When Good Beer Goes Bad

Part of the fun of being a home brewer is that you can experiment with recipes. You can either try to copy a commercial beer that you really like, or create your own one of a kind brew. Of course, the drawback to experimentation is the very real possibility of failure. Thus we come to the solemn news that a beer has died.

We at Lake House Brewing are sad to announce the death of Dill and Brownie’s Adams Apple Ale. While the brewing process and fermentation went off without fail, the taste department failed to show up for the party. While the subtle notes of cinnamon worked perfectly, the tart factor was off the charts leaving a bitter aftertaste that clung to the sides of your tongue without any apple flavor coming through. Multiple attempts to correct and balance the flavors failed and only served to make matters worse eventually cumulating in the realization that it was too far gone to save.

I believe my mistake may have been in using Granny Smith apples instead of a variety with a higher sugar content. On a bright note, I did bottle a six pack that will be stored for the next six months in hopes that the flavors will mellow allowing for at least some enjoyment at a later time. So with that, I will put this one up as experience and move confidently on to the next recipe as my kegs are getting lighter and my friends are getting thirsty.

Beer, Beer and More Beer

If you go to a micro brewery, you can usually order a sampler flight of 6-8 of their beers to try out. Pretty cool way to see if you like a beer before shelling out your hard earned cash only to find out its swill. Now just imagine a sampler of 150 beers. That’s right, I said 150 beers! Sound too good to be true? Well, it’s not.

This Saturday, January 29^th the Brewers of Indiana Guild will be hosting their 3^rd annual Winterfest at the Indiana State Fair Grounds form 3pm to 7pm. Over 50 breweries from Indiana and across the nation will be there providing 2 ounce samples of their fine products. Tickets are only available at Crown Liquors or online for $35 and are going fast.  I’m going…are you? For more information log go to:  http://www.indianabeerfest.com/

The Evolution of Beer…at least in my house. (Or, from plastic to stainless.)

Looking back 20 years ago, I can’t exactly remember what motivated me and my friend Mac to take a trip to our local homebrew store in El Cajon, California. But I distinctly remember the smell. Open barrels full of white wheat, Munich, and 2 Row Pale Malt filled the store with a thick, hearty aroma not unlike fresh bread. One look at the glass door refrigerator full of fresh hops, the walls lined with cans of malt extract, and I knew this was something I wanted to do.

Back then, like so many homebrewers, I purchased a starter kit consisting of a plastic bucket, lid, air lock and assorted siphons, hoses and 2 cases of empty bottles. (I still have the bucket.)

I even remember the first beer I made, it was a pilsner extract from Coopers that I named Copperhead. ( A play on my last name). As the years went by, I dabbled on and off with brewing as a moved across the country and sometimes found it hard to find supplies.

Fast forward to last year, and an old high school friend of mine mentioned a brew supply, Great Fermentations that he got his supplies from. One step in the store, and I was transported back 20 years to that shop in California. I picked up some new supplies, replaced some old equipment and was back on a regular brewing schedule.

Now, after 20 years of brewing and 25 years of marriage, my wife upgraded me to a top tier system. Two 20 gallon pots and a March pump later, and I’m brewing more than ever before and now it’s all grain recipes.

The Blichmann system I have is perfect for brewing 10 gallon batches. It took a about 2 weeks to put together, and if you plan on getting one, e-mail me and I’ll give you a few tips that are sure to save you a lot of time. My problems will be your secret to success! More than once, I had to make adjustments and take items apart and re-assemble, but all in all, it was worth it. In addition to the top tier system, my wonderful wife also purchased a 14.5 gallon “Ferminator.”

Next post, I’ll walk you through a few stove top batches and then walk you through an all grain batch on the new top tier brewing system.

Lake House Brewing Co. Announces Tapping Schedule

Avon, In. January 21, 2011 -- Lake House Brewing Announces Tapping Schedule.

  Lake House Brewing Co. has announced its weekend tapping schedule just in time for NFL Playoffs. According to sources, a five gallon keg of Eight Legged Pale Ale (8LPA) will be tapped on Sunday afternoon. In addition, to food and football, there is also a chance that their newest creation, Dill and Brownie’s Adams Apple Ale may be ready as well. 

  The award winning Eight Legged Pale Ale, a cascade hopped American Pale Ale has been specifically brewed this time with extra hops in what Brew Master Mr. Naughty calls “a tribute to the Pacific Northwest”.  Having won awards from Master Taster’s Shawn Merrill and Dennis Macgruder (aka: Mr. Crazy), 8LPA is sure to bring this weekend’s crowd to their feet for more. As one patron recently stated, "It sure beats drinking water!”