Messages

46

Ingredients / hemp

« on: December 07, 2010, 07:09:26 PM »

wondering if anyone has had any experience with recreational hemp, either in addition to or in lieu of hops.  i imagine it would require alot and would not be very cost efficient so i'm hoping to gain some wisdom from anyone who has traveled down that road with any success.

thanks for your input and suggestions.

47

Beer Recipes / SMaSH recipe

« on: November 08, 2010, 07:11:24 PM »

i've been reading about "SMaSH" recipies lately and have been considering doing something like that.  as usual, when i've got an idea in mind Zymurgy will have an article in the next addition.  with that article in mind, does anyone have any additional trial-and-error or success-story tips they'd care to share with a SMaSH recipe? 

i'm looking to highlight the grain with a mild hoppy accent rather than the other way around.  sounds like Marris Otter is a popular choice for lighter pale ales and ipa's, but without modifying any of the grain on my own, i'm wondering specifically what might work for a somewhat darker, sweeter ale (possibly even a lager - considering the cold michigan winters i've been enduring lately). 

thanks, in advance, for any input.

48

Ingredients / Re: hot cocoa

« on: November 08, 2010, 06:58:51 PM »

hey, thanks for the feedback, guys!  i'm always concocting some sort of recipe in my brain.  it's hard to tell which ideas might be worth a damn. 
thanks again!

49

Ingredients / hot cocoa

« on: November 07, 2010, 02:18:58 PM »

i've been concocting a recipe for a chocolate porter with a rich chocolatey flavor profile, as a dessert beer, and all i see on any message board is the addition of cocoa nibs in the secondary (with a very wide variety of quantities and contact time). 

i was wondering if anyone has used an instant hot cocoa powder at any point in the brewing process whether it was during the boil, secondary or bottling process, to achieve a sweet chocolatey profile.  i'm speculating that the sweetness in those powders might be due to a fermentable sugar that doesn't translate to the finished brew.   (maybe it would help to add some lactose sugar in the boil?) 

any thoughts?

50

All Grain Brewing / Re: Black Ale recipe

« on: October 28, 2010, 01:50:08 PM »

no worries, beersk.  i had to poke fun.  i'd expect it if it were me   besides, it's BEEEEER, we can't help but to feel passionate about it.

New Holland's Black IPA is one of the few that I've had and I enjoyed it.  Just a little roasty.

i do know that the black hatter at new holland does not use carafa.  instead they use special b at the end of the mash.

51

All Grain Brewing / Re: Black Ale recipe

« on: October 28, 2010, 05:16:49 AM »

beersk may have some anger issues to deal with, but i do think he's got a good point on the naming of the style.  my local pub has been making a "black IPA"  for quite some time and i live in holland, mi.  i agree it should be called an "india black ale".

he he. if it's made with cannibis could it be called an "indica pale (or black) ale"?   

52

Ingredients / Re: Ginger

« on: September 24, 2010, 08:32:03 PM »

my only experience with this beloved and mysterious root is using it in accordance with orange zest.
   -20 grams of ginger root
   -30 grams of orange zest
(both freshly grated and organic,  and both at flameout)
both beer geeks and 'other folk' are delighted when i bring this around.

53

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Shelf life of a porter

« on: September 16, 2010, 06:30:01 PM »

a better question is has anyone ever been able to hold on to a porter long enough for it expire?
no matter the season, when i have a good porter on hand i can't help guzzling it down and doling it out.

54

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: What's Brewing This Weekend - 9/17 Edition

« on: September 16, 2010, 06:25:01 PM »

it may be late in the season, but i've been eager to take my hand at a black IPA or a CDA or something along those lines. 

55

Ingredients / Re: Coconut Porter Thoughts?

« on: September 16, 2010, 05:58:22 PM »

I'm interested in any results people could share about adding it to the mash as well.
I've read on some other forums that people have toasted one pound on their own (350° @ 10-15) and added it to the secondary with very good results.  No mention was made about head retention which is another factor I'm curious about.  I do think the vodka/everclear idea is a good one.

I know this is an old thread, but if anyone sees this and has any info, please share!

-JT

56

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: brewing application etiquette

« on: September 11, 2010, 06:14:28 AM »

my wife is full of wisdom.  she's like Buddha.  still not sure why she married me.     

she'll also make sure that i'm wearing pants!

57

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: brewing application etiquette

« on: September 09, 2010, 06:55:02 PM »

awesome!  you guys just made my aha membership worthwhile!  thanks to all those who replied with regards to my question.

for the record, i wasn't expecting any headbrewer to give a damn about my recipies, i just want to be able to show them that i know what i'm doing on my own.  also, i wouldn't apply to a brewery and expect to be above any of the crew who has been breaking their backs for months or years before me.  any large or small brewery with any credibility has a head brewer who know his stuff and isn't looking to me for answers.  i'm only looking to be a part of the process.  I LOVE BREWING!  right now i'm a part of the process of making dental cabinetry!  woohoo!  yeah... not very exciting.  being some part, as integral as it may be, of the brewing process is more appealing to me than what i'm doing right now.  i know to come in to the interview with humility and it's always good to be reminded.  i have already taken some vacation days from my current job to work for free with one of the local brewers just to learn because i love brewing and everything about it, even the cleaning and more cleaning... and more cleaning.

so, it sounds like my wife had some good advice by bringing some brews just in case there is an outside chance that they might come into play. 

i'd rather have them and not need them than need them and not have them.

thanks again, and keep on brewing!

cheers

JT

58

General Homebrew Discussion / brewing application etiquette

« on: September 08, 2010, 06:55:42 PM »

I'm strongly considering applying to a few local commercial breweries and am wondering if there is an etiquette regarding passing along a couple examples of what I'm capable of.  I LOVE sharing my beer with friends and family, but in a professional setting I don't want to be too overbearing.  My wife suggested I bring them and keep them in the car just in case you get to a point where they might be useful.

Any thoughts?