I went to Northern Brewer to pick up a few more items to help make the brew process a bit easier, some more sanitizer and a new brew kit. I know I was talking about going with either the Dark Cherry Stout or the Honey Brown Ale, but decided to go with the Dry Irish Stout. I decided that it’s just still too early for the Honey Brown Ale — I’ll do that after the stout. And the Cherry Stout? I just wasn’t so sure about that one. I like cherry… but only in certain contexts… and I just wasn’t so sure about it in the context of a dark stout. Perhaps I’ll try that in the fall.

The Dry Irish Stout intrigued me with its dry, coffee-like taste. I think that’ll be a good evening beer to relax with.

In other good brewing-related news, I took a thief sample of my Winter Warmer kit that I’ve got going in the secondary fermenter and it was remarkably different in finish compared to the last sample I took. While the gravity level was near the same (1.018 - 1.019), the taste was a bit more full-bodied than before and the alcoholic finish also stronger. I think this is going to be a good beer. I may let it mature for another two weeks before bottling to bring out the flavor and increase the finish. One thing’s for sure though, it will be a strong beer — meaning, if you have more than two, you’ll probably want to rest it off for a bit before driving.

I am thinking of having a bottling party on the 11th of February for the Winter Warmer and invite various beer-loving friends of mine to help in the bottling process. Invites will be coming.

I’m starting the Irish Stout this evening and with the last kit in mind, I think I’ll be taking a few extra steps to ensure that it goes well.

January 28, 2006, 3:23 pm

Filed under: Mmm...Beer

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