Comments on Bearded Brewing Blog: Tale of Two Brews

Thanks for all the great comments guys. I agree wi...

2008-03-23T20:56:00.000-05:00

Thanks for all the great comments guys. I agree with what you all said. And Ted, thanks for putting into perspective the point about making a ton of kinds of beer. In the grand scheme of things, I'm 31, have only been brewing for 4 years or so... so where's the hurry? Why not experiment with a lot of kinds of beer.
I'll obviously keep you all informed as the Irie Stout develops.

Hey man, I hear ya. Juggling a needy child, and ot...

2008-03-19T23:57:00.000-05:00

Hey man, I hear ya. Juggling a needy child, and other homely responsibilities while brewing is so very stressful. I'm glad you brought this up. Eventually I will be opening up to the true experiences while brewing...from the past, and in the present. I think brewing isn't just about the process, the beer, or the moment, but there is another dimension that is about personal growth and the passing of time. If you are interested in hearing about that I'll get to writing a post.

In general though, clearing up as much time for unobtrusive brewing is very important for everyone involved (directly or indirectly). I've been finding that starting at about 5AM or earlier is great because more than half the brewday is over before the others are awake. Also, I plan some brewdays for while my ladies head to church on late Sunday mornings. I can be near completion by the time they come home.

I also wanted to relate to what you said about finding 5 core recipes and settling on them. I think about that often enough, and then I start thinking of all the beers I haven't tried yet or new ideas. But aren't we in our hay-day of brewing obsession? Lets keep in mind, that there will be a time for settling down in the future, when we're older and grayer, and set on our most favorite styles of home brewed beer.

Your Irie Stout does sound darn good. I was wondering what spices you are throwing in there. We all want to hear how it turns out, cause I think we all want to do it ourselves.

Brew-on!

Sounds very delicious! I like the idea of balanci...

2008-03-19T14:22:00.000-05:00

Sounds very delicious! I like the idea of balancing the roastiness, as well. Also, great music to brew with. I sometimes brew with pandora.com in background. It is a sweet site with great music. Can't to hear how it turns out (both beers) and what you will brew next.

Cheers!

Best advice in brewing is still - Relax. Don't wo...

2008-03-18T15:24:00.000-05:00

Best advice in brewing is still - Relax. Don't worry. Have a homebrew.

Especially with extract, you're always going to have something drinkable in the end (unless things go REALLY bad). I like the concept of the Irie Stout. We did an old oak stout this year and I don't want to go back down that path. I like your logic with adding something light to contrast the roast/malt flavor. Maybe try and strike hit the note of one of those fancy chocolates in the box or something (you know, the ones with the fruit filling). Anyway, I like the idea and can't wait to hear how it goes.

Cheers!