Brew is Brew

I have finished a partial extract brew for the first time, while I guess it is my first time starting one as well. I now appreciate the need for a larger pot in which to do a full wort boil as now I divide the wort twixt 2 pots for a full batch (Like that better than topping off with water, albeit, that is easier). This is an Imperial Stout with an OG of 1.074, this is lower than I would like, but the max I can accurately read on my hydrometer, so I reckon that is good. I think next time I will go with more grains and more Alpha Acids in the hops (like a chinook or something round 13%) to counter the extra malt. I will see what tweaks must be made, but I would wager to break the 9% ABV mark I need to make some changes.

If only I could afford me a barrel, that would be great, but instead I will soak some chips, I will need more chips next time. mayhaps 8oz stead of 4oz. I will see how this turns, the last was very good. I will look into making some real cheap homebrew for parties and whatnots, figure I may be able to get the price down to round 20$ for 5 gallons.

Beer is Beer

I was at the store looking to purchase the usual Foster's in a green can. Used to be known as Foster's Bitter, now I think it's called Foster's Premium. As the first name would suggest it is a bitter beer full of awsomeness. But alas the store was out of them and I was left to find something less usual. I perused the big bottle large price section, you know the place, where one bottle runs from five dollars and up. My eyes found a double image of greatness, It was in fact Double Bastard Ale from Stone Brewing. Everything Else from stone that I have tried in the past has been good, and this at 10.5% I anticipated would be no different. I was not to be disappointed, but I was surprised. I expected a usual pale ale flavor, bitter yet good, light in color. My surprise was that the flavor and color were both very different. It pours reddish in color and tastes like a suicide bomber from flavortown declared a jihad on my tongue. The taste explosion is wonderful, and the carbonation adds to the smoothness. For the high ABV the flavor is still smooth, the malty texture and slight bitterness help to distract from it. I would recommend handling this with care as too much, too quickly and you may be double the bastard you were.