Messages

1

Beer Travel / Re: Colorado and Utah Trip?

« on: August 17, 2012, 08:37:40 AM »

Is Glenwood Springs brewing still a good place?

Thanks to all for the good advice. I really am thinking of a swing through Durango and then to Pagosa Springs to see some new country.

Glenwood, in my opinion, is hit or miss. Sometimes their beers are interesting, other times not.

If you're going through Durango, you have to hit Ska. Not only are their beers great, but the tasting room and brewery are incredible. Zia Taqueria has a trailer there that serves up some awesome tacos. Steamworks and Durango Brewing are cool too, and Carver is worth the visit since they are the second oldest brewpub in the state.

Stopped in at Pagosa last June and they've got a good line up, food is good too.

2

Beer Travel / Re: Colorado and Utah Trip?

« on: August 16, 2012, 02:50:41 PM »

There are a number of good breweries along the I-70 corridor on your way to Utah, I've hit a lot of them over the years. I'm actually writing about our last trip to the Colorado Western Slope on my blog (brew-trek.com) right now, you can also read about our other trips to breweries in Durango, Alamosa, etc.

A couple of places that I think are can't miss along I-70 are Crazy Mountain in Edwards, and Palisade Brewing just East of Grand Junction.

Have fun!

3

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Getting started

« on: August 16, 2012, 02:39:27 PM »

As far as your temperature question, I've had fairly good results when it's been that hot in my house with some yeasts. It all depends on the recommendations of your yeast supplier, in my experience, I've noticed a five degree window above and below what the specify in which everything came out okay. I personally like White labs, I've had more consistent fermentation from them than with other suppliers.

Because of time and space, I almost always brew with extract and steeped grain, it's a good way to add body and taste without mashing. Since it comes in a variety of Lovibond, crystal malt can add just what you want for color and body. There are so many options for steeping grains though, that you might want to do some research on any of the brew supply web sites, even if you don't order from them; many will give descriptions on what each grain adds in taste, as well as how much you can use in proportion to your recipe.

Good luck and have fun!