Last week, I came across a great deal on a sack of malt. Adelbert’s, a local brewery producing a range of traditional and not-so-traditional Belgian ales, recently overstocked on Czech floor-malted pilsner malt, and offered the extra sacks at cost, about 40 bucks, to the homebrewing public. This came as exciting news as I am … Continue reading
In an apartment or kitchen setting, sourcing and moving water throughout the brewing process is not an easy task. Water is key to the brewing process, not only for the beer itself (mash, boil, etc.), but also for chilling and cleaning. Indeed, for my homebrewing setup, I have to source and move 25 gallons of … Continue reading
Every September, when Fall seasonal beers start rolling out, I get a mean craving for German lager in all forms. Typically, having not planned accordingly, I start an Oktoberfest too late, and end up buying some commercial brews to satisfy myself while awaiting my homebrew. This year, I am planning ahead, making a long list … Continue reading
Two years running, I’ve made a point of brewing on the summer and winter solstices. Beginning in 2012, I started this tradition by brewing on the eve of the Mayan Apocalypse, a strong ale/winter warmer of sorts, to ease the coming abyss. Although the apocalypse doesn’t seem to have come, I’ve continued brewing big beers … Continue reading
In my apartment, I like to maintain a well-stocked brewery, keeping several varieties of base malt, malt extract, and specialty grain on hand. Also, I like to buy malt in bulk to save money when I can. However, storing malt in an apartment can be tricky business as limited space is available. Additionally, when brewing … Continue reading
After 3 weeks of fermentation and 5 days of dry hopping, the Farmhouse IPA is finished. Inspired by Michael Tonsmeire of the Mad Fermentationist blog, the Hoppy Saison is mostly a traditional saison, but with loads of Saaz, totalling 4 oz in late and dry hop additions. The yeast was saved from the primary fermentation of … Continue reading
One month since brew day, the Falconer’s Flight APA, an American-style pale ale using Falconer’s Flight hop blend, has finished fermentation, kegged, and is tasting nice. This APA came out great, with the late hopping of the Falconer’s Flight really pronounced. A review and recipe below. Cheers and happy brewing! Review Pouring into a tulip … Continue reading
A few weeks ago, I brewed a French saison, a nice choice for the spring/summertime. However, I won’t be tasting it anytime soon. That’s because it’s souring in a barrel. A barrel in my apartment? Thankfully, no. This brew was part of a collaboration between my homebrew club, the Austin Zealots, and Jester King, a … Continue reading
Summer has arrived in Texas, and thankfully the end of academic year craziness is slowing. That means time to brew! The saison I brewed in April finished fermenting and is stored somewhere special. To give a hint: don’t expect tasting notes anytime soon, perhaps next year, although do expect a blog post very soon on … Continue reading
Six weeks since brew day, the Passion Fruit American Wheat, an American-style wheat beer brewed with passion fruit, is finished and tasting great. It’s very refreshing, and just in time, since 90+ degree weather has hit Texas. A review and recipe below. Cheers, and happy brewing! Review Pouring into a tulip glass, the Passion Fruit American … Continue reading
The Apartment Homebrewer 