0.25 lb Vienna
  • 0.5 oz Magnum @ 60
  • 1 oz Magnum @ 5
  • London ale yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal16515060
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal17516515

2018

White Lot White IPA (2018)

Justin's Name
White Lot White IPA (recipe)
SG1.067 (16.8 brix)
FGTarget 1.010
ABVTarget 7.6%
Brew Date03/09/2018
Brew Time~5.5 hrs (concurrent with Black IPA 2018)
Rack DateTarget 03/23/2018
Bottle DateTarget 04/14/2018
Ready DateTarget 04/28/2018
Brew NotesDry hopped with Ahtanum instead of cascades, and used 1 lb corn sugar instead of Candi sugar. Primary lid popped off some time over the first night's fermentation and had a big krausen spill.
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 10 lb 2-row
  • 1 lb Vienna
  • 1 lb Flaked Wheat
  • 1 lb Caramel 20L
  • 0.5 lb Aromatic Malt
  • 0.5 lb Carapils
  • 4 oz Acid Malt
  • 1 lb Candi sugar (late addition)
  • 0.5 oz Columbus (60 min)
  • 0.75 oz Chinook (45 min)
  • 1 oz Centennial (30 min)
  • 0.75 oz Ahtanum (15 min)
  • 1 oz Cascade (Dry Hop in secondary)
  • Washed Ommegang Belgian Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4.7 gal170 deg F152 deg F60 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion3.7 gal187 deg F165 deg F15 min

Competition BIPA (2018)

Justin's Name
Competition BIPA (recipe)
SG1.063 (15.5 brix)
FGTarget 1.010
ABVTarget ~7.1%
Brew Date03/09/2018
Brew Time~5.5 hrs (concurrent with White IPA 2018)
Rack DateTarget 03/23/2018
Bottle DateTarget 04/14/2018
Ready DateTarget 04/28/2018
Brew Notes
Taste Notes
Ingredients

  • 11.5 lb 2-row
  • 0.5 lb caramel 80L
  • 6 oz carafa III or special B/black patent
  • 6 oz chocolate malt
  • 1 lb corn sugar @ 0
  • 1 oz summit @ 60
  • 1 oz chinook @ 15
  • 1 oz centennial @ 10
  • 1 oz cascade @ 5
  • 1 oz centennial @ 0
  • 1 oz cascade (dry hop)
  • S-05 washed yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4.5 gal165 deg F155 def F60 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.0 gal180 deg F165 deg F15 min

Belgian Tafelbier

Justin's Name
Tafelbier (recipe)
SG1.039 (9.9 Brix)
FG1.010
ABV4.0%
Brew Date01/27/2018
Brew Time~5 hours (brewed with JB's 2018)
Rack Date02/02/2018
Bottle Date02/28/2018
Ready Date03/07/2018
Brew NotesYield is a little low, maybe only 4.5 gal
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 4 lb 2 row
  • 1 lb Clear Candi Sugar
  • 1 lb Caravienne
  • 0.25 lb Aromatic
  • 0.5 lb Belgian Wheat
  • 0.5 oz Styrian Goldings
  • 10-12 pink peppercorns
  • Tsp Bitter Orange Peel
  • Ommegang yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion5 gal16515260
Final Batch SpargeInfusion3 gal17016515

JB's Suffolk Special (2018)

Justin's Name
JB's Suffolk Special (recipe)
SG1.062 (15.1 Brix)
FG1.010
ABV6.9%
Brew Date01/27/2018
Brew Time~5 hours (brewed with Tafelbier)
Rack Date02/02/2018
Bottle Date02/13/2018
Ready Date02/24/2018
Brew Notes
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 11 lb 2-row
  • 1 lb Caramel 20L
  • 1 lb Caramel 10L
  • 1 oz citra @ 60
  • 1 oz Columbus @ 60
  • 1.5 oz Citra @ 30
  • 1 oz Citra @ 10
  • 1.5 oz Citra @ 0
  • Washed CA yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal170 deg F155 deg F60 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal185 deg F165 deg F15 min

Kirby's Pollinated Pale Ale (2018)

Justin's Name
Kirby's Pollinated Pale Ale (2018) (recipe)
SG1.048 (11.9 Brix)
FG1.010
ABV5.1%
Brew Date01/06/2018
Brew Time~4 hours
Rack Date01/20/2018
Bottle Date02/02/2018
Ready Date02/14/2018
Brew NotesChange the cascade dry hop to @flame out to reduce sediment; last few cascade dry hopped beers have been chewy. Exterior pipes still frozen; chilled in a snow bank to 90 deg F and pitched yeast. Fermented in the garage at ~45-55 deg F.

Increase hops slightly for next year...
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 9.5 lb 2-row
  • 1 lb Caramel 60L
  • 0.5 lb Cara-pils/Dextrine
  • 0.5 lb Caramel 10L
  • 1 oz Willamettes @ 60 min
  • 0.5 oz Kent Goldings @ 30 min
  • 0.5 oz UK Kent Goldings @ 10 min
  • 0.5 oz Crystal @ 10 min
  • 1 oz Cascade @ Flame out
  • CA Ale


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal170 deg F152 deg F60 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.2 gal182 deg F165 deg F15 min

Belgian Golden Strong Ale

Justin's Name
Golden Strong (recipe)
SG1.060 (14.0 brix)
FG1.010
ABV6.7%
Brew Date12/31/2017
Brew Time~3 hrs
Rack Date01/20/2018
Bottle Date02/02/2018
Ready Date02/14/2018
Brew Notes75 minute boil; pipes frozen so couldn't chill the wort. pitched yeast after wort sat for ~6 hrs and was still at 100 deg F. Yeast never fermented after 5 days, so pitched Ommegang Belgian Ale yeast which began fermenting in about 20 hours. Fermented in the garage at ~45-55 deg F.
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 13 lb Belgian Pilsner
  • 2.5 lb Clear Candi Sugar
  • 1.25 oz Styrian Goldings @ 60
  • 1 oz Saaz @ 15
  • 0.25 oz Coriander Seeds @ 15
  • 0.25 oz Paradise Seeds @ 15
  • Trappist Ale Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion5 gal17515860
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.518517015

Hattie's Bark

Justin's Name
German IPA (recipe)
SG1.048 (12 brix)
FG1.010 (target)
ABV5.1 (target)
Brew Date2017/12/02
Brew Time~6.5 hrs (concurrent with VA Pale)
Rack Date2017/12/10
Keg DateTarget 2017/12/21
Ready DateTarget 2017/12/28
Brew NotesChanged brew kettles at ~47 minutes to make sure we have enough room to get the VA Pale boiling; had about ~1 gallon of wort that wouldn't fit into the smaller pot. Ended up with about 6.5 gallons of wort when the boil finished.
Taste NotesNeat hop flavor; almost like an intense and caramel pils.
Ingredients
  • 9 lb 2-row
  • 1 lb Caramel 20L
  • 1 lb Munich 20L
  • 1 oz Hallertau (60)
  • 1 oz Hallertau (30)
  • 1 oz Hallertau (15)
  • 1 oz Hallertau (5)
  • S04


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal17015560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal18516515

Virginia Pale Ale

Justin's Name
Virginia Pale Ale (recipe)
SG1.057 (14 Brix)
FGTarget 1.010
ABVTarget ~6.3%
Brew Date2017/12/02
Brew Time~6.5 hrs (concurrent with Hattie's Bark)
Rack Date2017/12/10
Bottle Date2017/12/21
Ready Date2017/12/28
Brew Notes
Taste NotesLight hops, caramel malt flavor. Might be overcarbed (4 oz of bottling sugar for ~6 gallons), which I fear means it was under-fermented.
Ingredients
  • 10 lb 2-row
  • 1 lb Munich 10
  • 1 lb Caramel 20
  • 0.5 oz Bravo @ 60
  • 1 oz Cascades @ 30
  • 0.5 oz Cascades @ 10
  • 0.5 oz Cascades @ flameout
  • 1 oz Cascades dry hop
  • S04


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal17015560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal18516515

Raspberry Blonde

Justin's Name
Raspberry Blonde (recipe)
SG1.066 (16.3 Brix)
FG1.010
ABV7.5
Brew Date2017/11/19
Brew Time~4 hrs
Rack Date2017/12/01
Keg Date2017/12/10
Ready Date2018/01/01
Brew NotesNo yeast starter...
2 lb of raspberries dipped in sanitizer and crushed in a sanitized cheese cloth. Ended up being ~1.5 cups of raspberry juice with minimal pulp/seeds getting into the secondary.
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 10 lb 2-row
  • 1 lb Biscuit
  • 1 lb Candi Sugar
  • 8 oz Caramel 10L
  • 5 oz Melanoiden/Aromatic
  • 1 oz Saaz (60)
  • 0.5 oz Saaz (45)
  • 0.5 oz Hallertau (30)
  • 1 oz Hallertau (15)
  • Ommegang Yeast
  • 2 lb Raspberries (added to secondary)


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4.5 gal16515560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.0 gal17516515

Booby Beer (2018)

Justin's Name
Booby Beer (recipe)
SG1.027 (7 brix)
FG1.008
ABV2.5%
Brew Date2017-10-22
Brew Time~5 hrs
Rack Date11/2/2017
Bottle Date11/14/2017
Ready Date12/01/2017
Brew Notes(Concurrent with Zweizen). BIAB.
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 2.5 lb 2-row
  • 0.5 lb flaked barley
  • 0.5 lb roasted barley
  • 0.3 oz UK Kent Goldings (60)
  • London Ale yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal17515080

2017

Zweizen

Justin's Name
Zweizen (recipe)
SG1.048 (11.8 brix)
FGTarget 1.010
ABVTarget 5.1%
Brew Date2017-10-22
Brew Time~5 hrs
Rack DateTarget 11/02/2017
Keg DateTarget 11/14/2017
Ready DateTarget 12/01/2017
Brew Notes(Concurrent with Booby Beer 2018)
Taste NotesLight body, lots of banana from the yeast. Really refreshing beer.
Ingredients
  • 5.5 lb Pale Wheat
  • 4 lb Pilsner
  • 1 oz Tettnang (60)
  • 0.3 oz German Hersbucker (45)
  • Wyeast 3068
  • Ferment at 60-75 deg.F


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal16015060
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal17516015

Competition IRA

Justin's Name
Competition IRA (recipe)
SG1.045
FGTarget 1.010
ABVTarget 4.0
Brew Date03/12/2017
Brew Time~5 hrs
Rack Date03/26/2017
Bottle Date04/16/2017
Ready Date05/01/2017
Brew NotesConcurrent with Norfolk Lavender
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 7.5 lb 2-row
  • 6 oz Biscuit malt
  • 5 oz Caramel 60L
  • 6 oz White wheat
  • 5 oz Chocolate Malt
  • 1 lb Honey (@60)
  • 1 oz Kent Goldings (@60)
  • 0.5 oz Saaz (@30)
  • Irish Ale Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion3 gal16015060
Final Batch SpargeInfusion5 gal17016515

Norfolk Lavender UK Pale Ale (2017)

Justin's Name
Norfolk Lavender Pale Ale (2017) (recipe)
SG1.052
FGTarget 1.010
ABVTarget 5.5%
Brew Date03/12/2017
Brew Time~5 hrs
Rack Date03/26/2017
Bottle Date04/16/2017
Ready Date05/01/2017
Brew NotesConcurrent with Competition IRA
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 9 lb 2-row
  • 10 oz Munich 10
  • 1 lb Caramel 10
  • 0.25 lb Caramel 40
  • 0.5 lb UK Lavender Honey (secondary)
  • 1 oz UK Kent Goldings (60)
  • 1 oz UK Kent Goldings (30)
  • 0.5 oz Hallertau (5)
  • London Ale Yeast
  • 2 tablespoons Lavender (dry hop -- boiled with the honey)


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal16515560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.5 gal18016515

Sour Tripel

Justin's Name
Sour Puss (recipe)
SG1.070 (17 Brix)
FG1.010
ABV~8.0%
Brew Date01/29/2017
Brew Time~3.5 hrs
Rack Date02/18/2017
Bottle Date04/01/2017
Ready Date04/15/2017
Brew Notes
Taste NotesGood malty, clean, crisp sour tripel.
IngredientsTargetting a sour monkey clone
  • 12 lb 2-row
  • 2 lb Clear Candi Sugar
  • 0.5 lb flaked barley
  • 6 oz biscuit malt
  • 4 oz aromatic malt
  • 1 oz Styrian Goldings (60)
  • 0.5 oz Saaz (30)
  • 0.5 oz Saaz (15)
  • 0.2 oz coriander
  • 3 oz Lactic Acid
  • Trappist yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion
Final Batch SpargeInfusion

Straight Outta Compton SIPA (2017)

Justin's Name
Straight Outta Compton SIPA (recipe)
SG1.042
FG1.000
ABV4.0%
Brew Date01/21/2017
Brew Time~4.5 hrs
Rack Date01/29/2017
Bottle Date02/18/2017
Ready Date03/01/2017
Brew Notes
Taste NotesGood flavor, hops are a bit stale...
Ingredients

  • 7 lb 2-row
  • 1 lb Victory
  • 1 lb Rice Hulls
  • 4 oz Crystal 20L
  • 0.5 oz Simcoe @ 60
  • 3.5 oz Simcoe @ 10
  • 2 oz Simcoe @ Dry Hop
  • DFH washed yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion3.5 gal177 deg F155 def F60 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.7 gal180 deg F165 deg F15 min

JB's Suffolk Special (2017)

Justin's Name
JB's Suffolk Special (recipe)
SG1.059 (14.5 Brix)
FG1.010
ABV6.5%
Brew Date02/11/2017
Brew Time~6 hrs (concurrent with Goser 2017)
Rack Date02/26/2017
Keg Date03/04/2017
Ready Date03/12/2017
Brew Notes
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 11 lb 2-row
  • 1 lb Caramel 20L
  • 1 lb Caramel 10L
  • 1 oz citra @ 60
  • 1 oz Columbus @ 60
  • 1.5 oz Citra @ 30
  • 1 oz Citra @ 10
  • 1.5 oz Citra Dry Hop
  • Washed CA yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal170 deg F155 deg F60 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal185 deg F165 deg F15 min

Goser the Destructor (2017)

Justin's Name
Goser (2016) (recipe)
SG1.053 (13.2 Brix)
FG1.010
ABV~5.5%
Brew Date02/11/2017
Brew Time~6 hrs (concurrent with JB's 2017)
Rack Date02/18/2017
Bottle Date03/04/2017
Ready Date03/15/2017
Brew NotesVolume was a little low...
Taste NotesWay too sour. Need to use less lactic.
Ingredients
  • 5 lb Wheat
  • 1 lb Flaked Wheat
  • 3 lb Pilsner Malt
  • 5 oz lactic acid (at keg time)
  • 0.5 lb Rice Hulls
  • 0.5 oz Hallertau (60 min)
  • 1 oz Whole Coriander (5 min) (half whole, half freshly ground)
  • 1 oz Sea Salt (5 min)
  • Saison Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion3.5 gal16015260
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.0 gal18016560

Competition BIPA

Justin's Name
Competition BIPA (recipe)
SG1.060
FG1.010
ABV~6.2%
Brew Date12/30/2017
Brew Time~4 hrs
Rack Date01/08/2017
Bottle Date01/22/2017
Ready Date02/04/2017
Brew NotesForgot the corn sugar -- boiled on the stovetop and added to primary.
Taste NotesSo good. Gold medalist.
Ingredients

  • 11.5 lb 2-row
  • 0.5 lb caramel 80L
  • 6 oz carafa III or special B/black patent
  • 6 oz chocolate malt
  • 1 lb corn sugar @ 0
  • 1 oz summit @ 60
  • 1 oz chinook @ 15
  • 1 oz centennial @ 10
  • 1 oz cascade @ 5
  • 1 oz centennial @ 0
  • 1 oz cascade (dry hop)
  • S-05 washed yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4.5 gal165 deg F155 def F60 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.0 gal180 deg F165 deg F15 min

White Lot White IPA (2017)

Justin's Name
White Lot White IPA (recipe)
SG1.068 (16.6 brix)
FG1.012
ABV7.5%
Brew Date12/10/2016
Brew Time~6 hrs
Rack Date12/30/2016
Bottle Date01/11/2017
Ready Date02/01/2017
Brew NotesEarly morning brew with IRA 2017
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 10 lb 2-row
  • 1 lb Vienna
  • 1 lb Flaked Wheat
  • 1 lb Caramel 20L
  • 0.5 lb Aromatic Malt
  • 0.5 lb Carapils
  • 4 oz Acid Malt
  • 1 lb Candi sugar (late addition)
  • 0.5 oz Columbus (60 min)
  • 0.75 oz Chinook (45 min)
  • 1 oz Centennial (30 min)
  • 0.75 oz Ahtanum (15 min)
  • 1 oz Cascade (Dry Hop in secondary)
  • Washed Ommegang Belgian Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4.7 gal170 deg F152 deg F60 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion3.7 gal187 deg F165 deg F15 min

IRA (2017)

Justin's Name
Miss Maggie McGeary (recipe)
SG1.053 (13.2 brix)
FG1.010
ABV5.5%
Brew Date12/10/2016
Brew Time~6 hrs
Rack Date12/30/2016
Bottle Date01/11/2017
Ready Date01/25/2017
Brew NotesEarly morning brew with Whitelot 2017
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 7 lb 2-row
  • 2.5 lb Vienna
  • 6 oz Roasted Barley
  • 3 oz Caramel 120L
  • 0.5 Kent Goldings (60 min)
  • 0.5 Kent Goldings (30 min)
  • 0.25 Kent Goldings (15 min)
  • Irish Ale yeast
  • 1 tbsp Irish Moss (15 min)


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion3 gal 168 deg F155 deg F60 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.5 gal175 deg F165 deg F15 min

2016

Belgian Strong Dark Ale

Justin's Name
Suffolk Strong Ale (recipe)
SG1.070
FG1.010
ABV8.0%
Brew Date2016/04/23
Brew Time~6 hrs
Rack Date2016/05/07
Bottle DateTarget 2017/02/01
Ready DateTarget 2017/03/01
Brew NotesMessed up the rests. Ended up having to tinker with the volumes and temps for the sparge...
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 11 lb 2-row
  • 2 lb Caramunich
  • 0.5 lb Carared
  • 1 lb Caramel 40L
  • 0.5 lb Caramel 120L
  • 6 oz Chocolate Malt
  • 4 oz Aromatic Malt
  • 1 lb dark candi sugar
  • 0.5 lb clear candi sugar
  • 1 oz Styrian Goldings (90)
  • 0.5 oz Styrian Goldings (60)
  • 0.5 oz Hallertau (30)
  • 0.5 oz Sweet Orange Peel
  • Trappist Ale Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
REST Infusion3 gal 14413515
Conversion Step Infusion5.5 gal (added)17515260
Final Batch SpargeInfusion2 gal 18716515

Competition Brown

Justin's Name
Competition Brown (recipe)
SG1.069
FGTarget 1.010
ABVTarget 6.4%
Brew Date09/18/2016
Brew Time~4 hrs
Rack Date10/02/2016
Bottle Date10/29/2016
Ready Date11/14/2016
Brew NotesNothing eventful. Avoided hot aeration
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 8.5 lb Pilsner
  • 1 lb Vienna
  • 2 lb Munich
  • 10 oz Caramel 60L
  • 10 oz Wheat
  • 6 oz Smoked Malt
  • 4 oz Chocolate
  • 0.75 oz Northern Brewer (60)
  • 0.25 oz Magnum (60)
  • 0.25 oz Northern Brewer (30)
  • 0.25 oz Spalt (10)
  • London Ale Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4.5 gal16215260
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal 18516515

Basic White Girl (June's competition brown)

Justin's Name
June's Salted Caramel Brown (recipe)
SG1.047
FG1.010
ABV5.0%
Brew Date09/16/2016
Brew Time~5 hrs
Rack Date10/02/2016
Keg Date11/01/2016
Ready Date11/14/2016
Brew NotesLady brewday.
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 9 lb 2-row
  • 1 lb Munich
  • 1 lb victory
  • 1 lb caramel 60
  • 8 oz caramel 80
  • 6 oz chocolate
  • 0.5 oz CTZ @ 60
  • 2 tbsp sea salt (5 min)
  • London Ale Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal17015260 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal18516515 min

Royal Shriner Oyster (Bowl) Stout

Justin's Name
Royal Shriner Oyster (Bowl) Stout (recipe)
SG1.055 (13.5 brix)
FGTarget 1.010
ABVTarget 6%
Brew Date08/14/2016
Brew Time~4.5 hrs
Rack Date08/28/2016
Bottle Date09/20/2016
Ready DateTarget 10/01/2016
Brew Notes2016 Football Tailgate beer

110 degree brew day. No fresh, in shell oysters in stores, so used two oysters from a jar @ 15 minutes.
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 9 lb 2-row
  • 1 lb roasted barley
  • 0.5 lb chocolate malt
  • 0.5 lb flaked oats
  • 1 oz fuggles @ 60
  • 2 oysters @ 15
  • London Ale


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal17015560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal18516515

Victory for Old Dominion (2016)

Justin's Name
Victory for Old Dominion (2016) (recipe)
SG1.052 (12.9 brix)Target 1.042
FG1.010
ABV5.6%
Brew Date07/04/2016
Brew Time3.5 hrs (new record!)
Rack Date07/18/2016
Bottle Date08/13/2016
Ready Date09/01/2016
Brew NotesODU Football Tailgate Beer (2016 Season)
Taste NotesNot much smoke, but a decently balanced beer. Rauchmaltz give this one a robust flavor, but not necessarily smokey.
Other Ingredients:
  • 8.5 lb 2-row
  • 1.25 lb Munich 20L
  • 16 oz Smoked Malt
  • 0.75 oz Perle hops @ 60
  • 0.5 oz Spalt hops @ 30
  • S-04 yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal17015560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal18516515

iDone Apple Pils

Wharton's Name
iDo (recipe)
SG1.044 (11 Brix)
FG1.010
ABV4.7%
Brew Date06/24/2016
Brew Time~6 hrs with JB's 2016
Rack Date07/10/2016
Keg Date08/11/2016
Ready Date08/18/2016
Brew NotesWort chiller busted a tube. May have some hose water in the wort...
Taste NotesLots of fermentation funk. Smells terrible, but otherwise a decent beer. German floral hoppy aftertaste.
Update -- Aging well, and decent with apple flavor.
Ingredients
  • 10 lb Pilsner
  • Washed American Lager
  • 1 oz German Hersbrucker @ 60 min
  • 0.5 oz German Tettnang @ 30 min
  • apple flavoring on pour


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion3.5 gal171 deg F152 deg F60 min
Final Batch SpargeFinal 4.5 gal179 deg F165 deg F15 min

JB's Suffolk Special (2016)

Justin's Name
JB's Suffolk Special (2016) (recipe)
SG1.061
FG1.011
ABV6.7%
Brew Date06/24/2016
Brew Time~6 hrs with iDone
Rack Date07/10/2016
Keg Date08/01/2016
Ready Date08/12/2016
Brew NotesNothing interesting...
Taste NotesReally excellent flavor with massive lingering bitterness.
Ingredients
  • 11 lb 2-row
  • 1 lb Caramel 40L
  • 0.3 lb Caramel 10L
  • 1 oz citra @ 60
  • 1 oz Columbus @ 60
  • 1.5 oz Citra @ 30
  • 1 oz Citra @ 10
  • 1.5 oz Citra Dry Hop
  • Washed Sawyer's Attack CA yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal170 deg F155 deg F60 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal185 deg F165 deg F15 min

Kirby's Pollinated Pale Ale (2016)

Justin's Name
Kirby's Pollinated Pale Ale (2016) (recipe)
SG1.053
FG1.010
ABV~5.7%
Brew Date2016/04/23
Brew Time~6 hrs
Rack Date2016/05/03
Bottle Date2016/05/22
Ready Date2016/06/07
Brew NotesUsing Hull Melon hops instead of strawberry flavor in this iteration.
Taste NotesStrawberry nose, UK hop bite on the finish. Slightly sweet.
Ingredients
  • 9 lb 2-row
  • 1.5 lb Caramel 60L
  • 0.5 lb Cara-pils/Dextrine
  • 0.5 Caramel 10L
  • 1 oz Willamettes @ 60 min
  • 0.5 oz Kent Goldings @ 30 min
  • 1 oz UK Northdown @ 10 min
  • 1 oz Hull Melon Hops @ Dry Hop
  • Washed Sawyer's CA Ale


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal170 deg F152 deg F60 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.2 gal182 deg F165 deg F15 min

Sawyer's Attack

Justin's Name
Sawyer's Attack (recipe)
SG18.9 brix, 1.078
FG1.010
ABV9.0%
Brew Date04/02/2016
Brew Time~5 hrs
Rack Date04/14/2016
Bottle Date04/23/2016
Ready Date05/07/2016
Brew Notes
Taste NotesOne of the best beers I've made. Candy-like IPA. Very well balanced, with malt being noticeable and grassy, lemony hops being barely bitter and very floral.
Ingredients
  • 13 lb 2-row
  • 2 lb Caramel 20L
  • 1 lb Vienna
  • 0.5 lb Caravienne
  • 1 oz Pacific Jade/Galaxy (90 min)
  • 1 oz Pacific Jade/Galaxy (45 min)
  • 1 oz Pacific Jade/Galaxy (30 min)
  • 0.5 oz Pacific Jade/Galaxy (10 min)
  • 0.5 oz Pacific Jade/Galaxy (5 min)
  • 2 oz Pacific Jade/Galaxy (Dry hop)
  • Fresh CA Ale Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion6 gal171 deg F155 deg F60 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal195 deg F165 deg F15 min

Competition KrystalWeizen

Justin's Name
Competition KrystalWeizen (recipe)
SG1.051
FG1.010
ABV5.1%
Brew Date03/06/2016
Brew Time~4.5 hrs
Rack Date03/20/2016
Bottle Date04/23/2016
Ready Date05/07/2016
Brew NotesSolo brew day. Used Andy's shredding mill and milled the flaked wheat along with everything else.
Taste NotesSlightly tart and fruity with a hint of banana and nearly no clove. Peppercorns provide a lemony finish without a pepper bite.
Ingredients
  • 6 lb German Wheat
  • 3.5 lb German Pilsner
  • 2 lb Flaked Wheat
  • 0.5 oz Tettnang (60)
  • 0.5 oz Hallertau (15)
  • 0.25 oz Pink Peppercorns (5)
  • Campben Tablets (3)
  • Bell's Oberon Washed Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal16015260
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.5 gal17516515

Booby Beer

Justin's Name
Booby Beer (recipe)
SG1.030
FG1.008
ABV2.9%
Brew Date01/22/2016
Brew Time~6.5 hrs
Rack Date02/06/2016
Bottle Date02/20/2016
Ready Date03/06/2016
Brew NotesDual brew with the Norfolk Lavender Pale.

Fermented in cold garage -- stayed around 50 deg. F.
Taste NotesWatery, roasty, and very decent considering the super light ABV. June digs.
Ingredients
  • 4 lb 2-row
  • 2 lb flaked barley
  • 1 lb rice hulls
  • 1 lb roasted barley
  • 0.5 oz UK Kent Goldings (60)
  • Irish Ale yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion2.5 gal16015260
Final Batch SpargeInfusion5 gal18017515

Norfolk Lavender UK Pale Ale

Justin's Name
Norfolk Lavender Pale Ale (recipe)
SG1.052
FG1.010
ABV5.5%
Brew Date01/22/2016
Brew Time~6.5 hrs
Rack Date02/06/2016
Bottle Date03/06/2016
Ready Date03/20/2016
Brew NotesDouble solo brew day with the Booby Beer.

Lavender honey and dried lavender were boiled and added to secondary on 02/10/2016. Secondround of dry spicing with lavendar took place on 02/26/2016.

Fermented in cold garage -- stayed around 50 deg. F.
Taste NotesDelightful. One of my best beers. The lavender is just fragerent enough to come through and has a light taste. Not soapy at all. I really walked the soap - lavender line with this. Perfect balance.
Ingredients
  • 9 lb 2-row
  • 10 oz Munich 10
  • 1 lb Caramel 10
  • 0.25 lb Caramel 40
  • 0.5 lb UK Lavender Honey (secondary)
  • 1 oz UK Kent Goldings (60)
  • 1 oz UK Kent Goldings (30)
  • 0.5 oz Hallertau (5)
  • London Ale Yeast
  • 2 tablespoons Lavender (dry hop -- boiled with the honey)


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal16515560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.5 gal18016515

Double Dooty

Justin's Name
Double Dooty (recipe)
SG1.083
FG1.010
ABV9.7%
Brew Date01/10/2016
Brew Time~5.5 hrs
Rack Date01/24/2015
Bottle Date02/14/2015
Ready Date03/01/2015
Brew NotesW&C didn't have more an 1 oz of amarillos, so combined 1 oz of amarillos, 1 oz of sarachi ace, and 1 oz of centennials into a hop cocktail that was added at 30, 15, and 10. This as opposed to the planned addition of 1 oz of amarillos at each of 30, 15, and 10.

Still Krausening before racking (slow fermentation in the cold garage), but needed both primaries for new beers...
Taste NotesNo hop aroma from lack of dry hopping. Deep amber color with burnt orange and a pine lingering bitter. Smooth.
Ingredients
  • 15 lb 2-row
  • 2 lb Caramel 20L
  • 0.5 lb Caramel 40L
  • 0.5 lb Munich
  • 1.25 oz CTZ @ 90
  • 1 oz Warrior @ 60
  • 1 oz Hop cocktail @ 30
  • 1 oz Hop cocktail @ 15
  • 1 oz Hop cocktail @ 10
  • CA ale yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion6.5 gal17015560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion3 gal20016515

Red Rye IPA

Justin's Name
Red Rye IPA (recipe)
SG1.074
FG1.010
ABV~6.8%
Brew Date2015/12/12
Brew Time5 hrs
Rack Date2015/12/20
Bottle Date2015/01/02
Ready Date2015/01/15
Brew NotesAlso tossed in my home-grown centennials at 5 min.
Taste Notesslightly sweet, pretty hoppy, rye bite.
Ingredients
  • 13 lb 2 row
  • 2 lb rye malt
  • 1 lb caramel 60L
  • 6 oz caramel 120L
  • 1 oz columbus @ 60
  • 1 oz magnums @ 30
  • 1 oz amarillo @ 15
  • 1 oz cascades @ 5
  • S05


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion5.5 gal17315560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion3.5 gal19516515

Angelito Weisse

Justin's Name
Angelito Weisse (recipe)
SG1.042
FG1.010
ABV~4.0%
Brew Date11/11/2015
Brew Time~5 hrs
Rack Date11/22/2015
Keg Date12/20/2016
Ready Date01/01/2016
Brew NotesNothing interesting...
Boiled 2 lb of tamarinds and added to secondary.
Taste NotesVery sour with a funky, dry finish. Smells like fermented tamarinds.
Ingredients Tamarind Berliner Weisse Beer

  • 4 lb 2-row
  • 4 lb Wheat
  • 1 lb rice hulls
  • 0.5 oz Hallertau (60 min)
  • 32 oz Tamarind Pulp (boiled)
  • 5 oz Lactic Acid
  • Saison yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion3.0 gal165 deg F148 def F60 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion6 gal175 deg F165 deg F15 min

ComPORTition Porter

Justin's Name
ComPORTition Porter (recipe)
SG1.073
FG1.012
ABV7.4%
Brew Date10/25/2015
Brew Time~5.5 hrs
Rack Date11/08/2015
Bottle Date12/14/2015
Ready Date01/01/2015
Brew NotesNothing exciting. Finger surgery brewday.
Taste NotesVanilla is a bit boozy, and the aftertaste is raspberry-y.
Ingredients
  • 9 lb 2-row
  • 5 lb Munich
  • 2 lb Vienna
  • 1 lb Chocolate
  • 0.5 lb Black Patent
  • 0.5 lb Caramel 120L
  • 0.8 oz Columbus (60)
  • MYSTERY INGREDIENT #1 (secondary) (added 11/11/2015): 4 pounds raspberries, put in cheese cloth, mashed, and the juice squeezed into the secondary
  • MYSTERY INGREDIENT #2 (secondary) (added 11/11/2015): 4 whole vanilla beans with holes poked in them
  • London Ale Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion7 gal16515260
Final Batch SpargeInfusion2 gal17516515

IRA: I can Red IPA (Trifecta Tailgate Beer Series)

Justin's Name
IRA: I can Red IPA (recipe)
SG1.052
FG1.010
ABV5.2%
Brew Date09/07/2015
Brew Time~5 hrs
Rack Date09/16/2015
Bottle Date09/28/2015
Ready Date10/10/2015
Brew Notes
Taste NotesDecently hoppy session IPA. Good malt balance.
Ingredients
  • 8 lb 2-row
  • 2.5 lb vienna
  • 6 oz CaraMunich 60L
  • 6 oz Roasted Barley
  • 3 oz Crystal 120L
  • 0.5 oz Amarillo (60)
  • 0.5 oz Centennial (60)
  • 0.5 oz Centennial (30)
  • 0.5 oz Centennial (15)
  • 0.5 oz Cascade (Dry)
  • American Lager Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal16515560
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal18016515

2015

Brown Noser

Justin's Name
Brown Noser Nut Brown Ale (recipe)
SG1.042
FG 1.010
ABV ~4.5%
Brew Date09/07/2015
Brew Time~5 hrs
Rack Date09/16/2015
Keg Date09/24/2015
Brew Notesnothing eventful
Taste Notesvery very light, smooth brown. session.
Ingredients
  • 9 lb 2-row
  • 12 oz Caramel 120L
  • 8 oz Victory
  • 8 oz Caramel 40L
  • 4 oz Chocolate Malt
  • 1.25 oz Kent Goldings (60)
  • 0.5 oz Kent Goldings (5)
  • London Ale Yeast (MKB)


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion3.5 gal16015060 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion5 gal18016515 min

Happy Beer Day

Justin's Name
Happy Beer Day (2015) (recipe)
SG1.065
FG 1.010
ABV 6.8%
Brew Date05/31/2015
Brew Time~4.5 hrs
Rack Date06/14/2015
Keg Date09/07/2015
Ready Date11/14/2015
Brew NotesStrong winds kept my boil temps down, resulting in a higher yield but lower gravity. Also thought I had more 2-row, and ended up about 2 lb short.
Taste Noteslittle hot, little young, but tastes like a belgian.
UPDATE: Aging well. Tastes like Karmeleit.
Ingredients
  • 13 lb 2-row
  • 1.5 lb Caravienne
  • 12 oz Aromatic Malt
  • 1 lb Wheat
  • 1 lb cara 8
  • 0.25 oz Coriander seed (10 min)
  • 0.75 oz orange peel (10 min)
  • 1 lb Belgian Candi Sugar
  • 1 oz Saaz Hops (60)
  • 1 oz Styrian Goldings (60)
  • 1 oz Saaz Hops (30)
  • Trappist Ale Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion6.8 gal16715260min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.4 gal18516515 min

JB's Suffolk Special (2015)

Justin's Name
JB's Suffolk Special (2015) (recipe)
SG1.067
FG1.012
ABV6.7%
Brew Date08/15/2015
Brew Time5 hrs
Rack Date08/29/2015
Keg Date09/07/2015
Ready Date09/21/2015
Brew NotesDouble batch -- doubled all ingredients. Brewed with Dirty Birds Brewing. Ended up being 8 gallons of water for first mash, and 8 gallons for second mash; sparged the last 1 gallon of the second mash since the water wouldn't fit into the tun. Borrowed Gigapot from MKelly Brewing. Also noticed that 3 Floyds uses a nearly identical recipe to original JB's for Zombie Dust.

Kegged 1 batch, bottled the other.
Taste NotesSuper hoppy, loads of mango. very very good.
IngredientsBelow ingredients for a single batch. Double all ingredients for the double batch.
  • 11 lb 2-row
  • 1 lb Caramel 10L
  • 1 lb Caramel 20L
  • 0.25 lb Caramel 60L
  • 1 oz citra @ 60
  • 1 oz Columbus @ 60
  • 1.5 oz Citra @ 30
  • 1 oz Citra @ 10
  • 1.5 oz Citra Dry Hop
  • Washed DFH yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal170 deg F155 deg F60 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal185 deg F165 deg F15 min

Bitter Niner (Trifecta Tailgate Beer Series)

Justin's Name
Bitter Niner (recipe)
SG11.3 Brix (1.045)
FG1.010
ABV4.7%
Brew Date07/19/2015
Brew Time~5 hours
Rack Date08/03/2015
Bottle Date08/16/2015
Ready Date09/01/2015
Brew NotesBrewed as part of the Trifecta Tailgate Beer Series for the ODU Football game against evil the Charlotte 49ers. Full, 5 gallon BIAB brew. BIAB was no fun. Never doing it again.
Taste NotesNice, crisp, clean beer with a slight malt and earth hop finish. Great ESB
Ingredients
  • 9.5 lb 2-row
  • 12.8 oz Caramel 40L
  • 6 oz Carapils
  • 4 oz Roasted Barley
  • 1 oz Challenger (60)
  • 0.5 oz Fuggles (45)
  • 0.5 oz Fuggles (15)
  • 0.5 oz Fuggles (5)
  • London Ale Yeast (From MKB)


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion8.2 gal176 deg F154 deg F75 min

Cross Town Blonde (Spiced Belgian Blond Ale) (Trifecta Tailgate Beer Series)

Justin's Name
Cross Town Blonde (recipe)
SG1.040 (10 Brix)
FG1.010
ABV4%
Brew Date07/19/2015
Brew Time5.6-6 hrs
Rack Date08/03/2015
Bottle Date08/16/2015
Ready Date09/01/2015
Brew NotesBrewed as part of the Trifecta Tailgate Beer Series for the ODU Football game against the Norfolk State Spartans. This beer was brewed as a triple-batch (with all three using the same wort). This 5-gallon slice of the batch uses spices and belgian yeast to create a belgian blond ale.

Note that I also did a steam-stype of this beer in a 1-gallon overflow batch with TRF666. 4 bottles from this exist.
Taste NotesNot much orange flavor but enough to make it spicey. Not a great exemplar of the blond style, but still a great, light, could-drink-a-6er-of-it tailgate beer.
Ingredients
  • 8 lb 2-row
  • 1 lb wheat
  • 1 lb flaked wheat
  • 4 oz caramel 20L
  • 4 oz carapils
  • 1 oz Willamette (60)
  • 1 oz Willamette (30)
  • 1 tsp coriander (primary)
  • 0.25 oz sweet orange peel (primary)
  • Ommegang Washed Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal17515460 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.5 gal18016515 min


Non-Ephemeral Hefeweizen

Justin's Name
Non-Ephermeral Hefeweizen (recipe)
SG1.045
FG1.010
ABV5.0%
Brew Date2015/06/28
Brew Time~5 hrs
Rack Date07/19/2015
Bottle Date08/03/2015
Ready Date08/17/2015
Brew Notes75 minute mash, brewed a 6.5 gallon batch to do some dry hopping in a 1 gallon test batch.
Taste Notes
Ingredients
  • 6.5 lb German Wheat
  • 3 lb 2-row
  • 1 oz Tettnang (60 min)
  • Washed Homer's Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion5.5 gal16515275
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal17716515

Kompetition Kolsch

Justin's Name
Kompetition Kolsch (recipe)
SG1.048 (12 brix)
FGTarget 1.010
ABVTarget 4.8%
Brew Date05/25/2015
Brew Time~4.5 hrs
Rack Date06/07/2015
Bottle Date06/21/2015
Ready Date07/04/2015
Brew NotesNothing exciting. Cold crashing in the keg fridge for a week before bottle time.
Taste NotesSlight hop bite, which ends up being like a Sierra Nevada kolsch rather than the german style I was shooting for. Still a decent beer with a pear front and noble hop back.

Another "Best in Show" winner for our homebrewer competition.
IngredientsIngredients held secret until July 11th competition.
  • 8 lb 2-row
  • 1 lb german wheat
  • 0.5 lb biscuit
  • 1 lb flaked wheat
  • 0.5 oz Tettnang @ 60 min
  • 0.5 oz Hallertau @ 60 min
  • 1 oz Hallertau @ 30 min
  • Kolsch Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal170 deg F152 deg F60 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal180 deg F165 deg F15 min

Straight Outta Compton SIPA

Justin's Name
Straight Outta Compton SIPA (recipe)
SG 1.040 (9.75 brix)
FG1.000
ABV4.0%
Brew Date05/17/2015
Brew Time~4.5 hrs
Rack Date05/25/2015
Keg Date06/14/2015
Ready Date07/01/2015
Brew NotesGoing to try the hop bursting technique with this beer. It should work well in a session since it is meant to use a very small IBU level for bittering hops and getting the hop flavor from a heavy dose of aroma hops (hence the whopping 3.5 oz of hops at the 10 minute mark of the boil). This makes a more delicate -- but still intensely bitter -- beer, exactly what the doctor ordered for a SIPA that is designed for a post-lawn mow refreshment. Also fermenting in a swamp cooler.
Taste NotesEasy start with a massive graphefruit hop flavor rush at the end of the beer. Exactly what I wanted it to be. Very much a decent beer.
Ingredients Accounting for BrewTarget's underestimation of SG (or our weirdly increased efficiency) by having its estimate sit at 1.033 when I'm actually shooting for 1.042.

  • 7 lb 2-row
  • 1 lb Victory
  • 1 lb Rice Hulls
  • 4 oz Crystal 20L
  • 0.5 oz Simcoe @ 60
  • 3.5 oz Simcoe @ 10
  • 2 oz Simcoe @ Dry Hop
  • DFH washed yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion3.5 gal177 deg F155 def F60 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.7 gal180 deg F165 deg F15 min

Big Blue Brew (2015)

Justin's Name
Big Blue Brew (2015) (recipe)
SG1.056 (14 brix)
FG1.015
ABV5.6%
Brew Date05/03/2015
Brew Time~4.5 hrs
Rack Date05/10/2015
Keg Date05/17/2015
Ready Date05/31/2015
Brew NotesNothing interesting.
Taste NotesFermented too warm. Has a homebrew flavor and very diacetyl nose (which -- when cold -- luckily doesn't come through on the flavor). Otherwise a decent lawnmower beer.
IngredientsTargetted as test batch for the Competition Kolsch, so ingredients held secret until July 11th competition.
  • 8 lb 2-row
  • 1.5 lb white wheat
  • 1 lb Bohemnian Wheat
  • 0.5 lb Biscuit Malt
  • 1 lb flaked wheat
  • 0.5 oz Hallertau @ 60 min
  • 0.5 oz Kent Goldings @ 60 min
  • 1 oz Hallertau @ 30 min
  • 0.5 oz Cascades (Dry Hop)
  • Kolsch Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal170 deg F152 deg F60 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4 gal180 deg F165 deg F15 min

Kirby's Pollinated Pale Ale (2015)

Justin's Name
Kirby's Pollinated Pale Ale (2015) (recipe)
SG1.057
FG1.010
ABV~5.5% (after water added)
Brew Date04/04/2015
Brew Time4.5 hrs
Rack Date04/18/2015
Bottle Date05/10/2015
Ready Date05/24/2015
Brew NotesTrifecta w/ pipeline. Nothing abnormal. Brewtarget likely overshot the anticipated SG. Going to add a gallon or so of boiled/sterilized water at keg time to increase volume and decrease ABV. Will add strawberry flavor to the last ~2 gallons.
Taste NotesNicely hopped, great english pale flavor. Strawberry has very cough-syrup flavor, but good thing the regular Kirby's came out excellent.
Ingredients
  • 9 lb 2-row
  • 1.5 lb Caramel 60L
  • 0.5 lb Cara-pils/Dextrine
  • 0.5 Caramel 10L
  • 1 oz Willamettes @ 60 min
  • 0.5 oz Kent Goldings @ 30 min
  • 1 oz Fuggles @ 10 min
  • 1 oz Cascades @ Dry Hop
  • S-04


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4 gal170 deg F152 deg F60 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.2 gal182 deg F165 deg F15 min

Pinky's Licorice Stout

Justin's Name
(recipe)
SG1.044 (11 Brix)
FG1.011
ABV4.5%
Brew Date03/29/2015
Brew Time~3 hr
Rack DateN/A
Bottle Date04/18/2015
Ready Date05/02/2015
Brew Notes~1.5-2 gallon batch of BIAB on stove top.
Taste NotesSlight licorice finish but all licorice nose. More like a red than a stout.
Ingredients
  • 3 lb 2-row
  • 4 oz Caramel 120L
  • 3 oz Roasted Barley
  • 0.25 oz Tattnang (60 min)
  • 3 stars of Star Anise (30 min)
  • 1 pinch of Licoric Root (30 min)
  • Dry English Ale Yeast


Mash:
Brewed in a bag.

2014

White Lot White IPA (2015)

Justin's Name
White Lot White IPA (2015) (recipe)
SG1.068 (17 Brix)
FGTarget 1.017
ABVTarget 6.8%
Brew Date03/14/2015
Brew Time~4.5 hrs
Rack Date04/01/2015
Keg Date04/19/2015
Ready Date04/23/2015
Brew NotesBrewed in pipeline w/ Wharton using MKelly's Burner. Went pretty well. Also did not add the belgian candi sugar because we hit the target ABV and the goal is to not blow everyone out of the water with a boozy spring beer. Also, the yeast starter was very active, and we had action on the airlock within about 2 hours of pitching the yeast.
Taste NotesBig bitter flavor up front and all IPA on the nose. Has a belgian funk to it (as intended) and finishes with some complexity. One of the best beers I've done.
Ingredients
  • 11 lb 2-row
  • 1 lb Vienna
  • 1 lb Flaked Wheat
  • 1 lb Caramel 20L
  • 0.5 lb Aromatic Malt
  • 0.5 lb Carapils
  • 4 oz Acid Malt
  • 1 lb Candi sugar (late addition)
  • 0.5 oz Columbus (60 min)
  • 0.5 oz Chinook (45 min)
  • 1 oz Centennial (30 min)
  • 0.5 oz Ahtanum (15 min)
  • 1 oz Cascade (Dry Hop in secondary)
  • Washed Ommegang Belgian Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion4.7 gal170 deg F152 deg F60 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion3.7 gal187 deg F165 deg F15 min

IRA

Justin's Name
Miss Maggie McGeary (recipe)
SG12 brix, 1.047
FGTarget 1.010
ABVTarget 4.4%
Brew Date02/28/2015
Brew Time~5 hrs (longer due to cold brew conditions)
Rack DateTarget 03/15/2015
Bottle Date03/29/2015
Ready Date04/12/2015
Brew NotesSnowy brew day @ MKelly Brewery, really fast chilling to get wort to temp, nothing went horribly wrong.
Taste NotesGood clean IRA with a bit of a roasted bite on the end. No real hops to speak of on the taste.
Ingredients
  • 7 lb 2-row
  • 2.5 lb Vienna
  • 6 oz Roasted Barley
  • 3 oz Caramel 120L
  • 0.5 Kent Goldings (60 min)
  • 0.5 Kent Goldings (30 min)
  • 0.25 Kent Goldings (15 min)
  • Irish Ale yeast
  • 1 tbsp Irish Moss (15 min)


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion3 gal 168 deg F155 deg F60 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.5 gal175 deg F165 deg F15 min

Wharton Wedding Apple Ale

Wharton's Name
iDo (recipe)
SG1.044 (11 Brix)
FG1.008
ABV4.7%
Brew Date02/01/2015
Brew Time~4.5 hrs
Rack Date02/15/2015
Keg Date03/15/2015
Ready DateWedding Date: 04/21/2015
Brew NotesFermented in garage for 2 weeks (~45 deg F). Racked and put into the house (~67 deg F). Will be kegging this beer with apple flavoring.

This beer was infected. Will bottle the infected pilsner to see if we can salvage it, but also brewed a replacement batch of this beer on 02/22/2015 to make sure we have a good kegged batch. I think the infection came from a loose seal in the 8 gallon primary. Will be using the 6.5 for batch #2 and debugging the 8 gallon.
Taste NotesGoing into the keg, the new batch tastes very good. Nice and creamy pilsner and the apple flavor is apparent but not overwhelming. The contaminated old version has a funky nose to it (plastic-y) but tastes ok. Strawberry version is pretty good. Would be fun to do a few different fruity pilsners like this #forScience!

Keg now sitting in the fridge hooked up to CO2.

Was a huge hit at the wedding. Keg kicked right after the reception started.
Ingredients
  • 10 lb Pilsner
  • Washed American Lager
  • 1 oz Hallertau @ 60 min
  • 1 oz Gypsum for initial sparge
  • 0.5 oz Gypsum for second sparge
  • 3 oz apple flavoring
  • 1 tsp Whirlfloc in Boil


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion3.5 gal171 deg F152 deg F60 min
Final Batch SpargeFinal 4.5 gal179 deg F165 deg F15 min

Goser the Destructor

Justin's Name
Goser the Destructor (recipe)
SG1.0298 (7.5 Brix)
FGTarget 1.010
ABVTarget 3.0 %
Brew Date01/17/2015
Brew Time~4 hours
Rack Date01/24/2015
Keg Date02/15/2015
Ready Date03/01/2015
Brew NotesNOTE: Acidulated malt is added after the initial sparge, and only used for the second sparge.
ALso keeping the primary in the garage to ferment at lower temperatures.
Taste NotesVery salty, but not very sour. Will do this again with a much more generous helping of acid malt.
Ingredients
  • 5 lb Flaked Wheat
  • 1 lb Malted Wheat
  • 3 lb Pilsner Malt
  • 2 lb Acid Malt (added after first sparge)
  • 0.5 lb Rice Hulls
  • 0.5 oz Hallertau (60 min)
  • 1 oz Whole Coriander (5 min) (half whole, half freshly ground)
  • 1 oz Sea Salt (5 min)
  • Kolsch Yeast


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion StepInfusion3.563 gal174.983 F154.400 F60.000 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.723 gal176.896 F165.200 F15.000 min

Competition Stout

Justin's Name
Competition Stout (recipe)
SG1.085 (20.5 Brix)
FG1.014
ABV9.4%
Brew Date12/21/2014
Brew Time~4.5 hrs
Rack Date01/09/2014
Bottle Date02/01/2014
Ready Date02/21/2014 (Competition Date)
Brew NotesSlight boil over because Mat said "No Scraping" but really, scraping is the best method to avoid boil overs. Volume out of the mash was a little low, so added 0.75 gal of tap water to boil, which put the final volume right at 5 gallons. Secret ingredient added to the end of the boil.
Taste NotesDeep roasted flavor, light coffee taste as a result. Oak chips came through, and finishes slightly hot from the high octane. Won Best in Show at the Stout Competition, beating out the control (O.D.I.S.) by 2 votes 6-4. I didn't really get the vanilla notes that I wanted out of this, but that might be because of the extra roasted flavor and the light use of the oak chips at flame-out. Either way, quite a good, robust stout that should age very well.
Ingredients To be announced after the Stout Competition (02/21/2015).
  • 13 lb 2-row
  • 1 lb Extra Light DME
  • 1 lb roasted barley
  • 1 lb flaked barley
  • 8 oz Caramel 80L
  • 1 lb Black Patent
  • 1 lb Lactose @ 15 min
  • 1 oz Columbus @ 60 min
  • 1/2 handful of oak chips at flame-out and 1/4 handful in secondary
  • Washed S-05


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion Step Infusion5.6 gal17215560 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion3.2 gal19516515 min

C5 DIPA

Justin's Name
C5 DIPA (recipe)
SG17 Brix, 1.078
FG1.010
ABV9.1%
Brew Date11/15/2014
Brew Time~5 hours
Rack Date11/28/2014
Bottle Date01/24/2014
Ready Date02/08/2014
Brew NotesNothing interesting. Brix showed an ABV of 8.5 when I finished, but the hydrometer shows an expected ABV of only 7.8. After about 2 days of fermentation, I boiled the rest of the candi sugar (15 minutes) and added to the primary for fermentation after it had a chance to cool in a sanitized growler. This brings the SG up, and provides an expected ABV of 9.1, much closer to the target.
Taste NotesSuper bitter, very hoppy. Very Enjoy By esque. Not hot, but packs a punch.
Ingredients
  • 10 lb 2 row
  • 5 lb pale malt
  • 1 candi sugar, clear (20 min)
  • 18 oz Caramel 10L
  • Washed 90-minute S-04
  • 2 oz columbus (90 min)
  • 2 oz Chinook (60 min)
  • 1 oz Citra (30 min)
  • 1 oz Columbus (30 min)
  • 1 oz centennial (15 min)
  • 1 oz Cascade (Dry hop)
  • 1 oz Centennial (Dry hop)


Mash:
NameTypeAmountTempTarget TempTime
Conversion StepInfusion 6.2 gal165 deg F155 deg F60 min
Final Batch SpargeInfusion4.6 gal188 deg F165 deg F15 min


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Grapefruit Wheat

Justin's Name
Grapefruit Wheat (recipe)
SG9 Brix, 1.0359
FG1.010
ABV~4.7%
Brew Date10/12/2014
Brew Time~4.5 hrs
Rack Date10/26/2014
Keg Date11/24/2014
Ready Date12/07/2014
Brew NotesNothing interesting in the brew. All according to plan.

When I racked, I had ~6.5 gallons of wort which I racked almost evenly into two carboys. Here is a run-down of how the grapefruit was added.

I zested 2 tablespoons of grapefruit peel, and added that to about 3/4 of a gallon of water. I peeled and shucked the fruit out of 2 grapefruits and added the fruit flesh to the water, then boiled it for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, I added the grapefruit "tea" to the 1 gallon jug to cool. Once it was at ~60 degrees F, I poured the entire jug (fruit flesh, juice, everything) into the Better Bottle carboy. When the un-grapefruited wheat is done fermenting (absolutely 0 action on the airlock and 0 bubbles in the wort), I will bottle both individually to have two versions of the beer: a "grapefruit" american pale wheat, as well as a grapefruit wheat fruit beer.
Taste NotesThe grapefruit beer has lots of floaties from not filtering or at least straining the beer during kegging. It is pretty bland with not a whole lot of grapefruit flavor. Next time, will add grapefruit juice to the keg during kegging.

The non-fruit version is nice and toasty with a crisp what flavor. Not too yeasty, but a little tart from the Ommegang re-cultured yeast. I like this beer, and want to do another version that is a bit more bold.
Ingredients
  • 5.5 lb 2-row
  • 4.5 lb Wheat
  • 0.5 lb Munich
  • 0.5 lb Rice Hulls
  • 0.3 oz Yakima @60
  • 0.5 oz Centennial @ 10
  • 1 oz Centennial @ 0
  • Ommegang recultured yeast
  • 2 Grapefruits, juiced and zested (for secondary)


Mash:
  • 3.54 gal @ 166 deg F for 60 minutes
  • 5.5 gal @ 178 deg F for 15 minutes

Arendelle Pecan Porter (June's Brew)

June's Name
June's Winter Pecan Porter (recipe)
SG1.067 (17 Brix)
FGTarget 1.010
ABVTarget 7.7%
Brew Date11/23/2014
Brew Time~5 hrs
Rack Date12/07/2014
Bottle Date01/24/2014
Ready Date02/08/2014
Brew Notes
Taste NotesGood pecan flavor on after-taste. Good thick porter and a sweet finish.
Ingredients
  • 11 lb 2-row
  • 3 lb Crystal 80L
  • 1.5 lb Flaked Oats
  • 2 lb Chocolate Malt
  • 1 lb Caramel 20L
  • 0.5 oz Columbus @ 60 minutes
  • 0.5 Magnum @ 60 minutes
  • Pecan Flavoring at bottle time
  • S-04 Yeast


Mash:
  • 6.5 gal @ 165 deg F for 60 minutes
  • 3.9 gal @ 195 deg F for 15 minutes

BP Dry Irish Stout

Justin's Name
BP D.I.S. (recipe)
SG1.045 (11 Brix)
FG1.010
ABV4.3%
Brew Date09/01/2014
Brew Time~4.5 hrs
Rack Date09/13/2014
Bottle Date10/08/2014
Ready Date10/18/2014
Brew NotesConversion: 3.5 gal @ 163 deg F (60 min)
Final Batch: 6 gal @ 174 deg F (15 min). @ MKelly Brewery w/ Bryan. No starter used.

I also used the 11 Brix near the 30 minute mark of the boil as the SG for this one -- I forgot to take a reading at the end of the boil.
Taste NotesBig roasty flavor, dark as sin, but finishes light. Not massively bitter, just a lot of roasted bitterness and grain flavor. Will age very well. Also went light on the bottling sugar since stouts aren't supposed to be very carbonated, which may lead to the bottles being undercarbbed.
Ingredients
  • 6 lb Pale Malt/2-row
  • 2 lb Flaked Barley
  • 1 lb Roasted Barley
  • 1 lb Black Barley
  • 2 oz Kent Goldings (60 min)
  • 2 tsp Irish Moss (15 min)
  • Irish Ale Yeast

Sieg Ale Oktoberfest (MKelly Collaboration Brew)

Justin's Name
Oktoberfest (recipe)
SG1.038 (9 brix)
FGTarget 1.010
ABVTarget 4.7%
Brew Date07/20/2014
Brew Time~6 hrs
Rack Date07/28/2014
Bottle DateTarget 08/24/2014
Ready DateTarget 09/08/2014
Brew Notes10 gallon batch (numbers here represent 5 gallons). Split the grain, separately mashed but lautered into same large pot. JFB's strike water was about 180°F and mashed at 169°F. Mine was 165°F strike and mash at 155°F. Temp on tun dropped to 152°F over 60 minutes. No stuck sparge despite the fairly fine milled grain. WLP830 - German Lager Yeast from Wine and Cake expired in March, we saw after having bought it. Tried to create a 2 liter starter from it to now avail. Added washed WLP840 - American Lager Yeast from Formel and Else Clause. Nice head of krausen before brewing. Pre-boil SG was 13 Brix. Post boil, 9.5 (1.038) and enough volume to sufficiently fill two primaries.
Taste NotesExcellent beer. Nice maltiness, but a drier finish than other Oktoberfests. The marzen malty flavor comes through nicely.
Ingredients
  • 9 lb Vienna Malt
  • 2 lb Munich Malt
  • 8 oz Crystal 80
  • 8 oz Caramunich
  • 1 oz Tettnang (50 min)
  • 1 oz Hallertau (30 min)
  • German Ale yeast

Pale Blonde

Justin's Name
Pale Blonde (recipe)
SG1.0454 (11.3 Brix)
FGTarget 1.010
ABVTarget 6.0%
Brew Date07/20/2014
Brew Time~3 hrs
Rack Date07/28/2014
Bottle DateTarget 09/13/2014
Ready DateTarget 09/30/2014
Brew NotesBrewed in parallel with the Oktoberfest Collaboration with MKelly. No issues, nothing abnormal.
Taste NotesIn keg, it's a little chloriney, but that is from the bad keg, I think. Overall, there is a slight fruity bitterness on the end, but it's very light. Decent beer, nice and sessionable with a good belgian yeasty tang to it.
Ingredients
  • 7 lb Pilsner LME
  • 8 oz Carapils
  • 8 oz Vienna
  • 8 oz Caramel 10L
  • 0.5 oz Centennials (55 min)
  • 0.25 oz Centennials (35)
  • 0.25 oz Cascades (20)
  • 0.25 oz Cascades (5)
  • Trappist Ale yeast

Cream Hampton (MKelly Collaboration Brew)

Name
Cream Hampton (recipe)
SG1.042
FG1.002
ABV5.6%
Brew Date07/04/2014
Brew Time~5 hrs
Rack Date07/28/2014
Bottle Date08/17/2014
Ready Date08/29/2014
Brew NotesJoint with Brunelle Brewery with JFB brewing. Strike water 3.375 gallons at 164°F. Mash water 5.5 gallons at 176°F with a 75 minute mash due to Bulia/Sawyer. US-05 yeast. JFB made a starter for the US-05.
Taste NotesRave reviews from the tailgaters, even though we likely jinxed the team. Lightly cloudy from the flaked corn, light flavor, like a super flavorful adjunct. Mission Accomplished. Great beer that I would consider doing again for summer.
Ingredients
  • 6 lbs 2-row
  • 2 lbs flaked corn
  • 26 oz minute rice
  • 1 oz crystal (60)
  • 1 oz williamette (60)
  • S-05

Crazy Train Steam Beer

Justin's Name
Crazy Train Steam Beer (recipe)
SG1.042 (10.5 Brix)
FGTarget 1.010
ABVTarget 5.3%
Brew Date06/29/2014
Brew Time~3 hrs
Rack Date07/11/2014
Bottle DateTarget 09/13/2014
Ready DateTarget 09/30/2014
Brew NotesWill be fermented with American Lager Yeast at Ale Temps consistent with steam beer style. BrewTarget says this will be too light for the style, and on the upper end of the spectrum for IBUs at 42.7.

Ended up with a bit larger volume than anticipated (maybe 6.5-7.0 gal?). Also, bottling this guy may end up getting delayed due to wedding things.
Taste NotesThe first batch on tap tasted sour. This may be because of the lines being dirty or filled with old beer. With the rest of the 5 gal still in secondary, I will keg about 2/3 and bottle the other 1/3.
Ingredients
  • 6 lb Gold LME, 1 lb pilsner LME
  • 8 oz Carapils grain
  • 8 oz Caramel 40L grain
  • 1 oz Northern Brewer @ 60 min
  • 1 oz Northern Brewer @ 15 min
  • American Lager Yeast

Virginia Crude (MKelly Collaboration Brew)

Name
Virginia Crude (recipe)
SG1.063
FG1.011
ABV6.8%
Brew Date05/26/2014
Brew Time~5 hrs
Rack Date06/09/2014
Bottle Date06/29/2014
Ready Date07/11/2014
Brew NotesSecond all-grain batch with same caveat as Formel with the stuck sparge. Transferred wort to a secondary vessel, reduced size of hose connecting false bottom with spigot, poured back in and all was well. At sparge time, stuck again. Opened ball valve and poked at it and flow began. Made about 7 gallons pre-boil, which reduced to 4 gallons (!). Topped up and used liquid California Ale Yeast that was re-cultured with a starter via dextrose. Bubbling within 8 hours (probably less). JFB believes this will hit greater than 6.5% ABV, I do not. Winner gets bestowed a $3 or less beer from Bon Vivant. Strike water was about 4.5 Gallons at 155°F prior to getting stuck. Sparge water was about 4-5 Gallons (hooray, no-measure) with temperature at 160°F. Next brew I ought to get the volumes down beforehand instead of relying on software at runtime. Rack to Glass Carboy on June 9th, gravity reading at racking was 1.011. Bottled the reading content with a carb tablet because why not. Washed the yeast from the primary to a vessel for future re-use.
Taste NotesLots of coffee and chocolate bitterness. Very good beer. Pours like motor oil.
Ingredients
  • 10 lbs Pale 2-row
  • 2 lbs roasted barley
  • 2 lbs chocolate
  • 1 lb caramel 150 L
  • 0.67 flaked oats
  • 0.33 oz Magnum (60)
  • 0.5 oz Crystal (315)
  • 1 oz crystal (5)
  • California Ale Yeast

JB's Suffolk Special (2014)

Justin's Name
JB's Suffolk Special (2014) (recipe)
SG1.059 (14 brix)
FGTarget 1.010
ABVTarget 6.5%
Brew Date05/26/2014
Brew Time5.5 hours
Rack Date06/07/2014
Bottle DateTarget 07/11/2014
Ready DateTarget 07/25/2014
Brew Notes8 gallons of yield. 7 gallons of initial infusion mash (173 deg.) and 4.4 gallons of final sparge (191 deg.). Took about 2 more to hit the final total. Also took the extra run-off to use as a yeast starter. Looks like we have gotten this all-grain thing down well enough to not need LME as a backup.
Taste NotesMuch cleaner on the bittering hops up front, but still has all that wonderful citra taste. Massively clear -- I can read the newspaper through it. I think this recipe is here to stay!
Ingredients Changing the ingredients to All-Grain and adding columbus hops to the bittering

  • 15 lb 2-row
  • 5 lb Carapils
  • 1 lb rice hulls
  • 1.5 oz citra, 1 oz columbus @ 60 min
  • 2 oz citra @ 30 min
  • 1 oz citra @ 10 min
  • 1.5 oz citra @ dry hop
  • Washed DFH California Ale Yeast (with a starter of corn sugar and water)

1st TRye (MKelly Collaboration Brew)

Name
1st TRye
SG1.022
FG1.002
ABV~4%
Brew Date05/04/2014
Brew Time~5.5 hrs
Rack Date05/18/2014
Bottle Date06/15/2014
Ready Date07/01/2014
Brew NotesOur first All-Grain brew (60 minute mash), joint with Brunelle Brewery. Mashed at 154°F but was down to 149°F at about half way through. Vorlaufed about a gallon before clearing but realized further clarity meant we should have waited and vorlaufed more. Process went pretty smoothly until the gravity reading, which was way too low. JFB added about a pound of Pilsner LME out of frustation.
Taste NotesVery clean, crisp, hint of rye. Decent beer considering the challenges we had.
Ingredients
  • 7 lbs 2-row
  • 2 lbs rye
  • 1 lb crystal 60L
  • 0.5 lb Munich
  • 0.25 lb victory
  • 0.13 lb chocolate rye
  • 0.5 lb rice hulls
  • 1 oz Cascades (60 min)
  • 0.5 oz Magnum (30 min)
  • 0.5 oz Centennial (10 min)
  • 0.5 oz Cascades (flameout)
  • S-04

Kirby's Pollinated Pale Ale (2014)

Justin's Name
Kirby's Pollinated Pale Ale 2014 (recipe)
OGNot accurately measured
FGNot accurately measured
ABVTarget 5.0%
Brew Date04/19/2014
Brew Time~3 hrs
Rack Date05/04/2014
Bottle Date05/18/2014
Ready Date06/01/2014
Brew NotesNothing special. Tried to use my refractometer to measure the SG, but I don't have it callibrated, yet.
Taste NotesVery close to an english style pale (which is the base recipe) but that means a drier hop flavor and a less interesting beer.
Ingredients Changing the recipe slightly. 1 oz goldings at flame off and 1 oz cascades dry hopped instead of 2 oz dry hopped cascades.
  • 3.3 lb Golden Light LME
  • 3.3 lb Amber LME
  • 8 oz CaraPils grain
  • 8 oz Caramel grain
  • 1 oz Willamette @ 60 min
  • 1 oz Fuggles @ 10 min
  • 1 oz Kent Goldings @ flame off
  • Washed S-04

Big Blue Brew (2014)

Justin's Name
Big Blue Brew (2014) (recipe)
OGNot measured
FGNot measured
ABVTarget: 4.6%
Brew Date04/06/2014
Brew Time~3 hrs
Rack Date04/19/2014
Bottle Date05/09/2014
Ready Date05/23/2014
Brew NotesNothing exciting.
Taste NotesA little worty, slightly sweet, with the vienna malt making the beer kinda dark. Not as impressed this year as I was last year. Will revert to the previous recipe going forward.
Ingredients Recipe generated with BrewTarget. Meets all criteria.
  • 6 lb Pilsner LME
  • 4 oz Munich Malt
  • 16 oz Carapils
  • 1 oz Hallertau at 60 minutes
  • 1 oz Kent Goldings at 10 minutes
  • 0.5 oz Hallertau for Dry Hop (2013 was citras)
  • White Labs WLP029 (German Ale/Kölsch)

Bourbon Barrel Porter

Justin's Name
Bourbon Barrel Porter (1 Gal) (recipe)
OGNot Measured
FGNot Measured
ABVNot Measured
Brew Date03/16/2014
Brew Time~2 hrs
Bottle Date04/05/2014
Ready Date04/19/2014
Brew NotesOvershot the volume -- ended up with 2 gallons instead of 1...
Taste NotesVery smooth, clean, and light. The bourbon version adds fomr boozy sweetness even without the extra booze.
Ingredients
  • 3 lb Golden Light LME
  • 2 oz Roasted Barley
  • 2 oz Chocolate Malt
  • 1 oz Caramel 20L
  • 0.25 oz Golding (60)
  • 0.25 Tettnang (15)
  • Washed English Ale Yeast

Forgot the Malta (2014)

Kit NameHop Scare IPA
Justin's Name
Forgot the Malta (recipe)
OG1.057
FG1.007
ABV6.3%
Brew Date02/15/2014
Brew Time~3.5 hrs (7.5 gal boil)
Rack Date03/01/2014
Bottle Date04/12/2014
Ready Date04/26/2014
Brew NotesWill do a late-malt addition of the DME, just like the name suggests. Also will dry hop during transfer to secondary. Did a full 7.5 gallon boil, which ended up yielding 5.5 gallons of wort.
Taste NotesStill a sweet beer. The grain makes it sweet but there is much more hop flavor and a much cleaner finishing beer this year.
Ingredients Ingredients purchased piecemeal.
  • 6 lb Briess Golden Light LME
  • 2 lb Muntons Light DME (late addition)
  • 1 lb Caravienne Malt
  • Safale S-05
  • 1 oz Magnum (60)
  • 0.5 oz Amarillo (30)
  • 0.5 oz Amarillo (15)
  • 2 oz Cascades (5)
  • 1 oz Cascades (Dry Hop)

Chocolate Milk Stout

Justin's Name
Chocolate Milk Stout (recipe)
OGTarget: 1.050-1.060 (didn't measure test batch)
FGTarget: ~1.020 (didn't measure test batch)
ABVTarget ~4% (didn't measure test batch)
Brew Date01/11/2014
Brew Time~2 hrs
Rack DateN/A
Bottle Date01/25/2014
Ready Date02/08/2014
Brew NotesPours like motor oil. Looks like it, too.
Taste NotesMalty, thick, smooth, and sweet. Everything it should be. Slightly yeasty from primary-only. Very tastey.
Ingredients Starting with a 1 gallon small batch test.

  • Grain:
    • 1 oz Roasted Barley or Dark Crystal
    • 2 oz Chocolate Malt
    • 2 oz Black Patent
  • Malt
    • 1.5 lb Dark LME
  • Hops
    • 0.2 oz German Tettnang (or Cluster) @ 60 minute.
  • 0.25 lb Lactose
  • Recultured English Ale Yeast
  • Reused Grain Bag

Alpha and Omega

Justin's Name
Alpha and Omega (recipe)
OG1.073
FG1.010
ABV8.6%
Brew Date01/04/2014
Brew Time3.5 hours
Rack Date01/17/2014
Bottle Date02/08/2014
Ready Date02/22/2014
Brew NotesTreated water with Campden tablets. Did a hot break to remove nastiness from the water, and did a 90 minute boil to get the best hop utilization. Dry hopping in primary on 01/04 and in secondary on 01/17.

Bottled early since the FG was hit, clarity was good, and the yeast had stopped fermenting -- wanted to make sure the yeast was active enough to carb the bottles. Also washed the yeast (S-04) for my second jar of S-04 yeast in the fridge.
Taste NotesBest beer I've made so far. Rave reviews from everyone. Might have to start this one again to make sure I keep it in stock. Very hoppy -- mix of resin up from with a slight citrus middle. Massive hoppy aroma filled w/ resin and flowers.
IngredientsWill be an Imperial/Double IPA with a 90 minute boil. Will likely do a late-malt addition to maximize hop utilization. 5 lbs up front, 7 at 45 minutes into the boil.
Adapted from a Pliny the Elder clone.
  • Grain: 8 oz Carapils, 6 oz Crystal 10L
  • Malt: 12 lbs Pilsner
  • Hops:
    • 2.5 oz Columbus @ 90
    • 1 oz Chinook @ 90
    • 0.5 oz Columbus @ 45
    • 1 oz Simcoe @ 30
    • 1 oz Centennial @ 2
    • Dry Hop: 1 oz Columbus, 1 oz Simcoe in initial dry hop
    • add 1 oz Centennial dry hop after 1 week for second addition
  • Yeast: Dry Safale US-04
  • Muslin Bag

Fruit Punch IPA

Justin's Name
Fruit Punch IPA (recipe)
OGNot measured
FGNot measured
ABVNot measured
Brew Date12/22/2013
Brew Time1.5 hrs
Bottle Date01/04/2014
Ready Date01/18/2014
Brew NotesStarting with a one-gallon test batch, and a growler-full with strawberry flavoring. No racking planned.
Taste NotesGood aroma, good flavor, probably a little too bitter. This is JB's Suffolk Special in steroids. I think just 2 oz of bittering citras instead of 2.5 would do the trick...

Sweet hopes, pretty bitter, but not overwhelming. Matukas and Nelsons give a great, grapey hop flavor. IBUs sneak up on you a bit over time and complemented with more hop sweetness. Like a more intense Suffolk Special. Not a lot of homebrew flavor. I attribute this to the hot break brew method (used here, but no campden tablets).

Will await review my Mat, Andy, Larry, and June before committing to a full 5 gal batch.
OtherRecipe:
  • 4 oz Pilsen Grain
  • 1.5 lbs Pilsen LME, 0.5 lbs Honey
  • 1 oz Matukas (aroma -- 0.5 oz @ 2 minutes, 0.5 dry hopped)
  • 1 oz citras (bittering -- 60 minute)
  • 1 oz Nelson Sauvin (flavor -- 30 minutes)
  • Re-cultured English Ale Yeast (S-04)


Washed and stored the yeast in a jar in my fridge. Got some hops in it, so may have to use them in an IPA to prevent over hoppiness.

2013

De El Saison

Kit NameAdapted from Lawnmower de Saison
Justin's Name
De El Saison (recipe)
OG1.060
FG1.006
ABV7.3%
Brew Date12/22/2013
Brew Time~3 hrs
Rack Date2014-01-08
Bottle Date2014-03-02
Ready Date2014-03-15
Brew NotesBrewed at Pat's. He treated the water with camden tablets and other minerals. Brewed at max capacity (~5 gal). Also did a heat break in which we heated the wort to a boil, scraped the protein foam off the top, and allow the wort to boil without a boil-over. Used the chiller to bring it down to 75 degrees. Use a spectrometer to estimate the OG. Also learned the art of all-grain boil and force-carbing beer. Learned a bit about yeast, too.
Taste NotesOMG CLOVES. Really good, really smooth, finishes clean, but holy cloves did I over do the cloves on this one. Really should have only done half of an ounce.
Other Ingredients:

Happy Beer-day

Kit NameModeled after a Belgian Tripel
Justin's Name
Happy Beer-day (recipe)
OG1.078
FG1.002
ABV9.6%
Brew Date11/24/2013
Brew Time2.5 hours
Rack Date12/08/2013
Bottle Date06/07/2014
Ready Date07/14/2014
Brew NotesSpices added at 5-minute mark in the boil. Did close to a full 5-gallon boil.
Taste Notes
Other Planning a 3 month secondary time.

Custom Ingredients List:
  • Grain: 8 oz Aromatic; 8 oz Cara 20
    • Homebrew doesn't give you the mixtures separately, so they were pre-mixed in a 2 lb bag. I mixed these up (hopefully enough) and estimated the split in half with 1 lb in this batch, leaving another 1 lb mixture for other brews. This is also 4 oz of grain more than the original recipe calls for, but should provide a bit more complexity to the beer.
  • Malt: 4 lbs Extra Light DME, 3.3 lbs Pilsen Light LME, 2 lbs Belgian Candi Sugar
  • Hops: 2 oz Styrian Goldings, 1 oz Willamette
    • 1.5 oz Styrian Goldings at the 60
    • 0.5 oz Goldings with 15 left
    • 0.5 Willamette for last 2 minutes
  • Muslin Bag
  • 1 oz Sweet Orange Peel (last 5 mintues of boil)
  • Yeast: Belgian Trappist #500

Defrosted Winter Warmer

Kit NameHappy Holiday Ale
Justin's Name
Defrosted Winter Warmer (recipe)
OG1.055 @ 90 deg
FG1.010
ABV6.5%
Brew Date11/11/2013
Brew Time2 hrs
Bottle Date01/11/2014
Ready Date01/25/2014
Brew NotesRacked on 11/22/2014. Spices went into the boil with 5 minutes left (this is likely a pattern I'll repeat). Ice added to wort to chill it.
Taste NotesMalty, and holy ginger! Lots of spices, a bit of cardboard flavor on the aftertaste -- this was before the new brew technique was implemented.
Other

Legend-waitforit-ary

Kit NameBig River Brown Ale
Justin's Name
Legend-waitforit-ary Imperial Brown Ale (recipe)
OG1.061
FG1.010
ABV6.9%
Brew Date10/13/2013
Brew Time2 hrs
Bottle Date11/24/2013
Ready Date12/01/2013
Brew NotesRacked 10/27/2013
Taste NotesMalty, not very boozy, and very smooth. Nothing offensive, but nothing to write home about, either. The dads liked it.
OtherBrewing this for my dad & Gerry -- they like the browns more than IPAs. Bumped up the ABV with another 3.3 of LME since this one runs cheap and light.

Victory for Old Dominion

Kit NameCustom Rauchbier Kit
June's Name
Victory for Old Dominion (recipe)
OG1.038@90
FGTarget 1.010
ABVTarget 4.3%
Brew Date10/06/2013
Brew Time2 hrs
Bottle DateTarget 11/06/2013
Ready Date11/16/2013
Brew NotesThis will be June's brewing rodeo. We used the Perle hops as bittering and the Spalt hops as flavor with 25 minutes left in the boil. Everything else seemed to go according to recipe. Racked to secondary on 10/13.
Taste NotesHas a much smokier taste than we anticipated (tasted when racked to secondary). Looks dark like a brown but is really light in taste and has a nice hickory-smoked taste (not like bacon). Carbonated version is much more mellow and less smokey.
Other Ingredients:
I'm thinking full-blown German approach. 50% Smoked grain (they say 20% mix gives slight smokey flavor, and 80% will be like eating fire) and 50% German and a mild, spicy german hop profile. I may not dry-hop, depending on how we want to approach the flavor. I may also swap the perle and spalt hops and use spalt as bittering, but that also depends on what approach we want. The real star of this beer is the smoked grain, and I want to bring that out.

Ginger Beer

Kit NameCustom
Justin's Name
Ginger Beer
OGUnknown
FGUnknown
ABVUnknown
Brew Date09/17/2013
Brew Time1.5 hrs
Bottle Date09/25/2013
Ready Date10/04/2013
Brew NotesGrated the ginger root, and boiled it for about 25 minutes. Then added the 4 lbs of sugar and kept boiling for another 30 minutes. I poured it all through a strainer into the primary with champagne yeast. I added some of this wort to 16 oz flip-top bottles with a little yeast for a non-alcoholic version. The rest of the wort had about another gallon of water added to it and 2/3 of a box of artificial sweetener to keep it sweet after the sugar ferments. Will bottle the alcoholic versions later.
Taste NotesTastes great, but is over carbonated because of the champagne yeast. It mixes all the yeast and sediment up when the bottle is opened. It would be much better if it was brewed with ale yeast...
OtherRecipe:
  • 1.5 lbs of grated ginger root
  • 4 lbs granulated sugar
  • ~1 lemon juice
  • Cadamom and cloves (a few shakes of ground spice)
  • 3 gallons of water
  • Artificial Sweetener
  • Champagne Yeast

Seal Walker

Kit NameCopper Ale
Justin's Name
Seal Walker (recipe)
OG1.044 @ 90 degrees
FG1.010
ABV5.0%
Brew Date09/08/2013
Brew Time2.75 hours
Bottle Date10/17/2013
Ready Date11/01/2013
Brew NotesRecipe called from 0.5 oz of bittering hops. I added the other 0.5 at the 30 minute mark for flavor. Everything else done by the book.

Did a 4.5-gallon boil, added 4 lbs of ice and used the wort chiller to do the rest. It performs nicely until about 100-90 degrees, which takes forever. SOP should be to use the wort chiller to take the wort down to 95 degrees and bring the temp down the rest of the way with ice.
Taste NotesLooks like there may have been an infection in the beer. There was a single fuzzy bubble at the top of the carboy when I bottled. The flavor is a bit overhopped for a copper up front, but the taste is fine until the ending. There is a good bit of penicillin aftertaste coming through on this one.
OtherTransfer to carboy on 09/19/2013 (longer-than-usual primary time to ensure fermenting is done).

JB's Suffolk Special

Kit NameCustom Ingredients
Justin's Name
JB's Suffolk Special (recipe)
OG1.048@85 degrees
FG1.010@70 degrees
ABV5.3%
Brew Date08/17/2013
Brew Time3 hrs
Bottle Date09/25/2013
Ready Date10/09/2013
Brew Notes2 oz of Citras added at the beginning of the boil (60 minutes). 1.5 added at 30 minutes, 1 added at 10 minutes left. 1 left for dry hopping, likely a week before bottling (09/18/2013).
Taste Notes
OtherBrewed a set of custom ingredients:

Big Blue Brew

Kit NameCologne Kolsch
Justin's Name
Big Blue Brew (recipe)
OG1.040 @ 87 degrees F
FG1.008
ABV4.5%
Brew Date07/09/2013
Brew Time3 hrs
Bottle Date08/15/2013
Ready Date08/29/2013
Brew NotesI didn't use an ice bucket for this. I added about 15 lbs of ice (to bring up the yield) and that got the wort from ~200 degrees F to 95 degrees F. I think when the wort chiller is ready, I will still add about 15 lbs of ice and then bring down the temp of the wort the rest of the way with the chiller.

Also, I used Irish moss for this brew since I'd like it to be as light in color as possible.
Taste NotesI really like this beer. It's super light with a tangy, citra scent from the dry hopping. This will be a great tailgate session beer. Clarity is decent (looks really clear for unfiltered) and the head could be better but is still thick enough.
OtherI'm thinking of doing the toothpick with blue food coloring for this -- it's super light in color and will lend itself well to this.

Planning to rack to the carboy on the 07/19/2013, and dry hopping with a half ounce of citras with about 5 days left in the conditioning (purely for aroma).

TD17 IPA

Kit NameGold Dust IPA
Justin's Name
TD17 IPA (recipe)
OG1.052 @ 82 degrees
FG1.002
ABV7.0%
Brew Date06/23/2013
Brew Time2 hrs
Bottle Date08/25/2013
Ready Date09/08/2013
Brew NotesUsed Irish Moss as a clarifying agent, and 3.3 lbs of the Gold LME was added with 15 minutes left in the boil. Otherwise, brewing done by the books.
Taste NotesI'm disappointed with this beer. It is very cloudy (but has a nice sturdy head). It tastes a bit malty, like Forgot the Malta did, but is probably the most bitter beer I've made. It's got a nice hop profile. For the next IPA, I may use El Dorados as the bittering hop again and try to get a cleaner taste out of it. This is a decent beer but less impressive than Sawyer's Bite or the White Lot.
OtherMoved to the carboy on 07/01/2013. Dry hopped 07/19/2013 with 2 oz of El Dorados. As of 08/07/2013, it's still very cloudy. Will be leaving in the carboy for another 2-3 weeks to get it nice and clear.

Just for Kicks Cider

Kit NameSimply Apple
Justin's Name
Just for Kicks Cider
OG1.051
FG1.003
ABV6.5%
Brew Date06/15/2013
Brew Time20 min.
Bottle Date06/26/2013
Ready Date07/10/2013
Brew NotesBought 4 x 1.75L bottles of Simply Apple Juice. I heated it all up to ~100 degrees F, chopped up and added 3 granny smith apples, and added 1 cup of light brown sugar. Poured all of it into the primary.

I then primed a packet of champagne yeast in 2 tbsp of honey and 100 degree water and added that. I also added 2L of warm water to increase the yield.
Taste NotesTasted the Hydrometer reading today. Very boozy and just tastes like sour apples with an aftertaste of "I just took a shot." Hopefully that mellows out.

Update: This is basically apple champagne. It is super bubbly when bottled with the juice, and not very carbonated when only the honey was used. It's got a great flavor with juice, but the honey leaves the cider really tart and even sour. I think I'd use some lactose next time to give it some sweetness.
OtherI chose Simply Apple because it is made without preservatives. This allows the yeast to activate and begin the fermentation. After 12 hours of sitting in the primary, the yeast is active. There is no krausen, but there are a lot of bubbles coming up from the "wort."

I was given the good idea to add some frozen concentrate to the cider at bottle time to keep it sweet and not too sour. I'll probably do this instead of bottling sugar for about half of the bottles and see how it differs from the ones bottled with honey. So, I'll do 50% of the bottles with 1 cup of honey dissolved in 1 cup of water, and 1 cup of frozen apple juice concentrate dissolved in 1 cup of water.

I'm going to make this again with some modifications.

Vanilla Soy Latte

Kit NameOatmeal Stout
Justin's Name
Vanilla Soy Latte
OG1.039 @ 75 degrees
FG1.010
ABV3.8%
Brew Date06/02/2013
Brew Time2 hrs
Bottle Date06/19/2013
Ready Date06/30/2013
Brew NotesWill be brewing this with vanilla beans and adding cold brewed French Vanilla coffee to the primary after the wort cooled, as I've read online.
Taste NotesHydrometer testing just tastes like stale coffee (it's Folgers, so it's also bad coffee). I'm hoping the carbonation takes that tangy edge off.

Update: The taste has mellowed out considerably. However, there is still a slight tangy smell to the beer. If you smell the beer while drinking, it makes it taste sour. The beer tastes fine if you don't inhale deeply.

Update: I think next time I would rack to a secondary for a lengthy mellowing process and use less coffee. Maybe coffee malt instead of actual coffee. There is still a lot of tang in the taste, but it's mellowing out in the bottles, which is why I think it would benefit from a longer conditioning period in the secondary. Mat also mentioned Bad Wagg had a similar iron taste, and the coffee I added really brings out this offensive taste.
OtherI would definitely add the coffee later in the brew process and also rack to secondary during the next effort. However, I don't think we'll be doing this one again.

White Lot White IPA

Kit NameBelgian IPA
Justin's Name
White Lot White IPA (recipe)
OG1.058
FG1.010
ABV7.4%
Brew Date05/19/2013
Brew Time2.5 hours
Bottle Date07/20/2013
Ready Date08/04/2013
Brew NotesNothing abnormal (done by the books), aside from the Trifecta.

Moved to the carboy 05/24/2013.
Taste NotesThis is a great beer. It's a little sweet, has a nice belgian spiciness, and great hop flavor. If you get the yeast sediment into the glass, the belgian spice does a bit to overpower the hops. If it's left in the bottle, you get a much better IPA flavor.
OtherOn 05/31/2013, the airlock has completely stopped bubbling. Took a hydrometer reading and it bottomed out near 1.014. The taste is great, but still a little sweet.

Update: 07/01/2013 -- the clarity has improved greatly since the last time I checked on the carboy.

Sawyer's Bite

Kit NameIsland Hopper IPA
Justin's Name
Sawyer's Bite (recipe)
OG1.026 @ 90 degrees (sounds fishy)
FG1.010
ABV7% (taking this from the kit since the OG was off)
Brew Date05/11/2013
Brew Time2.5 hours
Bottle Date06/18/2013
Ready Date07/02/2013
Brew NotesRecipe calls for 2 oz of hops for dry hopping during the last week of secondary fermintation. I will only use 1 oz for dry hopping -- I used the the other ounce in the brew (0.5 oz at 15 and 30 minutes) to increase bitterness and hop flavor.
Taste Notes Bottled a bit early (2 days) due to calendar issues. I don't think it detracted from the flavor in the least bit. Had a taste of the beer before it went into bottles. It's very bitter and has a GREAT hop flavor and aroma.

The taste is fantastic. The pacific jade hops are awesome, but I think for a custom brew I'd use a different bittering hop and hop the rest with the jades -- the jades are a bit crassier, so when they are used as bittering they give off a weird flavor.
Other Moved to the Better Bottle on 05/17/2013.

Had a massive blow-out in the primary from the house being too hot. It's extremely cloudy, as well. Hopefully the yeast will clean it up.

Kirby's Pollinated Pale Ale

Kit NameBig Ben Pale Ale
Justin's Name
Kirby's Pollinated Pale Ale (recipe)
OG1.046
FG1.010
ABV5.0%
Brew Date04/20/2013
Brew Time3 hours
Bottle Date05/08/2013
Ready Date05/18/2013
Brew Notes My first solo brew process. Brewed in the garage with Kirby helping me monitor the wort, and June gardening, and pollen everywhere. Brewed with the new pot on gas burner (boiled water in the pot for ~1 hour before brewing). Also used solo-cups of ice to help speed up the cooling process. Both of these shortened the total brew time.
Wort is darker in color than I expected.
Moved to the carboy on Friday, 04/26/2013.
Taste NotesVery good beer. It has a clean, hoppy back with some slight malty sweetness up front. Very clean finishing, clarity is good, and has a great balance of hops. The hoppy aroma is fantastic.

The strawberry version also turned out great. It has a bit more sweetness up front, but it's all from strawberry flavoring. The beer still finishes with a mouth full of hops. This is a delightful beer that we will definitely be making again.
Other No blow-out in the primary this time.
I dry-hopped with 2 oz. of cascades after moving to the carboy.
I purchased strawberry extract and will be bottling ~36 beers without the extract and the remaining ~20 beers with strawberry flavor. The strawberry beers were ready quicker than the non-strawberry beers (I suspect due to the additional sugars); the non-strawberry ones could use a few more days to get more bottled.

Forgot the Malta

Kit NameHop Scare IPA
Justin's Name
Forgot the Malta (recipe)
OG1.048
FG1.014
ABV5%
Brew Date03/23/2013
Brew Time5 hours
Bottle Date04/13/2013
Ready DateExpected 05/01/2013
Brew NotesWe forgot to add the dry malt to the wort until the very end. There was also some overflow from the krausen through the air lock. I added 0.25 oz. of Yakima hops and 1 oz of Cascade hops on 3/29. No carboy was used.
Taste NotesVery sweet. The bottling produced little sludge and solids. Taste was malty with a hoppy back. No offensive taste aside from sweetness. Very hoppy aroma from the dry hopping.
Other Update: I let the beer sit in the bottles for another week (until 5/1). The beer is mildly bitter on the finish, and malty up front. The dry-hopped cascades give it a bit of an iron-scent. There is also a LOT of sediment in the bottles. This is likely due to the use of only the primary and the blow-out. However, if you pour carefully, the beer has exceptional clarity. The beer is no longer sweet. June isn't a huge fan. The pale should be much cleaner due to the use of the secondary.