It's that time of year again. I am brewing my first ever pumpkin ale, tweaked of course. My Friend GS (we'll call him) is helping me out on this one. There weren't any fresh local pumpkins available yet so I had to use canned organic pumpkin. I also used conventional pumpkin spice mix from our local co-op, City Market. The recipe I started with was "Brewing Classic Styles" Pumpkin Ale, but I tweaked it a little bit. I am kind of nervous about that, but I figured since I tweaked my first beer it will be okay. Instead of the adding 2lbs of Pumpkin and 4 teaspoons of pumpkin spice. I reversed it to 4lbs of pumpkin to 2 teaspoons of Pumpkin spice (*side note...I think the additional sugar from the pumpkin messed with the ABV, cause it was certainly a high alcohol beer). This combination should provide for an interesting flavor, plus a 1/2 cup of Vermont Maple Syrup should be delicious. I also added an extra 1oz. of Mt. Hood hops at 30min in the boil. I have written down the recipe below. I hope you give it a try and enjoy it!
Brewing Recipe & Hop Schedule:
Malts (Extract and Speciality Grains)
- 7.75lbs of XL Malt Extract
- 1/2lb of Aromatic (20L)
- 1/2lb of Crystal (40L)
- 1/2lb of Crystal (120L)
- 1/4lb of Special Roast (50L)
Hops & Schedule (Pellet Form)
- 1oz. of Kents Goldings at 60min
- 1oz. of Mt. Hood at 30min
Extras:
- Four 15oz. canned organic pumpkin
- 1/2 cup of Vermont Pure Maple Syrup (Grade A)
- 2 teaspoons of Pumpkin Spice
Yeast:
- One package of Wyeast 1968 London ESB
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11/4/2013:
After quite awhile in the conditioning stage I've been able to sample some of my brews. It seems I've added too much priming sugar. Lesson learned, but some people have enjoyed it, but I think its a bit "champagne-y". Still a delicious tasting beer with wonderful maple notes. Not a whole lot on the spice front, but that's what I expected.
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12/2/2013:
Maple Pumpkin has continued to bother me. Disappointed with the beer as a whole. I'll need to focus my efforts next year and really dial in the beer to my preferences.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Monday, August 5, 2013
Cale Ale (American Pale Ale)
Big day today! I went to the Winooski Home Brew Supply Store to buy a couple things to make hard cider. Next thing you know I am walking out of the store with a 5 gallon home brew kit. I'm not sure if it was the coffee or just a "good feeling day", but it just seemed right. I decided to start a nice and easy brew called Sierra Pale-ish. I seems to be a good crisp and clean beer for my first brew day. I couldn't be more excited and I hope it comes out tasty. I can already tell I might tweak it a little to make it my own. I have put down the recipe below. I hope you enjoy.
Brewing Recipe & Hop Schedule:
Speciality Grains:
- 1 3/4lbs Caramalt (10L, UK)
- 1/4lb Crystal Malt (60L, UK)
Malt Extract:
- 6lbs XL Malt Extract
Hops Schedule (Pellet Form)
- 1oz. of Chinook (10% AAU) at 60mins
- 1oz. of Perle (8% AAU) at 30mins
- 1oz of Cascade (6% AAU) at 2mins
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*After brewing:
The brewing process went very well. I'm currently waiting for it to chill so I can add the yeast. It's going to be tough since I can't left anything (note - I have surgery on 7/23/13 and the recovery time is 6-8 weeks). I am waiting for my roommates to get home so they can help me. Once it cools I can add the yeast and put it in the fermenter.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
#4 McNeill's Brewing Pullman's Porter
McNeill's Brewing | Brattleboro, VT
American Porter | 5.50%
This was a new one for me. I haven't had any of McNeill's brews before, and stepping out on a limb and tackling a porter was a big step. I've been trying to expand my palette and experience the better side of the darker beers. Thanks to McNeill's for crafting such a unique beer. It wasn't my favorite and I probably wouldn't buy it again. Although if I was gifted a nice 22oz bottle I would never complain.
The appearance was a rich, deep and dark-amber, as close to black as it could be. It poured nicely into a tulip glass and hand a good solid head that lasted throughout the drinking.
The smell was dominated by a roasted hop and malt smell with subtle soft hints of chocolate, coffee & honey.
It tasted rich of honey with a surprising hop finish, although the coffee and chocolate didn't carry over from the nose it didn't loose any points on taste for that reason.
The mouthfeel was a bit light for a porter, seemed to be more along the lines of a black IPA, but I'm not complaining.
Thanks to McNeill's for crafting this special Vermont porter. I would certainly recommend anyone traveling in the southern Vermont area to stop by their pub and brewery to grab a drink.
Cheers,
TVBG
American Porter | 5.50%
This was a new one for me. I haven't had any of McNeill's brews before, and stepping out on a limb and tackling a porter was a big step. I've been trying to expand my palette and experience the better side of the darker beers. Thanks to McNeill's for crafting such a unique beer. It wasn't my favorite and I probably wouldn't buy it again. Although if I was gifted a nice 22oz bottle I would never complain.
The appearance was a rich, deep and dark-amber, as close to black as it could be. It poured nicely into a tulip glass and hand a good solid head that lasted throughout the drinking.
The smell was dominated by a roasted hop and malt smell with subtle soft hints of chocolate, coffee & honey.
It tasted rich of honey with a surprising hop finish, although the coffee and chocolate didn't carry over from the nose it didn't loose any points on taste for that reason.
The mouthfeel was a bit light for a porter, seemed to be more along the lines of a black IPA, but I'm not complaining.
Thanks to McNeill's for crafting this special Vermont porter. I would certainly recommend anyone traveling in the southern Vermont area to stop by their pub and brewery to grab a drink.
Cheers,
TVBG
Friday, July 26, 2013
#3. Foley Brothers India Pale Ale
Foley Brothers Brewing | Brandon, VT
India Pale Ale | 7.0% ABV
I picked up this brew in a 22oz. bomber at Winooski Beverage in Winooski, Vermont. I poured the IPA into my 16oz. tulip glass.
I had high hopes on this beer because their Ginger Wheat beer has done so well on the forums. Unfortunately I wasn't as impressed with the IPA as with the Ginger Wheat. The appearance was a hazy pumpkin orange with moderate head. The nose picked up little hop, but mostly bread and malty notes. The taste also wasn't quite there for me. It mostly reminded me of switchback with a tiny bit of hop. I was most disappointed in the overwhelming bread yeast notes. It haunted me throughout the beer.
Final thoughts: I want to like the Foley Brothers IPA, but I just wasn't having it this round. They are a local company with all Vermont grown hops (according to their bottle) and a good variety of beer options. Maybe the IPA wasn't for me. I've had their Ginger Wheat on multiple occasions and I love it. I have a 22oz. bottle in the fridge (I'll review it soon). Try their beer if you are form Vermont. It won't hurt you! Maybe you'll like it. Let me know your thoughts.
Cheers,
TVBG
India Pale Ale | 7.0% ABV
I picked up this brew in a 22oz. bomber at Winooski Beverage in Winooski, Vermont. I poured the IPA into my 16oz. tulip glass.
I had high hopes on this beer because their Ginger Wheat beer has done so well on the forums. Unfortunately I wasn't as impressed with the IPA as with the Ginger Wheat. The appearance was a hazy pumpkin orange with moderate head. The nose picked up little hop, but mostly bread and malty notes. The taste also wasn't quite there for me. It mostly reminded me of switchback with a tiny bit of hop. I was most disappointed in the overwhelming bread yeast notes. It haunted me throughout the beer.
Final thoughts: I want to like the Foley Brothers IPA, but I just wasn't having it this round. They are a local company with all Vermont grown hops (according to their bottle) and a good variety of beer options. Maybe the IPA wasn't for me. I've had their Ginger Wheat on multiple occasions and I love it. I have a 22oz. bottle in the fridge (I'll review it soon). Try their beer if you are form Vermont. It won't hurt you! Maybe you'll like it. Let me know your thoughts.
Cheers,
TVBG
Sunday, July 21, 2013
#2. Rock Art Ridge Runner
Rock Art Brewery | Morrisville, VT
English Barleywine | 7.20% ABV
Rock Art, some of Vermont's most interesting craft beers, in my opinion. The ridge runner tends to lean on the safer side of Rock Art beers and seems to be one of their more popular picks. I was able to enjoy this beer on tap at the Ice House restaurant in Burlington, VT.
Considered a Barleywine, the Ridge Runner is a bold, rich and dark brown beer that is sure to leave you full a full belly. Personally, I think it lacks the character of a traditional barleywine in terms of it's boldness. Although the beer is a thick dark brown color with a barley and hop tones forming to create a pleasant mouthful, I think it is missing the high alcohol "punch" delivered by many of its competitors.
Final thoughts: I don't think I would order this beer again, unless it was the only Vermont beer on the menu. Although it was satisfying and unique, I think it just lacked the experience I was hoping for. I would recommend this beer to anyone who hasn't tried it and would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Cheers,
TVBG
English Barleywine | 7.20% ABV
Rock Art, some of Vermont's most interesting craft beers, in my opinion. The ridge runner tends to lean on the safer side of Rock Art beers and seems to be one of their more popular picks. I was able to enjoy this beer on tap at the Ice House restaurant in Burlington, VT.
Considered a Barleywine, the Ridge Runner is a bold, rich and dark brown beer that is sure to leave you full a full belly. Personally, I think it lacks the character of a traditional barleywine in terms of it's boldness. Although the beer is a thick dark brown color with a barley and hop tones forming to create a pleasant mouthful, I think it is missing the high alcohol "punch" delivered by many of its competitors.
Final thoughts: I don't think I would order this beer again, unless it was the only Vermont beer on the menu. Although it was satisfying and unique, I think it just lacked the experience I was hoping for. I would recommend this beer to anyone who hasn't tried it and would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Cheers,
TVBG
#1. Wolaver's India Pale Ale
Otter Creek Brewing | Middlebury, VT
India Pale Ale | 6.50% ABV
Poured into a Tulip glass from a 12oz. bottle.
The Wolaver's organic IPA was certainly a beer to try. At first glance it seemed to fall right into line with most IPA's, but then there was something else. I'm not sure if it's due to the fact that I am a Localvore and I eat a mostly local & organic diet, but this IPA was something special (maybe even beyond it's organic labeling). I wouldn't say it was even close to the caliber of some of Vermont's best, but it had a nice crisp hop finish that really pleased my palette. Sometimes IPA's can be a little rough on my belly, but this IPA was easy to drink and filled my mouth with lush citrus tones a even a delicate spice on the finish. This beer would be one I could drink all day hanging on the porch, by the pool or even on the golf course.
Well done Otter Creek & Wolaver's I will certainly be back to sip on some more of your ales, but I'm off to conqueror some more of Vermont' finest ales!
Cheers,
TVBG
India Pale Ale | 6.50% ABV
Poured into a Tulip glass from a 12oz. bottle.
The Wolaver's organic IPA was certainly a beer to try. At first glance it seemed to fall right into line with most IPA's, but then there was something else. I'm not sure if it's due to the fact that I am a Localvore and I eat a mostly local & organic diet, but this IPA was something special (maybe even beyond it's organic labeling). I wouldn't say it was even close to the caliber of some of Vermont's best, but it had a nice crisp hop finish that really pleased my palette. Sometimes IPA's can be a little rough on my belly, but this IPA was easy to drink and filled my mouth with lush citrus tones a even a delicate spice on the finish. This beer would be one I could drink all day hanging on the porch, by the pool or even on the golf course.
Well done Otter Creek & Wolaver's I will certainly be back to sip on some more of your ales, but I'm off to conqueror some more of Vermont' finest ales!
Cheers,
TVBG
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