Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving. Please use this time to be with your loved ones and reflect on the simple joys of life.

Elysian - Seattle

Recently I had the opportunity to travel to Seattle. Breaking away from my co-workers for the night, I rode the bus downtown to check out Elysian Brewing Company's Capitol Hill Location. Seattle itself is such a contrast to the Chicago. Rolling hills , streets that actually curve but what stood out most of all was the easy going and friendly nature of the general public. It was a great get away from the often hectic pace I have at home.



















I ordered two sampler's. One with year round brews and the other with seasonal selection. The beers that really spoke to me where the Jasmine IPA and Bete Blanche Tripel. The Jasmine IPA had pleasant jasmine aroma that mingled well with the hops. In mouth and taste it seemed to be more of a wit than an IPA. The Bete Blanche was just a great example of a Tripel. The overall theme I got from every beer I sampled was balance, nothing was loud or out of place. Elysian will definitely be on all my future Seattle itinerary's. On my was out I picked up two bombers of the Perseus Porter and Immortal IPA for the LOW price of $3.00 each! They made the trip back but have been overshadowed by the Oskar Blues cans and Stone bombers that made it into my luggage.

Big Hefeweizen or Imperial Wheat or..

..I don't know what to call it. This is a recipe I developed as a challenge from drinking buddies. They love the 312's and Allagash White's but now are turning to more unique and/or bigger beers. I am adding some organic orange blossom honey at flame-out to ad a hint of orange and bring the ABV past 8%. Keeping the temperature low at first to keep the alcohol as masked as possible. Also no orange zest and coriander, Hoping the yeast will bring the traditional wheat beer flavors. Recipe follows..

OG 1.076
FG 1.013
ABV 8.5%
IBU 37.2
SRM 9.8
EFF 70%

Mash at 155 for 90 minutes

7lb German Wheat
7lb American 2-Row
1/2lb Caramel 60
1/4lb Special B
2lb Orange Blossom Honey

.50 oz Magnum 14.2 90min
.12 oz Sterling 8.7 45min
.12 oz Perle 8.2 45min
.25 oz Sterling 8.7 5min
.25oz Perle 8.2 5min

Wyeast 3068

BMG Christmas Beers

This year I had the opportunity to brew a Scotch Ale and Golden Strong Ale for my wife's work place. They are giving them as gifts for their clients. I should be getting the label artwork in the next few days and will post. An ex-intern of the business is also a home brewer, he did a stout and wit beer. This is the first beer I have done which I won't control who enjoys it. Kind of scary when you think about it.

Welcome to Freshnock's Brew Log

This blog was created to have a visual start to finish of beers I brew at home, Allow friends and family to stay up to date on my brewing exploits and most importantly to get feedback from other serious home brewers. Any feedback is welcome.