I was thinking over my brewing portfolio and got depressed. I always make pales, stouts and browns. I occasionally brew something off that path like the Belgian Tripel, but I stick to these styles regularly. I still stand by my philosophy that the best way to increase your brewing skills is to repeat the same recipe several times as practice of basic techniques. But you need to throw the occasional “off-target” brew in the mix just to keep the whole hobby interesting and fresh.
I was thinking about styles I never get into but I need to explore more: bock, wiezenbock, dunkel, helles and wiessbeir. Then I realized damn those most of these styles are heavily German/Bavaria based and LAGERS!
So my resolution for 2008 will be to start dipping into lagers. I have the equipment (beer fridge) for lagering, it will cut into my ale fermentation schedule, but what the hell (or Helles).
I have a few other ideas for 2008 and expanding my brewing prowess and the site…. but you’ll have to come back later for that announcement.
LB
This may be a little off the Brewpath, but what’s in the Brew Dudes’ fridge for holiday consumption right now that you didn’t make yourselves? What are you looking forward to drinking in the coming weeks?
Mike
Gritty’s Christmas Brew! Love that damn beer. Rich, malty and great hopflavor.
Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale, very hoppy almost piney, great spice like quality as it warms a bit.
LB
Awesome! I will check these out.
John
I think Harpoon’s Winter Warmer is always good.