Barley Wine, Part III

The Barley Wine has been bottled. I sampled a bit; delicious.

Now it will sit for about two months when I will break it out for a tasting on my birthday!

Blonde Ale as Pre-Industrial Barter

Started a Blonde Ale to be ready for July. One six-pack of it will be going to some friends of mine who gave me a nice floor cupboard/end table thing. It's a stylish piece of wood that looks about 80 years older than it actually is and I've gotten several complements on it. Best part was that my beer brewing has finally reached the point where it has crossed from "something people like and will request" to "something people ask for as a form of barter."

I borrowed Jeff's carboy to take care of the Blonde Ale's 2nd Stage (My carboy is still holding the Barley Wine). So, until Jeff's kitchen is done being remodeled I have double capacity!

The rest of the Blonde Ale will be coming North with me towards the end of July. A family reunion will be held at the parent's cabin and I think a little of the homebrew will be a nice extra for the weekend.

Barley Wine, Part II

The Barley Wine has been successfully moved to the second stage. I did a bit of sampling at that point, and it was strong but delicious. Now that it's in the glass carboy it has settled down quite a bit. From now until the end of August it's just a waiting game.

My only big decision is whether to get a second carboy so I don't have to spend the entire summer not brewing.

Barley Wine, Part I

Today I begin my six month batch of Barley Wine. First impression is that I am very excited by how dark the grains made the steeping water within five minutes. Add to that a total of 12 lbs. of Dark Barley Malt and two types of hops (2 oz. of Cascade & 1 oz. of Willamette), I think this is going to be a wonderful brew to enjoy this fall.

:: Credit to Northern Brewer for the recipe and ingredients ::