by Bil H.
May 9, 2011 in Uncategorized
RIFT joined thousands of other homebrewers around the world to celebrate National Homewbrew Day by brewing 50 gallons of Belgian wit at John C’s garage brewery. We had some great brews, chatted about techniques, and even roasted some coffee. Thanks to everyone who made it!
30 Gallons of wit, waiting for a little oxygen
by Bil H.
January 19, 2011 in Surveys, Water
In July 2010 I sent out a quick survey of RIFT members on what type of water we use to brew our beers. There were four multiple choice questions and could be answered anonymously (to protect the innocent?)
I received 20 responses and promptly put off writing up the results for six months. But finally, here are some charts showing the results!
Thanks to everyone who participated!
by Bil H.
September 20, 2010 in Club Experiments, Events
It’s time again for another Big Brew, and another RIFT club experiment. October’s Big Brew, tentatively scheduled for Saturday, October 23, will be held at John’s Garage/Nanobrewery and we’ll be brewing up 50 gallons of amber ale hopped with Fuggles.
For the experiment, everyone will go home with 5 gallons of wort and pitch a different strain of yeast. From Jeff W:
Any commercial yeast is up for grabs and we’ll ask each brewer to ferment within the optimal fermentation temperature range as specified by the yeast manufacturer. It will be a great exploration of the different yeasts and their flavor profiles.
The recipe for the Big Brew will be based off an American Amber, with the hopping held back to a single 60 minute addition in order to minimize hop flavor additions (as the yeast-derived flavors should be the centerpiece).
PARAMETERS - Target OG: 1.052, Target IBU: 30-35, Mash Temp 152-154 F
GRAIN BILL – 78% Domestic 2-Row Pale Malt, 8% Munich Malt, 6% Crystal 40 Malt, 4% Crystal 120 Malt, 4% Victory Malt.
HOP SCHEDULE – Magnum Hops added at 60 min with target IBU: 30-35
We’ll need at least one volunteer to sign up for the calibration/control beer, which should be brewed with Cal Ale Yeast (WLP001/Wyeast 1056/US-05).
Leave your yeast choice in the comments of this post, first one to call it gets it. Tastings will be held at our December meeting.
by Bil H.
June 11, 2010 in Events
June
6/24 – Club Meeting: Single Hop Beer Tasting (Round 2)
July
7/10 – Club entries for the Dominion Cup are due to JW (for drive down to VA)
7/22 – Club Meeting: TBD
August
8/1 – Blues & Brews Comp entry deadline
8/26 – Club Meeting: IPA Club-Only Comp Judging / Tasting
September
9/23 – Club Meeting: TBD
October
10/8 – NERHBC entry deadline
Oct – SNERHC Comp entry deadline
10/21 – Club Meeting: TBD
November
11/25 – Club Meeting: Strong Ales Club-Only Comp Judging / Tasting
December
12/16 – Club Meeting: TBD
by Bil H.
June 10, 2010 in Club Experiments
Hot on the heals of the wildly popular single hop pale ale experiment in February, June brings a second round of american pale ales brewed with only one variety of hop. The club tasting will take place June 24. Here’s the tentative lineup:
Chinook – Bil H.
Citra – Josh C.
Mt. Rainier – Jeff W.
Premient – Tom A.
Simcoe – Tom H.
Sorachi Ace – Tom A.
Sterling – Jeff W.
Quite the array of hops there!