Ah, and the grassroots movement has begun.
Before I get to the recent flood of activity I have a little history lesson. You already know how I am linked to beer because of my last name. (If you don't, go back and read my older posts). Well here is another reason why I am destined to make beer.
Protestants.
You all remember the German Reinheitsgebot? It's the purity law that only
allows beer to be made with malt, hops, yeast and water. What was it a reaction to? Well in part to those crazy Catlicks. Apparently, prior to the 16th century the pope and his minions had a monopoly on a vast number of herbs used for medicinal purposes, including beer. If you don't believe me, read Steve Buhner's book "Sacred and Herbal Healing Beers" where he writes "The historical record is clear that hops' supplementation of other herbs was primarily a reflection of Protestant irritation about 'drugs' and the catholic church, in concert with competing merchants trying to break a monopoly and so increase their profits." So after a thousand years of herb dominance, the Protestants protested and forged the way for that resiny green plant we have all come to love. Now if only we could forge the way for another member of the Cannabaceae family....The Graduator
Although I haven't officially graduated yet, I am done with law school. The beer brewed for such an occasion was the malty bock-like Graduator. At first it was a bit too sweet for me, as I used a minimal amount of ho
ps and a large amount of caramel malt. Now however, it has mellowed and become quite a good food accompaniment and even pretty good on its own. I am glad I got to celebrate with it among my **brator study group out in Mattituck, Although we were poor in sunshine we were rich in homebrew.St. Andrew's Tripel
"This is definitely my favorite beer of yours," said the wise Rockin' Roshelli. Strong, spicy, smooth and refreshing. No, not Andrew, but his beer. Oh, and there's St. Andrew drinking a St. Ides...
Little C's Lavender
This delicio
us libation has finally been bottled as its muse anxiously awaits her first sip. The good news is that its floral bouquet is not overpoweringly intense and it tastes very much like a classic golden blonde. Remember, it was brewed with honey so there will always be that mild sweetness on the tip of your tongue which will lead to the slight hop bitterness on the back of your tongue. When you drink this beer, hold it in your mouth as try to pick out the distinct senses as the beer flows from the tip to the back of your tongue. (By the way, this could all be a bunch of nonsense. Remember, this beer is named after the Queens of BS)!Blond HopShell.
Oh, did I mention that since the last time I wrote I got engaged? What better way to celebrate a new future than with a new beer? I have a really interesting picture of the beer but it's on my camera which I can't find so deal with this for now. Oh, and there is the most beautiful woman in the world standing by some buildings I never knew existed in NYC.
This beer, like its namesake, is going to be out of this world. Ardennes Belgian yeast, the most malt I have ever used, adjunct grains I have never used before and a ton of hops. This is going to be bold, badass and ready to knock you out with her beautiful blonde strength. Don't get in her way. I'd advise enjoying her when you have a whole day to kill and just want to sit around enjoying your surroundings. After one of these you won't be able to do much else. It will be a while before this beauty of a beast is ready, but it will be well worth the wait. There's nothing like sticking to what you love.A couple of footnotes
The Reginale
I only bring this up because it is fermenting in my basement. Here it is on the left, with the Hopsehll on the right. Brewmaster Stu is making this for his Queen but needed to rent out my facility. I used twice as much malt and hops in the Hopshell but hey, i do crazy things like wake up one morning single and go to bed engaged! Gotta take risk, eh?
There's the Stumaster doing some backbreaking brewing. The things we do for women... oh wait, i mean beer.
Frankenstupp
Yes, it is time. Mein freund Herr Stupp will become Herr Braumeister. The creature will be of Belgian yeast, german dark malt, american hops and rye of unknown origins. As they say, Hüten Sie sich vor der Kreatur.
by the glimmer of the half-extinguished light, I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open...Prost
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