Monday, February 20, 2012

Spring Saison


I wanted to brew a saison since the weather is starting to warm, the days are getting longer and spring is on its way. I even have some of my hops starting to sprout. I wanted to keep it simple and light, with a refreshing quality, and possibly throw something in that would make this saison a little different. White Labs has recently made their American Farmhouse Yeast a year round selection. I didn't have a chance to try it last year when it was released as a platinum strain, but I have heard great things about the yeast. what I found most intriguing was that the yeast is said to be a blend of a farmhouse strain and a Brett strain that lends a tartness to the finished beer, supposedly from Lost Abbey. Here is White Labs description of the yeast. When I opened the vial to this yeast is squirted like a geyser and had an amazing pineapple aroma. Needless to say I am excited about this yeast and how it will lend itself to the beer. In addition to a different yeast, I was able to pick up some Sorachi Ace hops as the new crop of hops has finally made its way into the LHBS. These should lend some citrus, lemony type flavor and aroma which should pair amazing well with the yeast. I debated adding some Meyer Lemon zest form my backyard tree, but I wanted to see what the hops and yeast could do on their own

Recipe: 2-Row, Honey Malt, White Wheat. Sorachi @ 60, 20, and 5 minutes, White labs American Farmhouse Ale.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Toasted Oatmeal Stout


The next beer I am going to brew is for St. Paddy's Day. It is a basic oatmeal stout recipe, except I bumped up the amount of oats a little and I am planning on toasting the oats as well. I am also going to grind up a portion of the roasted barley in a coffee grinder and add it to the mash. I hope I get a nice, smooth, roasty, silky, chocolate-like beer.

I'm also planing on splitting this 6 gallon batch post fermentation, where one portion is left as is and the other will get coffee beans.

Ingredients: Marris Otter, chocolate malt, crystal 80, victory, roasted barley, toasted flaked oats. Fuggles @ 60, US 05.