Just in Time Black Ale update: Dry yeast rules the day! Dry hopping will help too.

So the Just in Time Black Ale (more of a dark brown really) split itself into two different English Ale Yeast batches.  Kegged 'em both tonight.  The Safale US04 and the Whilelabs WLP002.  I have to tell you, out of the gate the US04 kicks this vial of WLP002's ass.  Its clearer and has less off flavors.  Of course this is just a random circumstance.  To really pit the two against each other I'd need to ensure the proper pitching rates and make a starter.  On the other hand how many homebrewers use a starter?  Think about it.  IMHO a good dry packet of yeast is the way to go for all beginners.

So how will I cover up or compliment some of the undesirable flavors that the WLP002 is giving off in this young beer?  Hops of course.  Yep, I'm dry hopping with some whole leaf Amarillo.  Cross your fingers!

Of course I could just sit the kegs in the basement for a month and they would likely taste much better, but, I don't have time for all that.  So, lets see what Mom's friends think of this "dark beer".  Its just a little different from the recipe and technique used over the past few years, but, it's dark and well some people just don't like them thare dark beers.

Update on the Brettanomyces Project...

Looks like in my haste I messed up the link. Chad passed this along. Thank you kind sir.

Hey Adam,

I'm working on a newer version of the site which also includes all the research and results from the MSc. dissertation on Brettanomyces. As well I'll be updating the site with practical observation and information from commercial batches which are being brewed soon. Check out:
http://www.BrettanomycesProject.com

Cheers,
Chad Yakobson

The Brettanomyces Project

Thanks to Jean for passing thus on.

http://brettanomyces.wordpress.com/

Settling down just in time...

Yes, I'm settling down just in time for bed. The Just in Time Black Ale also shows signs of settling down. The yeast is falling out of suspension for both the dry US04 and the liquid WLP002. By the time Thanksgiving rolls around it will be ready to keg :-)

Tasting will have to wait until next week. Very busy. Hopefully neither have off flavors from pitching too little yeast. The WLP002 took about 24 hours to get going. On the other hand the US04 only took a few hours. Funny how they are almost even right now after a few days. I always feel more comfortable repitching on a yeast cake, but no time for that this time around. Hey, I'm just happy to have yeast that clears so quickly :-)

Here's to all you just in time brewers out there. Cheers!

Fermenting Just In Time Black Ale

Left is batch with WLP002, right is US-04

Just in Time Ale again...

Time to brew.  At long last.  The recipe this time calls for English Ale Yeast of two varieties WLP002 and US-04.  I'll brew an 11 gallon batch and split it into 5 and 6 gallons pitching a different yeast in each.  Some kind of bittering hops will be used.  Whatever is hanging around.  U.S. Goldings for finishing.  The base will be pilsner malt extract.  I hope I have some steeping grains around.

Ok, I'm ready.  Well sorta.

NOTE:  Gathered all my brewing stuff together.  Looks like this year's Just in Time Ale will be black.  Chocolate malt steeping grains.  Prob add just a bit of Special B too.

Off topic pic of the day

Do you tweet?

I've been through about three iterations of this whole twitter thing and have a brand new shiny twitter account I'm looking for fellow twitterers.  Want me to follow you?  Leave your @twittername for me.

@mrnonconfermist
http://www.twitter.com/mrnonconfermist

Basics of Brewing Beer (Mindmap)

Getting started with this mindmap. I'll be revising it. Hoping to capture the very basics of brewing in a concise format. Click for larger image. I haven't read any of these, but, here's Mind Mapping stuff on Amazon

I already see stuff to add...

• 60 min boil
• When is sanitation important?
• Do I include specific gravity measuring?
• Make sure fermentation is finished?
• etc.

The NonconFERMist has no friends.

Not surprising really.

the nonconFERMist

Promote Your Page Too

Links that need fixin'...

As the web changes and my links break, I'll try to fix them and let you know when I do.

Fresh Hops: New look and feel on the website.  Click on "Growing" on the left...
http://www.freshops.com/

Law: Is homebrewing legal?  AHA's major overhaul moved things around...
http://www.nonconfermist.com/2007/12/law-is-homebrewing-beer-legal.html

Off topic pic of the day

I'll bet some of you 9 to 5er's out there saw this too. Darkness.

How the hell are you?! Who needs real content on a blog anyway?

Rather than make up something to write about. I thought I'd just see how y'inz (Western Pennsylvania thing) are doing? As usual I'm behind schedule for my Just In Time Ale for the Holidays. So things are "normal" here.

How the hell are you? (and your brew stuff too)

Fermentation isn't just a beer thing...

What about bread, yogurt, cheese, miso, sauerkraut and kimchi.  I was reading a post by Laurie over at the blog Common Sense Homesteading.  Just started reading it recently and I really enjoy it.  She mentions these books.  Anybody have them?

Wild Fermentation: The Flavor, Nutrition, and Craft of Live-Culture Foods (Amazon Link)

Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats(Amazon Link)

Maybe I could get some sauerkraut fermented for New Years? Maybe even improve my health.

Passing things on. Came across some brewing equipment...

So, I belong to the BUZZ Homebrew Club mailing list and came across an interesting opportunity to buy some homebrew equipment from a fellow homebrewer moving on to other interests.  Gotta say I'm pretty damn happy with my end of the deal.

• Farmhouse Ales: Culture and Craftsmanship in the Belgian Tradition
  
• An Analysis of Brewing Techniques
  
• Brew Your Own Real Ale at Home (CAMRA Guides)
  
• Using Hops: The Complete Guide to Hops for the Craftbrewer
  
• 3 Five Gallon Glass Carboy For Beer or Wine Making
  
• Two Cornelius Keg, 5 Gallon, Ball Lock
  
• 1 six gallon carboy
• misc keg fittings

A big thank you to the fellow homebrewer and also to the BUZZ Homebrew Club for the opportunity.  You may have a homebrew club in your area so search for one and see.  They may not be registered so ask around.

Painting the Brew Garage and thinking of brewing...

While I'm spending time making the Brew Garage a more hospitable place I have brewing in the back of my mind.  I wanted my next brew to be in the electric kettle, but, I'm not so sure that's happening.  One more propane brewing session fits the bill.  I'll brew my Just in Tim Ale or whatever you call it ASAP.

Time to get busy.