February 01, 2007
Homebrew
My wife and I had two parties to attend last Saturday night. A good old-fashioned doubleheader. In my baseball days, we used to have a saying the morning of a doubleheader - "It's a good day for two". Well, it was a good night for two.
The first was kids included and was a great time. Some hearty soup, chowder and chili were in the offering. Yum. And the hosts knew what they were doing with brew selection as well. Corn chowder and Gritty's Black Fly Stout was a pairing that worked well for me.
The second, and later gig was across the street at a neighbor's house. And for those of you that don't live somewhere where you socialize in your neighborhood (and actually enjoy doing it, without all of the BS that can come with neighborhoods), please accept my most heartfelt and sincere apologies. There's nothing like being with friends - good food, good drink, good music - and then walking home.
A side note on this gathering - there was live music. Talented musicians, at least two of which could really get it done with a fiddle. It was an absolute treat.
There was a gentleman at this second soiree who had a couple cases of his homebrew. Had it bottled in those big green Grolsch bottles with the flip over cap, and the almost champagne-like explosion when he popped the cap just added to the mystique of what was contained within. He'd made an oatmeal stout. I've only moderately enjoyed oatmeal stouts in the past, the only one's that come to mind are Lake St. George and Samuel Smith's - but this stuff was wonderful. It was awesome, really. He was a great, fun guy - and he crafted a fine brew.
Fred - thank you - it was a pleasure. I will most certainly drink to you the next time I fill a glass.
And for the record, it was apparently stronger than most commercially available brews. That became fairly apparent.
Dick - you said last week to keep Geary's Hampshire away from open flame? Well Saturday night, I felt a little tingly even standing next to the radiators.
Many of my friends are shocked to find that I don't, and never really have, engaged in the art of home brewing. I've got to move toward making that a reality someday.
Any home brewers out there? What's your specialty? How would one get started?
A votre sante,
Scott Dutton
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We've got a home brewer in our house and - it's akin to having a personal chef! The house specialty this season is the "Powderkeg Porter"... as spring gets here, it'll be the bitter. The best advice for getting started is a trip to see Ed at the Hop Shop in Gray on Route 26/100. This guy knows his stuff and can get you on the right path. Cheers!
Posted by
KerryFebruary 3, 2007 12:20 PM
Beer as Mother's Milk: is it common knowledge among beer drinkers that dark ales are recommended for nursing moms? Good to know. Another one for the team.
I love Scott's writing: guyish and neighborly, with a whiff of the erudite. Me, I don't care for beer--never have (other than that one ice-cold swig from hubby's glass on a summer's day--ahh!), but I admire beer label designs. And Scott's blog.
Posted by
MelissaFebruary 4, 2007 02:22 PM
Once a long time ago I saw the old film "Les Miserables", in which the main character puts some bread in a tin can, adds water and a little sugar, and cooks it over a candle for several hours. Voila! Homebrew in a prison cell! Scott, is this a recommended recipe for beginners? I've never attempted the process, nor have I spent any time in jail, but when I saw the movie it seemed like a clever idea...
Posted by
jon in portlandFebruary 6, 2007 01:02 PM
Melissa, I too enjoy Scott's blog....it reminds me of putting on a pair of comfy slippers and sitting by a nice wood fire with a mature beagle. But I need to check you into the boards with the comment about dark beer is good for nursing mothers. Should I assume you are also there with a lit match when a nursing mother is ready to light up an unfiltered Pall Mall?
Posted by
White TailFebruary 6, 2007 02:05 PM
Jon,if I'm not mistaken didn't the character get a shiv to the ribs for that sweet cocktail.
Posted by
White TailFebruary 6, 2007 02:17 PM
Mmmm Oatmeal Stout! Sam'l Smith does make it good, but is expensive.
Homebrewing is for the person who is really looking for a hobby to spend hours and hours on. It is a craft, art in the making, and requires dedication. It is not "convenient". I've done everything from bucket to glass carboy, bottles to gallon "kegs", over-carbonated explosions to flat beer, successful product that is consumed too quickly to failures dumped into the sink. I am simply too lazy to continue, but once bitten by the bug, one will have to follow the path. Drinking another person's wonderful product is the first step down that road.
That being said, it is a delight and a wonder to behold when the yeast finally generates a majority in the carboy and becomes a living thing chasing down sugar molecules and devouring them with a swirling vengeance. Beer is a miracle. We stopped being savages when we stopped to grow barley and hops. Homebrewing is that reconnection to that heritage.
Posted by
DickFebruary 8, 2007 12:21 AM
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