Heretic Evil Twin Clone 2

This recipe requires hop extract, and the only place I've been able to find it is Northern Brewer. Two HopShot vials give you 100 IBUs, so you can focus on the aroma hops. So I went to Northern Brewer to order the ingredients. Turns out, if I add grains, hops and yeast to the order, I can only have it shipped second day UPS for $76! But, if I only get the hop shot, I can get $7.99 flat rate shipping.

So I checked the hop selection at Austin Homebrew Supply, but they didn't have Apollo hops. Thank goodness for Beer, Beer and More Beer! They had Apollo hops, and even though the total was few dollars higher, the shipping is free!

I had good luck the last time I brewed this, but I didn't adjust the water. I can't wait to see how this will turn out!

Heretic Evil Twin 2

Imperial IPA

 

Type: All Grain	Date: 9/19/2014
Batch Size: 6.00 gal	Brewer: Jeff Holt
Boil Size: 7.97 gal	Asst Brewer:
Boil Time: 60 min	Equipment: Jeff's Equipment
Taste Rating(out of 50): 35.0	Brewhouse Efficiency: 60.00
Taste Notes:
Ingredients
Amount Item Type % or IBU 17.00 lb Pale Malt (2 Row) US (2.0 SRM) Grain 94.44 % 0.50 lb Caramel/Crystal Malt - 20L (20.0 SRM) Grain 2.78 % 1.27 oz Columbus (Tomahawk) [14.00 %] (Dry Hop 7 days) Hops - 1.70 oz Apollo [18.00 %] (Dry Hop 3 days) Hops - 0.95 oz Simcoe [13.00 %] (Dry Hop 3 days) Hops - 1.27 oz Cascade [5.50 %] (Dry Hop 7 days) Hops - 1.63 oz Apollo [18.00 %] (0 min) Hops - 1.63 oz Columbus (Tomahawk) [14.00 %] (0 min) Hops - 2.17 oz Cascade [5.50 %] (0 min) Hops - 0.11 oz Hop Extract (Boil 5.0 hours) Misc 0.50 lb Corn Sugar (Dextrose) (0.0 SRM) Sugar 2.78 % 1 Pkgs California Ale (White Labs #WLP001) [Starter 1000 ml] Yeast-Ale
Beer Profile
Est Original Gravity: 1.067 SG	Measured Original Gravity: 1.010 SG
Est Final Gravity: 1.015 SG	Measured Final Gravity: 1.005 SG
Estimated Alcohol by Vol: 6.83 %	Actual Alcohol by Vol: 0.65 %
Bitterness: 0.0 IBU	Calories: 43 cal/pint
Est Color: 5.9 SRM	Color: Color
Mash Profile
Mash Name: Single Infusion, Light Body, Batch Sparge	Total Grain Weight: 17.50 lb
Sparge Water: 4.60 gal	Grain Temperature: 72.0 F
Sparge Temperature: 168.0 F	TunTemperature: 72.0 F
Adjust Temp for Equipment: FALSE	Mash PH: 5.4 PH
Single Infusion, Light Body, Batch Sparge Step Time Name Description Step Temp 75 min Mash In Add 21.88 qt of water at 161.4 F 150.0 F
Mash Notes: Simple single infusion mash for use with most modern well modified grains (about 95% of the time).
Carbonation and Storage
Carbonation Type: Corn Sugar	Volumes of CO2: 2.4
Pressure/Weight: 4.5 oz	Carbonation Used: -
Keg/Bottling Temperature: 60.0 F	Age for: 28.0 days
Storage Temperature: 52.0 F
Notes
Use 10 mL of Hop Shot from Northern Brewer (two syringes) to acheive 100 IBUs dilute my water 90% with distilled, and add 2g CaCO3, 6g gypsum, 1g CaCl2, and 1g epsom salt to the mash
Created with BeerSmith

1900 American Wheat

After doing some research for my Malt and Hops speech, I thought I would try an Pre-Prohibition recipe. I checked Wahl & Henius' American Handy Book of the Brewing, Malting, and Auxiliary Trades. I found a "recipe" for an American wheat (70% pale malt and 30% wheat or grits, I went with wheat), but with little information on the hops used. I found an article by George Fix that said brewers then probably used Saaz or Hallertauer Mittelfruh.  I decided to use Hallertau, not the same, I know, but it's what I could get. I decided on two hop additions, and I increased the hopping rate (see the notes at the bottom of the post).

I'll be brewing this next weekend.

1900 American Weissbier

American Wheat or Rye Beer

 

Type: All Grain	Date: 6/1/2014
Batch Size: 6.00 gal	Brewer: Jeff Holt
Boil Size: 7.97 gal	Asst Brewer:
Boil Time: 60 min	Equipment: Jeff's Equipment
Taste Rating(out of 50): 35.0	Brewhouse Efficiency: 60.00
Taste Notes:
Ingredients
Amount Item Type % or IBU 9.00 lb Pale Malt (2 Row) US (2.0 SRM) Grain 70.59 % 3.75 lb White Wheat Malt (2.4 SRM) Grain 29.41 % 2.00 oz Saaz [4.00 %] (30 min) Hops 19.0 IBU 1.00 oz Saaz [4.00 %] (10 min) Hops 4.5 IBU 1 Pkgs American Wheat Ale (Wyeast Labs #1010) Yeast-Ale
Beer Profile
Est Original Gravity: 1.048 SG	Measured Original Gravity: 1.010 SG
Est Final Gravity: 1.011 SG	Measured Final Gravity: 1.005 SG
Estimated Alcohol by Vol: 4.76 %	Actual Alcohol by Vol: 0.65 %
Bitterness: 23.5 IBU	Calories: 43 cal/pint
Est Color: 4.2 SRM	Color: Color
Mash Profile
Mash Name: Single Infusion, Medium Body, Batch Sparge	Total Grain Weight: 12.75 lb
Sparge Water: 5.52 gal	Grain Temperature: 72.0 F
Sparge Temperature: 168.0 F	TunTemperature: 72.0 F
Adjust Temp for Equipment: FALSE	Mash PH: 5.4 PH
Single Infusion, Medium Body, Batch Sparge Step Time Name Description Step Temp 60 min Mash In Add 15.94 qt of water at 165.9 F 154.0 F
Mash Notes: Simple single infusion mash for use with most modern well modified grains (about 95% of the time).
Carbonation and Storage
Carbonation Type: Corn Sugar	Volumes of CO2: 2.4
Pressure/Weight: 4.5 oz	Carbonation Used: -
Keg/Bottling Temperature: 60.0 F	Age for: 28.0 days
Storage Temperature: 52.0 F
Notes
American Weissbier c. 1900 OG 9.29 Balling - 1.037 (later 10-12 B or 1.039 to 1.047) FG 2.52 Balling - 1.010 2.85% alcohol 30% wheat (or grits) 70% pale malt Step mash 122F, raise to 162 F. Boil 30 minutes, 1/2 to 3/4 pounds hops per barrel Fined like lager beer.
Created with BeerSmith

Saison du Permienne

All my plans for brewing this on April 28 went to Hell. I had to drive my parents to Austin to get their military IDs updated, and didn't get back in time to brew. So I brewed it on May 4.

I really enjoy this beer. I should probably make it more often.

Saison du Permienne

Saison

 

Type: All Grain	Date: 5/4/2014
Batch Size: 6.00 gal	Brewer: Jeff Holt
Boil Size: 8.38 gal	Asst Brewer:
Boil Time: 90 min	Equipment: Jeff's Equipment
Taste Rating(out of 50): 35.0	Brewhouse Efficiency: 60.00
Taste Notes:
Ingredients
Amount Item Type % or IBU 8.50 lb Pilsner (2 Row) Bel (2.0 SRM) Grain 71.43 % 1.00 lb Wheat Malt, Bel (2.0 SRM) Grain 8.40 % 2.00 oz Saaz [3.30 %] (90 min) Hops 21.3 IBU 1.00 oz Saaz [3.30 %] (10 min) Hops 3.6 IBU 0.60 gm Powdered Ginger (Boil 5.0 min) Misc 4.60 gm Coriander Seed (Boil 5.0 min) Misc 4.60 gm grapefruit peel (Boil 5.0 min) Misc 2.40 lb Corn Sugar (Dextrose) (0.0 SRM) Sugar 20.17 % 1 Pkgs AHS Classic Saison Yeast Blend (White Labs #WLP560) [Starter 500 ml] Yeast-Ale
Beer Profile
Est Original Gravity: 1.053 SG	Measured Original Gravity: 1.010 SG
Est Final Gravity: 1.014 SG	Measured Final Gravity: 1.005 SG
Estimated Alcohol by Vol: 5.11 %	Actual Alcohol by Vol: 0.65 %
Bitterness: 24.9 IBU	Calories: 43 cal/pint
Est Color: 3.3 SRM	Color: Color
Mash Profile
Mash Name: Single Infusion, Light Body, Batch Sparge	Total Grain Weight: 9.50 lb
Sparge Water: 6.55 gal	Grain Temperature: 72.0 F
Sparge Temperature: 168.0 F	TunTemperature: 72.0 F
Adjust Temp for Equipment: FALSE	Mash PH: 5.4 PH
Single Infusion, Light Body, Batch Sparge Step Time Name Description Step Temp 75 min Mash In Add 11.88 qt of water at 161.4 F 150.0 F
Mash Notes: Simple single infusion mash for use with most modern well modified grains (about 95% of the time).
Carbonation and Storage
Carbonation Type: Kegged (Corn Sugar)	Volumes of CO2: 2.4
Pressure/Weight: 2.3 oz	Carbonation Used: -
Keg/Bottling Temperature: 60.0 F	Age for: 28.0 days
Storage Temperature: 52.0 F
Notes
Created with BeerSmith

Dirktastic 5

With all this water knowledge under my belt, it's time to put it to use. Today, I am going to brew Dirktastic.

Dirktastic5

American Pale Ale

 

Type: All Grain	Date: 4/20/2014
Batch Size: 6.00 gal	Brewer:
Boil Size: 7.97 gal	Asst Brewer:
Boil Time: 60 min	Equipment: Brew Pot (15 Gal) and Igloo/Gott Cooler (10 Gal)
Taste Rating(out of 50): 35.0	Brewhouse Efficiency: 60.00
Taste Notes:
Ingredients
Amount Item Type % or IBU 10.80 lb Pale Malt (2 Row) US (2.0 SRM) Grain 61.52 % 4.20 lb Pilsner (2 Row) UK (1.0 SRM) Grain 23.92 % 1.36 lb Cara-Pils/Dextrine (2.0 SRM) Grain 7.72 % 0.60 lb Caramel/Crystal Malt - 40L (40.0 SRM) Grain 3.42 % 0.60 lb Wheat, Flaked (1.6 SRM) Grain 3.42 % 0.88 oz Centennial [7.70 %] (Dry Hop 3 days) Hops - 0.30 oz Warrior [16.00 %] (60 min) Hops 13.3 IBU 0.30 oz Chinook [12.20 %] (60 min) (First Wort Hop) Hops 11.2 IBU 0.60 oz Columbus (Tomahawk) [14.00 %] (Dry Hop 3 days) Hops - 0.60 oz Simcoe [11.90 %] (Dry Hop 3 days) Hops - 0.30 oz Simcoe [12.00 %] (20 min) Hops 6.0 IBU 1.22 oz Columbus (Tomahawk) [12.20 %] (10 min) Hops 14.7 IBU 0.61 oz Northern Brewer [5.70 %] (10 min) Hops 3.4 IBU 0.41 oz Centennial [7.70 %] (1 min) Hops 0.4 IBU 0.30 oz Simcoe [11.90 %] (1 min) Hops 0.4 IBU 1.20 oz Cascade [5.50 %] (0 min) Hops - 0.60 tsp Gelatin (Secondary 5.0 hours) Misc 1 Pkgs California Ale (White Labs #WLP001) [Starter 1000 ml] Yeast-Ale
Beer Profile
Est Original Gravity: 1.063 SG	Measured Original Gravity: 1.010 SG
Est Final Gravity: 1.014 SG	Measured Final Gravity: 1.005 SG
Estimated Alcohol by Vol: 6.38 %	Actual Alcohol by Vol: 0.65 %
Bitterness: 49.5 IBU	Calories: 43 cal/pint
Est Color: 6.7 SRM	Color: Color
Mash Profile
Mash Name: Single Infusion, Medium Body, Batch Sparge	Total Grain Weight: 17.56 lb
Sparge Water: 5.39 gal	Grain Temperature: 72.0 F
Sparge Temperature: 168.0 F	TunTemperature: 72.0 F
Adjust Temp for Equipment: FALSE	Mash PH: 5.4 PH
Single Infusion, Medium Body, Batch Sparge Step Time Name Description Step Temp 60 min Mash In Add 21.95 qt of water at 165.9 F 154.0 F
Mash Notes: Simple single infusion mash for use with most modern well modified grains (about 95% of the time).
Carbonation and Storage
Carbonation Type: Kegged (Forced CO2)	Volumes of CO2: 2.4
Pressure/Weight: 21.6 PSI	Carbonation Used: -
Keg/Bottling Temperature: 60.0 F	Age for: 28.0 days
Storage Temperature: 52.0 F
Notes
Add the hops loose when the airlock appears to stop bubbling. Added hops Wednesday night (2/18) about 8:15 pm.
Created with BeerSmith

CYBI Terrapin Wake N Bake

Satan has a habit of making the same three beers over and over. So I sent him this recipe for him to make for me. In typical Satan fashion he ignored the recipe and came up with something he called Voodoo Ink. Since I can't depend on Satan (I can't wait to see what this line will do in a Google search), I went ahead and brewed it myself.

CYBI Wake N Bake

Imperial Stout

 

Type: All Grain	Date: 4/7/2014
Batch Size: 6.00 gal	Brewer: Jeff Holt
Boil Size: 7.97 gal	Asst Brewer:
Boil Time: 60 min	Equipment: Jeff's Equipment
Taste Rating(out of 50): 35.0	Brewhouse Efficiency: 60.00
Taste Notes:
Ingredients
Amount Item Type % or IBU 17.50 lb Pale Malt (2 Row) US (2.0 SRM) Grain 72.71 % 2.04 lb Caramel/Crystal Malt - 80L (80.0 SRM) Grain 8.48 % 1.53 lb Barley, Flaked (1.7 SRM) Grain 6.35 % 1.53 lb Oats, Flaked (1.0 SRM) Grain 6.35 % 0.74 lb Chocolate Malt (450.0 SRM) Grain 3.05 % 0.74 lb Roasted Barley (300.0 SRM) Grain 3.05 % 0.74 oz Chinook [13.00 %] (60 min) Hops 22.0 IBU 0.50 oz Nugget [13.00 %] (30 min) Hops 11.4 IBU 1 Pkgs California Ale V (White Labs #WLP051) [Starter 500 ml] Yeast-Ale
Beer Profile
Est Original Gravity: 1.085 SG	Measured Original Gravity: 1.080 SG
Est Final Gravity: 1.022 SG	Measured Final Gravity: 1.005 SG
Estimated Alcohol by Vol: 8.29 %	Actual Alcohol by Vol: 9.82 %
Bitterness: 33.5 IBU	Calories: 358 cal/pint
Est Color: 41.1 SRM	Color: Color
Mash Profile
Mash Name: Single Infusion, Medium Body, Batch Sparge	Total Grain Weight: 24.07 lb
Sparge Water: 3.34 gal	Grain Temperature: 72.0 F
Sparge Temperature: 168.0 F	TunTemperature: 72.0 F
Adjust Temp for Equipment: FALSE	Mash PH: 5.4 PH
Single Infusion, Medium Body, Batch Sparge Step Time Name Description Step Temp 60 min Mash In Add 30.09 qt of water at 165.9 F 154.0 F
Mash Notes: Simple single infusion mash for use with most modern well modified grains (about 95% of the time).
Carbonation and Storage
Carbonation Type: Corn Sugar	Volumes of CO2: 2.4
Pressure/Weight: 4.5 oz	Carbonation Used: -
Keg/Bottling Temperature: 60.0 F	Age for: 28.0 days
Storage Temperature: 52.0 F
Notes
60% Costa Rican, 20% Guatamalan, and 20% Zimbabwe or blend from Jittery Joe's [Suggested to Satan: You can soak 4 oz oak chips in Makers Mark, strain and add chips to secondary.]
Created with BeerSmith

CYBI Firestone Walker Union Jack

I finally got around to brewing this thing, just as I am running out of home brew.

CYBI Firestone Walker Union Jack

Imperial IPA

 

Type: All Grain	Date: 3/31/2014
Batch Size: 6.00 gal	Brewer: Jeff Holt
Boil Size: 8.38 gal	Asst Brewer:
Boil Time: 90 min	Equipment: Jeff's Equipment
Taste Rating(out of 50): 35.0	Brewhouse Efficiency: 70.00
Taste Notes:
Ingredients
Amount Item Type % or IBU 14.00 lb Pale Malt (2 Row) US (2.0 SRM) Grain 87.17 % 1.00 lb Munich Malt - 10L (10.0 SRM) Grain 6.23 % 0.84 lb Cara-Pils/Dextrine (2.0 SRM) Grain 5.23 % 0.22 lb Simpsons Caramalt (35.0 SRM) Grain 1.37 % 0.50 oz Amarillo Gold [8.50 %] (Dry Hop 7 days) Hops - 1.55 oz Cascade [7.00 %] (Dry Hop 14 days) Hops - 1.55 oz Centennial [10.50 %] (Dry Hop 14 days) Hops - 0.88 oz Warrior [17.00 %] (90 min) Hops 43.3 IBU 0.50 oz Simcoe [13.00 %] (Dry Hop 7 days) Hops - 1.00 oz Cascade [5.50 %] (Dry Hop 7 days) Hops - 0.63 oz Centennial [10.50 %] (30 min) Hops 13.8 IBU 0.63 oz Cascade [7.00 %] (30 min) Hops 9.2 IBU 1.06 oz Centennial [10.00 %] (Dry Hop 7 days) Hops - 1.83 oz Cascade [7.00 %] (0 min) Hops - 1.83 oz Centennial [10.50 %] (0 min) Hops - 1 Pkgs English Ale (White Labs #WLP002) [Starter 1000 ml] Yeast-Ale
Beer Profile
Est Original Gravity: 1.068 SG	Measured Original Gravity: 1.069 SG
Est Final Gravity: 1.022 SG	Measured Final Gravity:  SG
Estimated Alcohol by Vol: 6.00 %	Actual Alcohol by Vol: 0.65 %
Bitterness: 66.2 IBU	Calories: 43 cal/pint
Est Color: 6.2 SRM	Color: Color
Mash Profile
Mash Name: Single Infusion, Light Body, Batch Sparge	Total Grain Weight: 16.06 lb
Sparge Water: 5.29 gal	Grain Temperature: 72.0 F
Sparge Temperature: 168.0 F	TunTemperature: 72.0 F
Adjust Temp for Equipment: FALSE	Mash PH: 5.4 PH
Single Infusion, Light Body, Batch Sparge Step Time Name Description Step Temp 75 min Mash In Add 20.08 qt of water at 161.4 F 150.0 F
Mash Notes: Simple single infusion mash for use with most modern well modified grains (about 95% of the time).
Carbonation and Storage
Carbonation Type: Corn Sugar	Volumes of CO2: 2.4
Pressure/Weight: 4.5 oz	Carbonation Used: -
Keg/Bottling Temperature: 60.0 F	Age for: 28.0 days
Storage Temperature: 52.0 F
Notes
Add the 14 day dry hop to fermenter on day 7. Transfer to secondary and dry hop the 7 day hops.

If I Like Hops So Much, Why Do I Drink So Much Porter?

I left work at 4 pm the other day, and decided to kill a couple of hours at the Fredericksburg Brewing Company. On the menu was their 19th Anniversary Ale, a DIPA with piney, resinous hops. But I chose the Pioneer Porter instead.

For the last few months I have been devouring IPAs and DIPAs like those beers would never be made again. I especially like the ones that have a citrusy flavor, like Firestone Walker Union Jack, or Ballast Point Sculpin IPA.

I also love porters. I like my porter to be more chocolaty and less bitter. Almost the exact opposite of the beers I have been drinking.

Right now, I have a Simcoe dry hopped pale ale on tap, and a Rye Cream Ale, and I find myself craving a stout or porter.

So next on my brew list is the CYBI Terrapin Wake n Bake clone:

CYBI Wake N Bake

Imperial Stout

 

Type: All Grain	Date: 4/7/2014
Batch Size: 6.00 gal	Brewer: Jeff Holt
Boil Size: 7.97 gal	Asst Brewer:
Boil Time: 60 min	Equipment: Jeff's Equipment
Taste Rating(out of 50): 35.0	Brewhouse Efficiency: 60.00
Taste Notes:
Ingredients
Amount Item Type % or IBU 19.00 lb Pale Malt (2 Row) US (2.0 SRM) Grain 77.14 % 1.75 lb Caramel/Crystal Malt - 80L (80.0 SRM) Grain 7.11 % 1.31 lb Barley, Flaked (1.7 SRM) Grain 5.32 % 1.31 lb Oats, Flaked (1.0 SRM) Grain 5.32 % 0.63 lb Chocolate Malt (450.0 SRM) Grain 2.56 % 0.63 lb Roasted Barley (300.0 SRM) Grain 2.56 % 0.74 oz Chinook [13.00 %] (60 min) Hops 21.6 IBU 0.50 oz Nugget [13.00 %] (30 min) Hops 11.2 IBU 1 Pkgs California Ale V (White Labs #WLP051) [Starter 500 ml] Yeast-Ale
Beer Profile
Est Original Gravity: 1.088 SG	Measured Original Gravity: 1.010 SG
Est Final Gravity: 1.023 SG	Measured Final Gravity: 1.005 SG
Estimated Alcohol by Vol: 8.53 %	Actual Alcohol by Vol: 0.65 %
Bitterness: 32.9 IBU	Calories: 43 cal/pint
Est Color: 37.3 SRM	Color: Color
Mash Profile
Mash Name: Single Infusion, Medium Body, Batch Sparge	Total Grain Weight: 24.63 lb
Sparge Water: 3.23 gal	Grain Temperature: 72.0 F
Sparge Temperature: 168.0 F	TunTemperature: 72.0 F
Adjust Temp for Equipment: FALSE	Mash PH: 5.4 PH
Single Infusion, Medium Body, Batch Sparge Step Time Name Description Step Temp 60 min Mash In Add 30.79 qt of water at 165.9 F 154.0 F
Mash Notes: Simple single infusion mash for use with most modern well modified grains (about 95% of the time).
Carbonation and Storage
Carbonation Type: Corn Sugar	Volumes of CO2: 2.4
Pressure/Weight: 4.5 oz	Carbonation Used: -
Keg/Bottling Temperature: 60.0 F	Age for: 28.0 days
Storage Temperature: 52.0 F
Notes
60% Costa Rican, 20% Guatamalan, and 20% Zimbabwe or blend from Jittery Joe's
Created with BeerSmith

Beautiful Brew Day - Bugeater's Rye Cream Ale

Sunday was a balmy day in Paradise, eventually making it up to 80°. It was slightly cooler when I started though, almost 50°.

I was careful this time to make sure the manifold in the color was hooked up. So I stirred in the grains and water and mashed away.

An hour later, I learned that the manifold slipped apart. I was pulling liquid and grains out of the spigot. So I grabbed two strainers, one fine but without a handle (long story--never buy a cheap strainer), and my trusty old brewing strainer. I would strain a gallon of wort and pour it into the kettle. I did this over and over again, until I got close to my target volume.

After that, it was smooth sailing.

Here's the recipe.

Rye Cream Ale 4

Cream Ale

 

Type: All Grain	Date: 2/9/2014
Batch Size: 6.00 gal	Brewer: Jeff Holt
Boil Size: 6.87 gal	Asst Brewer:
Boil Time: 60 min	Equipment: My Equipment
Taste Rating(out of 50): 35.0	Brewhouse Efficiency: 60.00
Taste Notes:
Ingredients
Amount Item Type % or IBU 4.50 lb Pale Malt (2 Row) US (2.0 SRM) Grain 40.91 % 4.50 lb Pilsner (2 Row) Ger (2.0 SRM) Grain 40.91 % 0.80 lb Corn, Flaked (1.3 SRM) Grain 7.27 % 0.80 lb Rye, Flaked (2.0 SRM) Grain 7.27 % 0.40 lb Cara-Pils/Dextrine (2.0 SRM) Grain 3.64 % 1.50 oz Saaz [4.00 %] (60 min) Hops 19.7 IBU 1.00 oz Saaz [4.00 %] (0 min) Hops - 0.50 tsp Yeast Nutrient (Primary 3.0 days) Misc 1 Pkgs Cream Ale Blend (White Labs #WLP080) Yeast-Ale
Beer Profile
Est Original Gravity: 1.040 SG	Measured Original Gravity: 1.049 SG
Est Final Gravity: 1.010 SG	Measured Final Gravity: 1.005 SG
Estimated Alcohol by Vol: 3.97 %	Actual Alcohol by Vol: 5.73 %
Bitterness: 19.7 IBU	Calories: 213 cal/pint
Est Color: 3.6 SRM	Color: Color
Mash Profile
Mash Name: Single Infusion, Medium Body, Batch Sparge	Total Grain Weight: 11.00 lb
Sparge Water: 4.75 gal	Grain Temperature: 72.0 F
Sparge Temperature: 168.0 F	TunTemperature: 72.0 F
Adjust Temp for Equipment: FALSE	Mash PH: 5.4 PH
Single Infusion, Medium Body, Batch Sparge Step Time Name Description Step Temp 60 min Mash In Add 13.75 qt of water at 165.9 F 154.0 F
Mash Notes: Simple single infusion mash for use with most modern well modified grains (about 95% of the time).
Carbonation and Storage
Carbonation Type: Kegged (Forced CO2)	Volumes of CO2: 2.4
Pressure/Weight: 21.6 PSI	Carbonation Used: -
Keg/Bottling Temperature: 60.0 F	Age for: 28.0 days
Storage Temperature: 52.0 F
Notes
Created with BeerSmith

OPA Dry Hop Day

On Sunday I transferred the OPA to secondary and added the dry hops. It's very clear, orange colored, and smells good. It tastes kinda like OPA should, but there's something off, maybe because I forgot to connect the manifold in the mash tun, and had to spoon the grain out to sparge it. I was really afraid it would come out bad. But I am pleasantly surprised.

I will keg it tonight when I get home from work.

Then two weeks in the cooler, then a taste test.

IPA Experiments

I've been brewing a lot of IPAs and APAs in the last few months. In fact, every other batch has been an pale ale of some sort. I love the bright citrus flavors of West Coast IPAs, but have been having trouble replicating that flavor.

When I inquired about the local water, they gave me these values:
Calcium 83 ppm
Magnesium 39 ppm
Sodium 41 ppm
Sulfate 35 ppm
Chloride 81 ppm
CaCO3 364 ppm

I've been trying to wade through Colin Kaminsky and John Palmer's Water: A Comprehensive Guide for Brewers, but it's been such a long time since I took chemistry! I've only gotten halfway through. And I was flipping through Mitch Steele's IPA: Brewing Techniques, Recipes and the Evolution of India Pale Ale, looking at the recipe for  Stone IPA. Their CaCO3 is 100 ppm. (While looking at the recipe for Union Jack, I noticed Firestone Walker was 100 ppb. I wonder if that is a typo?)

Way back when I first brewed Dirktastic, I used 5 gallons of distilled water, and got a really nice grapefruit flavor.

Why not do this with my upcoming OPA? I thought.  BeerSmith tells me I need 9 gallons and some change for brewing. I bought six gallons of distilled water to get my CaCO3 down from 364 ppm to closer to the 100 ppm range.

As long as another arctic front doesn't blow through, I will brew tomorrow. I will keep you posted.

Ranger Creek OPA Clone Attempt

For my last first brew of the year, I brewed Ranger Creek OPA. I've been a fan of this beer since we took the tour of the brewery in 2010. Whenever I stop at the Flying Saucer in San Antonio, I always ask if there is OPA on tap. If there is, I just order three pints, served back to back, and add, "You had me at OPA." Now that it's in bottles, I can make my nephew mule some here every time he comes to visit.

I sent a bottle to a BNArmy brother in the 2013 Secret Santa, and he loved it!

I got the basic recipe from the Ranger Creek website and adjusted it for my system and process. The hop schedule was a little vague, so I used what meager knowledge I have about IPAs and came up with this recipe.

OPA

American Pale Ale

 

Type: All Grain	Date: 12/29/2013
Batch Size: 6.00 gal	Brewer: Jeff Holt
Boil Size: 7.97 gal	Asst Brewer:
Boil Time: 60 min	Equipment: Jeff's Equipment
Taste Rating(out of 50): 35.0	Brewhouse Efficiency: 60.00
Taste Notes:
Ingredients
Amount Item Type % or IBU 12.50 lb Pale Malt (2 Row) US (2.0 SRM) Grain 77.54 % 2.50 lb Oats, Malted (1.0 SRM) Grain 15.51 % 1.12 lb Caramel/Crystal Malt - 60L (60.0 SRM) Grain 6.95 % 0.50 oz Citra [13.00 %] (Dry Hop 4 days) Hops - 0.50 oz Centennial [10.00 %] (60 min) Hops 14.2 IBU 0.50 oz Centennial [10.00 %] (Dry Hop 4 days) Hops - 0.50 oz Citra [13.00 %] (15 min) Hops 9.1 IBU 0.50 oz Centennial [10.00 %] (15 min) Hops 7.0 IBU 1.00 oz Centennial [10.00 %] (1 min) Hops 1.2 IBU 1.00 oz Citra [13.00 %] (1 min) Hops 1.6 IBU 1 Pkgs English Ale (White Labs #WLP002) Yeast-Ale
Beer Profile
Est Original Gravity: 1.058 SG	Measured Original Gravity: 1.010 SG
Est Final Gravity: 1.019 SG	Measured Final Gravity: 1.005 SG
Estimated Alcohol by Vol: 5.17 %	Actual Alcohol by Vol: 0.65 %
Bitterness: 33.2 IBU	Calories: 43 cal/pint
Est Color: 9.9 SRM	Color: Color
Mash Profile
Mash Name: Single Infusion, Light Body, Batch Sparge	Total Grain Weight: 16.12 lb
Sparge Water: 4.87 gal	Grain Temperature: 72.0 F
Sparge Temperature: 168.0 F	TunTemperature: 72.0 F
Adjust Temp for Equipment: FALSE	Mash PH: 5.4 PH
Single Infusion, Light Body, Batch Sparge Step Time Name Description Step Temp 75 min Mash In Add 20.15 qt of water at 161.4 F 150.0 F
Mash Notes: Simple single infusion mash for use with most modern well modified grains (about 95% of the time).
Carbonation and Storage
Carbonation Type: Kegged (Forced CO2)	Volumes of CO2: 2.4
Pressure/Weight: 21.6 PSI	Carbonation Used: -
Keg/Bottling Temperature: 60.0 F	Age for: 28.0 days
Storage Temperature: 52.0 F
Notes
Created with BeerSmith

Dirk's Elixir Wheat Porter

I haven't brewed this in a while, and winter is a good time for a porter.  I ordered the ingredients from Austin Homebrew Supply. Except for the hops. They apparently don't have a single hop in stock. They will all arrive on December 12.  So I ordered the hops from NikoBrew. Hopefully everything will arrive in time for a brew day next Sunday.

Dirk's Elixir Wheat Porter

Baltic Porter

 

Type: All Grain	Date: 12/15/2013
Batch Size: 6.00 gal	Brewer: Jeff Holt
Boil Size: 8.38 gal	Asst Brewer:
Boil Time: 90 min	Equipment: Brew Pot (15 Gal) and Igloo/Gott Cooler (10 Gal)
Taste Rating(out of 50): 35.0	Brewhouse Efficiency: 60.00
Taste Notes:
Ingredients
Amount Item Type % or IBU 7.00 lb Munich Malt (9.0 SRM) Grain 33.33 % 7.00 lb Wheat Malt, Ger (2.0 SRM) Grain 33.33 % 4.50 lb Pale Malt (6 Row) US (2.0 SRM) Grain 21.43 % 1.50 lb Caramel/Crystal Malt - 60L (60.0 SRM) Grain 7.14 % 0.50 lb Carafa I (337.0 SRM) Grain 2.38 % 0.50 lb Oats, Flaked (1.0 SRM) Grain 2.38 % 0.50 oz Northern Brewer [8.50 %] (90 min) Hops 11.5 IBU 0.50 oz Northern Brewer [8.50 %] (10 min) Hops 3.9 IBU 0.50 oz Tettnang [4.50 %] (10 min) Hops 2.1 IBU 1 Pkgs Bedford British Ale (White Labs #WLP006) [Starter 1500 ml] Yeast-Ale
Beer Profile
Est Original Gravity: 1.077 SG	Measured Original Gravity: 1.065 SG
Est Final Gravity: 1.017 SG	Measured Final Gravity: 1.005 SG
Estimated Alcohol by Vol: 7.80 %	Actual Alcohol by Vol: 7.84 %
Bitterness: 17.4 IBU	Calories: 287 cal/pint
Est Color: 24.0 SRM	Color: Color
Mash Profile
Mash Name: Single Infusion, Medium Body, Batch Sparge	Total Grain Weight: 21.00 lb
Sparge Water: 5.14 gal	Grain Temperature: 72.0 F
Sparge Temperature: 168.0 F	TunTemperature: 72.0 F
Adjust Temp for Equipment: TRUE	Mash PH: 5.4 PH
Single Infusion, Medium Body, Batch Sparge Step Time Name Description Step Temp 60 min Mash In Add 26.25 qt of water at 169.4 F 154.0 F
Mash Notes: Simple single infusion mash for use with most modern well modified grains (about 95% of the time).
Carbonation and Storage
Carbonation Type: Kegged (Forced CO2)	Volumes of CO2: 2.4
Pressure/Weight: 21.6 PSI	Carbonation Used: -
Keg/Bottling Temperature: 60.0 F	Age for: 56.0 days
Storage Temperature: 52.0 F
Notes
Created with BeerSmith

Tasty's Session Pale Ale Update

I am a fair weather brewer. By that, I mean that if it rains, I don't brew.

So after a couple of rainy weekends, I FINALLY got around to brewing Tasty's Session Pale Ale on Monday. I got of to a slightly late start. Then I had to switch over to the spare propane tank (I planned ahead this time!). After cleaning everything and pitching the yeast, I noticed it was only 1 pm.

What the. . .?

What did I for get?

The original gravity was supposed to be 1.044 and I got 1.048, so I'll take it as hitting my numbers.

FBC Pioneer Porter Clone vs. FBC Pioneer Porter

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the face off between Fredericksburg Brewing Company's Pioneer Porter, and the clone I made from an old article from BYO Magazine.

On the left is the current title holder, a pint of FBC porter fresh from my growler.

On the right is the contender, my clone attempt!

Let's get ready to rumblllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllle!

FBC Pioneer Porter	Pioneer Porter Clone
APPEARANCE
Dark brown with red highlights and a tan head	Darker brown with red highlights and a small off-white head. (It's undercarbonated, but I couldn't wait!)
Winner: FBC Pioneer Porter
AROMA
Chocolate aroma, hint of roast	Chocolate aroma, hint of roast, but a bit fainter
Tie
TASTE
Medium body, sweet chocolate flavor, roast hardly detectable	Thin body, faint sweet chocolate flavor, roast hardly detectable
Winner: FBC Pioneer Porter

So in a two to one decision: I lose! At least at the end it's still a drinkable beer.

I could add more black patent to color the head, but I'm not sure how to fix the body and flavor issues.

Tasty's Session Pale Ale

Yet another hoppy beer to go into the fridge. This one is supposed to be a sessionable West Coast IPA, and came from Mike "Tasty" McDole. I brewed this on the 17th.

Tasty's Session Pale Ale

American Pale Ale

 

Type: All Grain	Date: 11/17/2013
Batch Size: 6.00 gal	Brewer: Jeff Holt
Boil Size: 8.38 gal	Asst Brewer:
Boil Time: 90 min	Equipment: Jeff's Equipment
Taste Rating(out of 50): 35.0	Brewhouse Efficiency: 60.00
Taste Notes:
Ingredients
Amount Item Type % or IBU 5.50 lb Pale Malt (2 Row) US (2.0 SRM) Grain 45.08 % 2.50 lb Pale Malt (2 Row) UK (3.0 SRM) Grain 20.49 % 1.50 lb Caramel/Crystal Malt - 20L (20.0 SRM) Grain 12.30 % 1.50 lb Pilsner (2 Row) Bel (2.0 SRM) Grain 12.30 % 0.60 lb Cara-Pils/Dextrine (2.0 SRM) Grain 4.92 % 0.60 lb Caramel/Crystal Malt - 40L (40.0 SRM) Grain 4.92 % 1.00 oz Centennial [10.00 %] (Dry Hop 4 days) Hops - 1.50 oz Nugget [13.00 %] (Dry Hop 4 days) Hops - 0.50 oz Chinook [13.00 %] (60 min) Hops 21.1 IBU 1.10 oz Cascade [5.50 %] (20 min) Hops 11.9 IBU 0.75 oz Centennial [10.00 %] (10 min) Hops 8.8 IBU 1 Pkgs California Ale (White Labs #WLP001) Yeast-Ale
Beer Profile
Est Original Gravity: 1.044 SG	Measured Original Gravity: 1.044 SG
Est Final Gravity: 1.010 SG	Measured Final Gravity:  SG
Estimated Alcohol by Vol: 4.39 %	Actual Alcohol by Vol: 0.65 %
Bitterness: 41.8 IBU	Calories: 43 cal/pint
Est Color: 8.6 SRM	Color: Color
Mash Profile
Mash Name: Single Infusion, Full Body, Batch Sparge	Total Grain Weight: 12.20 lb
Sparge Water: 6.03 gal	Grain Temperature: 72.0 F
Sparge Temperature: 168.0 F	TunTemperature: 72.0 F
Adjust Temp for Equipment: FALSE	Mash PH: 5.4 PH
Single Infusion, Full Body, Batch Sparge Step Time Name Description Step Temp 45 min Mash In Add 15.25 qt of water at 170.5 F 158.0 F
Mash Notes: Simple single infusion mash for use with most modern well modified grains (about 95% of the time).
Carbonation and Storage
Carbonation Type: Corn Sugar	Volumes of CO2: 2.4
Pressure/Weight: 4.5 oz	Carbonation Used: -
Keg/Bottling Temperature: 60.0 F	Age for: 28.0 days
Storage Temperature: 52.0 F
Notes
Tasty's notes: The 20 minute hop addition can be moved to flameout with a similar IBU contribution if followed by a 30 minute whirlpool rest. Any other hop regimen can be used that totals 40-50 IBUs.
Created with BeerSmith

FBC Pioneer Porter Clone Kegging Day

I kegged the Pioneer Porter yesterday. Good thing too! Over the weekend, I finished off the Heretic Evil Twin, the barleywine, and the Citra Double IPA. (Don't panic! There were only a couple of pints in each keg.

I've mentioned that one of my favorite beers is Fredericksburg Brewing Company's Pioneer Porter. Unless Hoppy Holidays or The Giant are on tap.  I like the porter because it leans a bit more to the chocolate side of the flavor spectrum, rather than to the roasty side.

As the fermenter was draining, I measured the beer, and it came in at 1.006. Since the OG was 1.057 yielding 6.8% abv. A bit higher than I wanted, but what are you going to do?

Satisfied that I'd recorded everything correctly, I glanced over at the keg. It was overflowing! Shit!

So I grabbed a large bowl and siphoned out a couple of quarts so I could get a lid on it.

How did it taste? Very close to the FBC version. I thought I noticed a bit of roast flavor, but overall I'm saying I cloned it. I followed up with a trip to the brew pub to see how well I did.

FBC Pioneer Porter Clone

My Local is Fredericksburg Brewing Company. My favorite beer is the Pioneer Porter. It's chocolatey and a bit on the sweet side. I think I've had more pints of that than any of their other beers.

A few months ago, I was going through my Brew Your Own magazines, and organizing them.  I rediscovered the Replicator recipe for this beer, and thought I would see how close I could get.

I headed off to Austin Homebrew Supply and started filling in my order. When I got to the Crystal malt, I hit a road block.  They were out of all Crystal malt. I guess that's the perils of being a big, popular vendor.

While I was struggling to figure out who to buy from, I remembered the Cool Brewing fermentation cooler, basically, a large insulated jacket I could put my fermenter in to get a better handle on my fermentation. So I thought, why not buy from one of their vendors? One of them caught my eye: HopTech. When I first started brewing in the late 1990s, they were my home brew shop. At least until I discovered St. Patrick's of Austin, and later Austin Homebrew. I brewed this yesterday, although I used the cooler on the Pliney the Toddler.

FBC Pioneer Porter

Brown Porter

 

Type: All Grain	Date: 10/21/2013
Batch Size: 6.00 gal	Brewer: Jeff Holt
Boil Size: 7.97 gal	Asst Brewer:
Boil Time: 60 min	Equipment: Jeff's Equipment
Taste Rating(out of 50): 35.0	Brewhouse Efficiency: 59.00
Taste Notes:
Ingredients
Amount Item Type % or IBU 12.50 lb Pale Malt (2 Row) US (2.0 SRM) Grain 79.44 % 1.00 lb Carastan (35.0 SRM) Grain 6.36 % 1.00 lb Munich Malt - 10L (10.0 SRM) Grain 6.36 % 0.67 lb Chocolate Malt (350.0 SRM) Grain 4.27 % 0.47 lb Caramel/Crystal Malt -120L (120.0 SRM) Grain 3.01 % 0.09 lb Black Barley (Stout) (500.0 SRM) Grain 0.58 % 0.30 oz Northern Brewer [9.00 %] (60 min) Hops 8.0 IBU 0.61 oz Williamette [5.50 %] (20 min) Hops 5.9 IBU 0.61 oz Goldings, East Kent [5.00 %] (2 min) Hops 0.7 IBU 1 Pkgs California Ale (White Labs #WLP001) Yeast-Ale
Beer Profile
Est Original Gravity: 1.055 SG	Measured Original Gravity: 1.010 SG
Est Final Gravity: 1.012 SG	Measured Final Gravity: 1.005 SG
Estimated Alcohol by Vol: 5.57 %	Actual Alcohol by Vol: 0.65 %
Bitterness: 14.6 IBU	Calories: 43 cal/pint
Est Color: 26.9 SRM	Color: Color
Mash Profile
Mash Name: Single Infusion, Medium Body, Batch Sparge	Total Grain Weight: 15.74 lb
Sparge Water: 4.94 gal	Grain Temperature: 72.0 F
Sparge Temperature: 168.0 F	TunTemperature: 72.0 F
Adjust Temp for Equipment: FALSE	Mash PH: 5.4 PH
Single Infusion, Medium Body, Batch Sparge Step Time Name Description Step Temp 60 min Mash In Add 19.67 qt of water at 165.9 F 154.0 F
Mash Notes: Simple single infusion mash for use with most modern well modified grains (about 95% of the time).
Carbonation and Storage
Carbonation Type: Corn Sugar	Volumes of CO2: 2.4
Pressure/Weight: 4.5 oz	Carbonation Used: -
Keg/Bottling Temperature: 60.0 F	Age for: 28.0 days
Storage Temperature: 52.0 F
Notes
Created with BeerSmith