The Tragedy of Tragedies

Today, I was racking a batch of mead when I broke my auto syphon. Man that sucks (or doesn't depending).

Apfelwein Bottled: Old Country Inn

Last night I bottled batch 4-002: Old Country Inn. This batch is Apfelwein although with a twist. I infused Old Country Inn with vanilla beans and cinnamon. Also, I used brown sugar instead of dextrose. Still it is quite dry but not as sharp. OG: 1.068; FG: 0.994; ABV: 10%.

New Batch: 4-005 Buckwheat Traditional

I have a paper that needs to be written so, of course, I had a busy day of avoiding work by playing in the mead. I racked 4-002, 4-004, and I brewed a new batch of Buckwheat Traditional. Interestingly, the OG: 1.102 is the same as the last buckwheat traditional I brewed.

I am worried about 4-004, however. The SG: 1.072 and fermentation is so slow. I may have to restart with another shot of EC-1118.

-Safari Bob

New Batch: 4-004 Blackberry Traditional

Friday, I brewed a new batch of sweet elixir of the gods! I am working on traditionals here lately and I continue with a blackberry honey. This honey is not like I expected; it is much lighter and completely crystalized. I had some difficulty getting the honey solvent and I had to use a little less water than I had hoped. I used the same recipe and yeast as 4-003 and, with the reduced amount of water, the OG was the same: 1.098.

Also, I cracked open some Black and Red (the buckwheat traditional) and oh my! it is tasty! I was expecting a much more bitter brew but even though it is dry, it does display some subtle sweetness. I may only brew traditionals from now on!

- Safari Bob