Blackberry Pale Ale

The primary fermentation is complete and I racked this ale into another carboy for conditioning. The ABV is currently at 5.14%, pretty close to my target. I will say that although it has a definite reddish look to it there isn't a lot of blackberry flavor. In fact there's a slight bitterness to it that makes me think of grapefruit. It should still be a fine beer in a couple of weeks.

Rat vs. Rat

Bad Rat


Good Rat

With Joy, Sometimes Sadness

I remember well the 7-Hop IPA as it was steeping, boiling and coming to life. What excitement as the yeast ate away at the sugars as it created alcohol. The tastings before it was finished and then the big day when it was cold and carbonated. But alas, today it is with much sadness that I bid adieu to my 7-Hop. Relegated now to the Nut Brown and Altbier I ponder my next IPA. Perhaps an Imperial? We'll see. But one things for sure. An IPA it will be!

Those Crazy Scots!

Check this out. It gives a whole new meaning to Good Rats. Or in this case, Good Rodent.

Okay, only me (Mr. Good Rat) and Mrs. Good Rat tonight but oh what a night. Awsome. A little chilly with the wind so I fired up the heater. BBQ chicken and corn on the cob and no, I had none of my brews because I'm saving them for the deck party, but Mike's Mango and a little Laphroaig and some Jimmy Buffett. Who could ask for more?

Brewing With Friends

Good Rat Todd and our friend Brad from Vancouver came over yesterday to watch me brew a batch of Nutty Brown Rat. They're hoping to start their own home brewing and wanted to learn from my mistakes. Before we could start the batch I led them to the tasting room where they were shown taps and instructed to have it. With the caveat that the Altbier needed to lager for a couple of weeks before it was truly ready to drink. That didn't slow them down since they not only tapped into the IPA but dived into the Altbier was well. I think they liked both. I can hardly wait for the Altbier to finish up.

What a beautiful day it was for brewing. We sat out on the deck and I burned some burgers for us during the brew process. The new Nut Brown will be a nice addition to the other two I have on tap. Hopefully I can restrain myself so there will be some left for the annual deck party.

Nearing A Disaster

Saturday night was somewhat of a wake up call because the IPA keg was empty. Tonight it's the Red Ale. That just leaves the Hefe. I guess a brew day is in my near future.