The Ultimate Compliment

A little while ago, a good friend of mine got engaged. He and his bride to be are getting married sometime in January. He asked me to be a part of the wedding in a somewhat original way. He asked me to make the beer for his reception. I, of course, accepted. What an awesome compliment. I will need to get some more equipment (oh darn) in order to do this right, but he's offering to help me buy some of that, not to mention he's buying the ingredients for the beer. This is so cool. I'm really looking forward to this. I'll be making 2-3 beers and one cider. We're currently discussing types of beer. This should be fun!

Until Next Time,
RHSC

Irish Red Update

I let the Irish Red ferment for about two and a half weeks before transferring it over to the keg. It came out nicely, in my opinion. It has a very deep copper color (a little darker than most reds) and has more roasted character than I would usually associate with a red. It has a great mildly bitter aroma, followed by a smooth texture. It has some great caramel and roasted malt characteristics, without too much of a bitter aftertaste sometimes associated with reds. A few of my friends who tasted it recently really liked it, but didn't think it tasted like an Irish Red. I'd be interested in comparing it to more traditional Irish Reds to see how it stacks up. At any rate, I really like it and would make it again.

OG: 1.064
FG: 1.020
ABV of approximately 6%

Until Next Time,
RHSC

Lemon Wit Update

The Lemon Wit is done. I let it ferment in the primary for seven days before moving it to the keg. I then force carbonated it for about 2-3 days. It turned out really well. It has a somewhat darker than normal amber color for a wheat-style beer, but everything else about it screams Belgian Wit. It has a great citrus aroma upfront followed by a nice smooth, crisp feel. It has a great lemon addition to the flavor, as well as just the right amount of spiciness. This is a great summer beer and is easily the best wheat beer I've ever made. I also really like the lemon flavor; it's something different as almost all wheat beers have an orange flavor accent. I'm very pleased.

OG: 1.043
FG: 1.013
ABV of approximately 4%

Until Next Time,
RHSC