My Brew Kettle

I’m not in the habit of taking on challenges from other bloggers, be it photography or writing. But Greg over at Almost Iowa has put out a challenge to write about “My Stuff“, something he’s been doing with great success for years, and I couldn’t resist. Greg puts a new spin on homespun humor and wisdom, check him out.

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The rich aroma of brewing malt and hops filled my nose, the house, and possibly the neighborhood as I peered into the bubbling cauldron of my brew kettle. A dark, chocolaty concoction for a batch of Porter boiled away, both a visual and olfactory delight, suggesting the rich flavors that in due time would greet the tongue.

Boiling malt and hops for a Brown Ale on an earlier brew day

How To Make Beer – Part Three

When we left off, we were talking about sex and alcohol.

How To Make Beer – Part Two

It’s not often I can say with confidence I know the secret of success and am willing to share it with you.  For free, even.

How To Make Beer – Part One

Barley Malt, Special Grains, Dry Malt Extract, and Hops

Beer.

Just mentioning the word will cause some to perk up their ears, trying to catch the inside scoop on who might be providing some. A few are interested primarily in the alcohol it contains, while others have an interest in its different styles and flavors. While the first group may think of making your own in terms of a cheap buzz, it’s the second that will get full return on the art of homebrewing. Read on to find out why.

The After Party

Every now and then, I volunteer to serve beer at brewfests.

Over, Under, and Through (Part Two)

Great Barrier Reef – NASA

In part one, our intrepid travellers drove the left lane through New Zealand, and dove with the right gear under its waters.  We were about to take a flight on which there was a muscular, cricket bat wielding passenger over the ocean to Cairns, Australia.  It’s worth mentioning: this was a flight where the alcohol was flowing free and easy.

A Beer As Big As Your Head

Several of the world’s cities evoke a particular thought or mental image: for Paris, it’s the Eiffel Tower; for Venice, it’s the canals; and for Munich, it’s the beer.  As a beer enthusiast I had high expectations for the Munich beer scene.  Did it measure up?