Friday, January 25, 2008

More Racking Fun: 3-007 Buckwheat and 4-001 Apflewein

Today I racked batches 3-007 and 4-001. I took a reading on 4-001 (SG: 1.000; ABV: 8%) but I was lazy and did not take a new reading on the buckwheat traditional. Batch 3-006 is clearing and I noticed that I am almost out of corks. So, I ordered the following from The Home Brewery:

12 Clear Bottles
12 Green Bottles
1 pack (30) Shrink Wrap; black
100 Synthetic Corks

Yeah, I'm a wild man.

-Safari Bob

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

New Batch: 4-002 Apfelwein

I was wandering around Wal-Fart today and chanced upon Musselman's Apple Cider for $1.50 per gallon. I was forced to capitalize and make a new batch of Apfelwein. Here is the recipe:

4-002
5 gallon apple cider
2 lbs dark brown sugar
1.12 oz apple pie spice
1 pkt Red Star Montrachet
OG: 1.068 (potential ABV: 10.4%)

Mmmm.. tasty! I also joined the local homebrew club this week: Ale-ian Society. Come on by the forum and drop me a line!

-Safari Bob

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Technorati Claim

Hello!

In order to claim the posts from this blog on Technorati, I must make this post.

Enjoy!

Technorati Profile

Add to Technorati Favorites

Monday, January 7, 2008

New Batch: 4-001 Apfelwein

Today I brewed Apfelwein, although perhaps 'brewed' is a misnomer. This wine is so simple to make that I did not even have to heat anything. Here is what I did:

4-001
5 gallon 100% apple cider
2 lb corn sugar
1 packet Red Star Montrachet yeast
OG: 1.060 (potential ABV: 9.3%)

Step #1: Sterilize the carboy
Step #2: Add 1/2 gallon apple cider to carboy; add 1 lb corn sugar to 1/2 gallon of apple juice and shake well; add to carboy
Step #3: Repeat step #2
Step #4: Add all remaining apple cider to carboy; add yeast

It took less than 30 minutes - including clean up - and I should get almost 5 gallons of apfelwein for less than $20. Oh yeah..

After it is done I intend to carbonate by adding 3/4 cup corn sugar before I bottle. I have never successfully been able to carbonate this way with mead but it should work here. Now if Linden would only find me a bembel...

-Safari Bob

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Raider Red: Batch 3-008 is Bottled


Today I bottled batch 3-008 which is a cyser I brewed on 10 November 2007. This cyser was brewed with mint honey and finished with a distinct red hue. In order to commemorate TTU's come from behind victory in the Gator Bowl, I have named this batch Raider Red. Out of a 5 gallon batch, I bottled the following:

6 1.5 liter bottles
7 750 ml bottles
2 16 oz Grolsch bottles

The mead is smooth, sweet, and smacks of apple, vanilla, and mint. I can't wait to see how it ages.
OG: 1.144; FG: 1.022; ABV: 17.9% (adjusted)

-Safari Bob