Brew Dudes Homebrewing Blog

Delta Hops

On May 24, 2010

I already know that this hops profile is going to be incomplete. I don’t have some important information about this hop, but I can always fill it in once it becomes available.

I picked up a bottle of a single hop ESB from Harpoon’s 100 Barrel Series made with Delta Hops exclusively.

From what I found from their description of it, Delta hops are a new American variety that was bred by Hopsteiner. It’s the first commercial beer to be brewed with this new variety.

It is a cross between Fuggles and Cascade. As more information becomes available, I will add to this post.

Origin: USA

Aroma/Flavor: Earthy, minerally, a little spicy.

Alpha Acid: Not yet known

Typical Usage: I would say flavoring/aroma from its lineage.

Beer Styles: How about an ESB? Probably will work for a lot of different American style ales.

2010 Longshot Competition Submission

By John Krochune

On May 20, 2010

In General

I got my shipping package together tonight to get my beers to the Sam Adams brewery in Jamaica Plain. One year, I actually delivered it in person. I guess I could do that this year too since I work downtown again, but I think I will ship them and take my lunch break for what it was made for…lunch.

I have four bottles in a box and I am using lots of newspaper to keep the bottles from rattling around in the box and cushioned from outside impacts.

I kinda threw this beer together. It will be interesting to see what comes back from it.

Hops Trellis

By John Krochune

On May 18, 2010

In Hops

Mike has a pickup truck (always have a friend with a pickup truck) and I asked him if he could help me out because I have to buy a ladder. I have had to buy a ladder for a while. I need to clean out my gutters eventually.

Now I have the motivation I was looking for to finally purchase a ladder. I need to build a simple hops trellis.

The hop plant I have growing is close to my shed, so I was going to buy some twine and hang it up along the wall of my shed. I have read on some blogs/forums that simple twine works well for hop vines to climb on.

I may buy a tomato plant cage as well to help train the small vines and then tie twine to the top of it and attach the other end to the top of the shed’s roof.

Pomegranate Cinnamon Ale First Tastings

By John Krochune

On May 14, 2010

In Brew Log

Well, it’s drinkable but I wouldn’t have more than one. What can I say about this one?

The cinnamon is present in the aroma and flavor, which is what I wanted. The vodka taste is there too, which gives a warming alcohol feel and taste. I don’t know if I like that much. It gives it a holiday beer profile, for sure.
The pomegranate juice gives the beer pleasant tartness. It cuts through the spiciness of the cinnamon.
The base beer? Well, I don’t know if it’s there at all. I think there is a roasty, dryness at the end that is the last remnant of the original Irish Red Ale.

So, I am going to do two things: I am going to send it in to the Sam Adams competition and I am going to cellar the rest. I think this beer will mellow out some by the time Christmas rolls around. Ok, more pictures:

Irish Red First Tastings

By John Krochune

On May 12, 2010

In Brew Log

This week is a week full of first tastings. The first of the, um, first tastings is the Irish Red Ale.

I brewed this one back in April. It fermented for two weeks and then I cold conditioned it for another two weeks in the fridge.

Here are some photos:

I backlit the second photo with a flashlight just to show off the ~~pinkness~~ redness.

Not exactly fully carbonated yet. I bottled it up 10 days ago, but it is shaping up to be a good beer. I had my wife try it and she said it was very smooth and it will be really good once the bottle conditioning is finished.

The next tasting this week? It’s the Pomegranate Cinnamon Red Ale. I give that one a 35% chance of being drinkable. I’ll try it on Friday night and hopefully I will have time to post something right after the tasting.