From the just released March/April 2009 issue of Zymurgy (the journal of the American Homebrewers Association). Pretty cool stuff.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Made It Into Print
From the just released March/April 2009 issue of Zymurgy (the journal of the American Homebrewers Association). Pretty cool stuff.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Quaff 2009 America's Finest City Homebrew Competition
Raz's Fine Ales managed to take third place in the Light Hybrid Beer category with its Cream Ale. It's very exciting given the caliber of brewers entering this difficult competition.
I had high hopes for the Russian Imperial Stout entered as well (that didn't place). In looking at the numbers, there were 37 entries into the Stout category with 13 of those in the Imperial Stout subcategory. The average score of the top three was 41! If I'm not mistaken, the highest score Raz's Fine Ales has received on any entry in any competition has been 42 for the Old Ale on a few occassions (including the Best of Show at the CA State Homebrew Competition). Hopefully the RIS still scored well. I'd totally be happy with mid-30s or up. And maybe the RIS will improve with age as it was brewed a short time ago in mid-November...But even if it doesn't, I still love it.
Quaff 2009 America's Finest City Homebrew Competition Results
Good stuff!
*edit 02/28/09* Just received my scoresheets and medal in the mail. According to what was in the package, my cream ale scored 41.5 and the ribbon was blue. In addition, my old ale scored 40.5. According to the online results, the third place for the strong ale category scored a 39. I've emailed the organizer to get some clarification on whether or not I've received the medal and scoresheets belonging to someone else or to verify if I really placed first and third in two different categories. The RIS scored in the low 30s and I'm somewhat disappointed.
*edit 03/02/09* The short version, according to the organizer, is that medals don't follow scoring. They'll have a group (or groups) of judges initially go through and score entries. Then they'll take the top scorers (don't know how many) and give them to another set of judges and essentially ask them to pick the beer that "they like best" without any regard to scores. So I had the highest scoring beer in the light hybrid category but finished third and I had the third highest score in the strong ale category and didn't place. Bummer. And they apparently made all ribbons blue...Ah well. Hope to do better next year!
I had high hopes for the Russian Imperial Stout entered as well (that didn't place). In looking at the numbers, there were 37 entries into the Stout category with 13 of those in the Imperial Stout subcategory. The average score of the top three was 41! If I'm not mistaken, the highest score Raz's Fine Ales has received on any entry in any competition has been 42 for the Old Ale on a few occassions (including the Best of Show at the CA State Homebrew Competition). Hopefully the RIS still scored well. I'd totally be happy with mid-30s or up. And maybe the RIS will improve with age as it was brewed a short time ago in mid-November...But even if it doesn't, I still love it.
Quaff 2009 America's Finest City Homebrew Competition Results
Good stuff!
*edit 02/28/09* Just received my scoresheets and medal in the mail. According to what was in the package, my cream ale scored 41.5 and the ribbon was blue. In addition, my old ale scored 40.5. According to the online results, the third place for the strong ale category scored a 39. I've emailed the organizer to get some clarification on whether or not I've received the medal and scoresheets belonging to someone else or to verify if I really placed first and third in two different categories. The RIS scored in the low 30s and I'm somewhat disappointed.
*edit 03/02/09* The short version, according to the organizer, is that medals don't follow scoring. They'll have a group (or groups) of judges initially go through and score entries. Then they'll take the top scorers (don't know how many) and give them to another set of judges and essentially ask them to pick the beer that "they like best" without any regard to scores. So I had the highest scoring beer in the light hybrid category but finished third and I had the third highest score in the strong ale category and didn't place. Bummer. And they apparently made all ribbons blue...Ah well. Hope to do better next year!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Hopprehension Imperial IPA - Update
Todd and I brewed this beer 10 days ago and I just wanted to post an update as to where it's at in the process. I'm pleased to say that it's finished fermenting. OG 1.103 FG 1.008. 12.5% ABV with 141 IBUs. The sample I tasted today was fantastic. I'm really excited about giving it a bit of time (2 - 3 weeks more in total) and a couple ounces of Centennial for dry hopping. If it turns out as I'm expecting, this will definitely be entered into the Samuel Adams Long Shot.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Stirring Up A Heap Of Trouble
While discussing the matter of aeration, a challenge was issued. Brew two identical beers, but prior to pitching the yeast, aerate one using a mix-stir and the other using pure O2 and a diffusion stone, and then ferment the beers at the same temperature. Once kegged and carbonated, try to discern any differences between the two beers.
This idea is probably very unoriginal and I'm sure this has been done hundreds of times. I could probably do an Internet search right now and find out that the beers probably don't taste different to the vast majority of people (if not everyone). But where's the fun in that?
I'm thinking that the beer brewed would have to be one in which a lot of oxygen needs to be used. A lager or a big ale for example. I'm leaning towards brewing a big ale and splitting the batch. I'll have to ponder...suggestions?
I'm hoping that the Sudzers would be willing to sample both in a blind test at an upcoming meeting to find out a) which they prefer and b) which beer is which.
This idea is probably very unoriginal and I'm sure this has been done hundreds of times. I could probably do an Internet search right now and find out that the beers probably don't taste different to the vast majority of people (if not everyone). But where's the fun in that?
I'm thinking that the beer brewed would have to be one in which a lot of oxygen needs to be used. A lager or a big ale for example. I'm leaning towards brewing a big ale and splitting the batch. I'll have to ponder...suggestions?
I'm hoping that the Sudzers would be willing to sample both in a blind test at an upcoming meeting to find out a) which they prefer and b) which beer is which.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
First Award of 2009
2009 Doug King Memorial Competition sponsored by the Maltose Falcons Homebrewing Club.
A third place in the specialty category for the beer I brewed with Todd, the From Russia With Love Russian Imperial Stout (with coffee). Great job Todd!
I'm really looking forward to entering their 2009 Mayfaire Competition in early April.
A third place in the specialty category for the beer I brewed with Todd, the From Russia With Love Russian Imperial Stout (with coffee). Great job Todd!
I'm really looking forward to entering their 2009 Mayfaire Competition in early April.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Entering Competitions - Often An Expensive Proposition
I recently entered the 2009 America's Finest City Homebrew Competition hosted by the QUAFF homebrew club. Competition entries were to be mailed to San Diego, CA. I sent a total of three entries, six 12 oz bottles (two per entry), and the costs of entry included:
Corrugated box w/ pulp tray, bubble wrap and ziploc bags are approximately $10.00 ($5.00 each).
Entry fees are $18.00 ($6.00 each).
Shipping two six pound boxes to Southern California is $19.00.
Bottles, caps and beer approximately what, $6.00 ($1.00 a bottle)?
If my math is correct, that's a total cost of approximately $53.00 to enter this competition. A sizable $17.67 per entry. Could I knock a couple of bucks off per entry if I used cheaper boxes? Sure.* But is $14 or $15 an entry really that much better of a deal than $17.67? Could I choose to only enter cheaper or free competitions? Sure. But generally the ones that matter are going to cost $6 per entry and up. Could I choose to only enter local competitions with local drop off locations? Sure. But again, the ones that matter are not in the South Bay Area.**
The reality is that competitions are often an expensive proposition. To the point of being cost prohibitive for a number of people (including myself). Especially given the current economic landscape. My third entry was the 350th overall into the competition, but I would bet that the vast majority of entrants are local to the greater San Diego area.
*For illustrative purposes only. I would rather not take a chance of beers that I send to the East Coast breaking in mid-shipment. I perceive there to be a value in using these boxes. Excellent quality and sturdy.
**The closest drop off location to me (for just a few competitions) is in Los Altos. That's 22 miles away and a minimum of a 30 minute drive (each way). Remember when gas was over $4 gallons? 2-3 gallons of gas plus my time is considerably more than the cost of shipping for a typical competition. However, if we're talking 5 or 6 entries, then it makes sense to take the time and make the drive.
*update* Just discovered that the rules for the 2009 Sam Adams Longshot Competition have been posted. The Los Altos MoreBeer location is a drop off point. I plan on entering at least three beers so it's possible I'll be dropping these off.
*update* Only one bottle is needed initially for each entry into the Longshot. There's little chance that I'm going to spend the time and gas to drive 44 miles for 3 - 6 entries (3 - 6 bottles).
Corrugated box w/ pulp tray, bubble wrap and ziploc bags are approximately $10.00 ($5.00 each).
Entry fees are $18.00 ($6.00 each).
Shipping two six pound boxes to Southern California is $19.00.
Bottles, caps and beer approximately what, $6.00 ($1.00 a bottle)?
If my math is correct, that's a total cost of approximately $53.00 to enter this competition. A sizable $17.67 per entry. Could I knock a couple of bucks off per entry if I used cheaper boxes? Sure.* But is $14 or $15 an entry really that much better of a deal than $17.67? Could I choose to only enter cheaper or free competitions? Sure. But generally the ones that matter are going to cost $6 per entry and up. Could I choose to only enter local competitions with local drop off locations? Sure. But again, the ones that matter are not in the South Bay Area.**
The reality is that competitions are often an expensive proposition. To the point of being cost prohibitive for a number of people (including myself). Especially given the current economic landscape. My third entry was the 350th overall into the competition, but I would bet that the vast majority of entrants are local to the greater San Diego area.
*For illustrative purposes only. I would rather not take a chance of beers that I send to the East Coast breaking in mid-shipment. I perceive there to be a value in using these boxes. Excellent quality and sturdy.
**The closest drop off location to me (for just a few competitions) is in Los Altos. That's 22 miles away and a minimum of a 30 minute drive (each way). Remember when gas was over $4 gallons? 2-3 gallons of gas plus my time is considerably more than the cost of shipping for a typical competition. However, if we're talking 5 or 6 entries, then it makes sense to take the time and make the drive.
*update* Just discovered that the rules for the 2009 Sam Adams Longshot Competition have been posted. The Los Altos MoreBeer location is a drop off point. I plan on entering at least three beers so it's possible I'll be dropping these off.
*update* Only one bottle is needed initially for each entry into the Longshot. There's little chance that I'm going to spend the time and gas to drive 44 miles for 3 - 6 entries (3 - 6 bottles).
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Fermentation. Of a Different Kind.
Tonight's pizza pie. Prosciutto. Dough made with a 24 hour cold ferment + 2 hour room temp warm up. Turned out excellent. Crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside. One of my better efforts thus far. Heck, even the kids liked it. They liked the bubbles (in the crust) the best.
To keep it beer related, I started my vacation early tonight. Along with the pizza, I had two beers. Pliny The Elder and the new Torpedo IPA from Sierra Nevada. The mistake I made was having Pliny first. Torpedo wasn't bad. In fact, it's probably pretty good. But next to Pliny, not so much.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Hopprehension Imperial IPA Recipe - Updated + Miscellaneous Updates
Changed up the hop schedule a bit and included first wort hopping. Too much? Is there such a thing? 140 IBUs...
BeerSmith Recipe Printout - www.beersmith.com
Recipe: Hopprehension Imperial IPA All Grain (14C.2)
Brewer: Daniel L. Rosbrugh
Asst Brewer:
Style: Imperial IPA
TYPE: All Grain
Taste: (0.0)
Recipe Specifications
--------------------------
Batch Size: 5.00 gal
Boil Size: 7.05 gal
Estimated OG: 1.105 SG
Estimated Color: 8.1 SRM
Estimated IBU: 140.3 IBU
Brewhouse Efficiency: 65.00 %
Boil Time: 60 Minutes
Ingredients:
------------
Amount Item Type % or IBU
15.00 lb Pilsner (2 Row) Ger (2.0 SRM) Grain 76.92 %
1.00 lb Caramel/Crystal Malt - 20L (15.0 SRM) Grain 5.13 %
1.00 lb Munich Malt (9.0 SRM) Grain 5.13 %
0.60 oz Centennial [10.00 %] (60 min) (First WortHops 16.0 IBU
2.00 oz Centennial [10.00 %] (Dry Hop 14 days) Hops -
3.00 oz Columbus (Tomahawk) [11.90 %] (60 min) Hops 86.5 IBU
1.00 oz Centennial [10.00 %] (20 min) Hops 14.7 IBU
1.00 oz Amarillo Gold [8.50 %] (15 min) Hops 10.2 IBU
1.00 oz Centennial [10.00 %] (10 min) Hops 8.8 IBU
1.00 oz Amarillo Gold [8.50 %] (5 min) Hops 4.1 IBU
1.40 oz Centennial [10.00 %] (0 min) Hops -
0.25 tsp Irish Moss (Boil 10.0 min) Misc
0.25 tsp Yeast Nutrient (Boil 10.0 min) Misc
1.00 tbsp PH 5.2 Stabilizer (Mash 60.0 min) Misc
2.00 lb Cane (Beet) Sugar (0.0 SRM) Sugar 10.26 %
0.50 lb Turbinado (10.0 SRM) Sugar 2.56 %
1 Pkgs California Ale (White Labs #WLP001) [StartYeast-Ale
The shower bock has finished (primary) fermenting and I'm doing a diacetyl rest at 58 degrees. FG is 1.016-ish and puts it at a smidge over 6% ABV. Doesn't taste bad. I'm curious to see how it will clean up after the rest and four to six weeks of lagering. I've never had much success with lagers and this is the first one that has shown promise.
I received some nice compliments from people who have sampled my cream ale and RIS. Including a "you need to enter [the RIS] into the Longshot Competition" which I take as high praise given who said it. I still haven't had a chance to bottle (for competition purposes) but am hoping to do so tonight. It depends on if my capping wench is available to help. All of the remaining RIS is going to be bottled (3+ gallons) along with 8-12 bottles of the cream ale. It's too easy to go over to the tap and pull a pint of RIS. Bottling the rest of the batch will make it harder to drink on a whim. Plus it's almost 500 calories a pint. I shouldn't be drinking it like...at all.
Too bad my bottling wench doesn't help with the cleaning of carboys, conicals or kegs. I get to be the lone cleaning wench and I haven't had the time recently to keep up. Ugh.
BeerSmith Recipe Printout - www.beersmith.com
Recipe: Hopprehension Imperial IPA All Grain (14C.2)
Brewer: Daniel L. Rosbrugh
Asst Brewer:
Style: Imperial IPA
TYPE: All Grain
Taste: (0.0)
Recipe Specifications
--------------------------
Batch Size: 5.00 gal
Boil Size: 7.05 gal
Estimated OG: 1.105 SG
Estimated Color: 8.1 SRM
Estimated IBU: 140.3 IBU
Brewhouse Efficiency: 65.00 %
Boil Time: 60 Minutes
Ingredients:
------------
Amount Item Type % or IBU
15.00 lb Pilsner (2 Row) Ger (2.0 SRM) Grain 76.92 %
1.00 lb Caramel/Crystal Malt - 20L (15.0 SRM) Grain 5.13 %
1.00 lb Munich Malt (9.0 SRM) Grain 5.13 %
0.60 oz Centennial [10.00 %] (60 min) (First WortHops 16.0 IBU
2.00 oz Centennial [10.00 %] (Dry Hop 14 days) Hops -
3.00 oz Columbus (Tomahawk) [11.90 %] (60 min) Hops 86.5 IBU
1.00 oz Centennial [10.00 %] (20 min) Hops 14.7 IBU
1.00 oz Amarillo Gold [8.50 %] (15 min) Hops 10.2 IBU
1.00 oz Centennial [10.00 %] (10 min) Hops 8.8 IBU
1.00 oz Amarillo Gold [8.50 %] (5 min) Hops 4.1 IBU
1.40 oz Centennial [10.00 %] (0 min) Hops -
0.25 tsp Irish Moss (Boil 10.0 min) Misc
0.25 tsp Yeast Nutrient (Boil 10.0 min) Misc
1.00 tbsp PH 5.2 Stabilizer (Mash 60.0 min) Misc
2.00 lb Cane (Beet) Sugar (0.0 SRM) Sugar 10.26 %
0.50 lb Turbinado (10.0 SRM) Sugar 2.56 %
1 Pkgs California Ale (White Labs #WLP001) [StartYeast-Ale
The shower bock has finished (primary) fermenting and I'm doing a diacetyl rest at 58 degrees. FG is 1.016-ish and puts it at a smidge over 6% ABV. Doesn't taste bad. I'm curious to see how it will clean up after the rest and four to six weeks of lagering. I've never had much success with lagers and this is the first one that has shown promise.
I received some nice compliments from people who have sampled my cream ale and RIS. Including a "you need to enter [the RIS] into the Longshot Competition" which I take as high praise given who said it. I still haven't had a chance to bottle (for competition purposes) but am hoping to do so tonight. It depends on if my capping wench is available to help. All of the remaining RIS is going to be bottled (3+ gallons) along with 8-12 bottles of the cream ale. It's too easy to go over to the tap and pull a pint of RIS. Bottling the rest of the batch will make it harder to drink on a whim. Plus it's almost 500 calories a pint. I shouldn't be drinking it like...at all.
Too bad my bottling wench doesn't help with the cleaning of carboys, conicals or kegs. I get to be the lone cleaning wench and I haven't had the time recently to keep up. Ugh.
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