I alluded in my first post about September Make N’ Tell that there were projects I’d been blowing off that this has helped me make progress on. Today’s project is precisely what I had in mind. For Christmas last year, I gave my dad a gift certificate to go brew beer together at Bev Art, which we did. Sadly, my follow through was pitiful, and our beer ended up getting thrown away for lack of scheduling a bottling time. I was embarrassed enough about this to try and sweep it under the rug until along came Make N’ Tell, the impetus I needed to get off my booty and brew a do over with my dad!
So the aforementioned dad and I went today to brew a remake of our Bass Ale clone, which the gentlemen at Bev Art were kind enough to give me a small discount on and which I will not be screwing up a second time. We had a ton of fun, proving my theory that giving people gifts that involve spending some time with them is always the way to go. Here are the photos:
This is our boiling wort and grain sack. Yes, that's a turkey fryer.
The tools of our trade
Dad takes the grain out of our wort for sparging. I'm not making these words up.
Baby pictures of beer
Pouring in the malt extract
Dad stirs it up
Me using the "beer thief" to put wort into our hydrometer for measuring specific gravity.
Time to add the yeast!
Casks in the fermentation room
Fermentation room again
So the other cool thing about going today is that I ran some ideas by the guys at Bev Art as to why the pear wine I made a while ago is truly awful. Turns out, they can fix that, too. $11 worth of supplies and I’ve got a make for a few days from now. Watch this space!
Also, this afternoon, I spent some relaxing time with my stepmom knitting on the deck. Seems everyone is catching Make N’ Tell fever! I wish I’d taken a picture, but I didn’t think of it. I did get about 3 inches worth of practice project knitted today, and it’s not half bad. Definitely some mistakes, but I’m learning as I go, and Max is looking forward to the finished product, which has been promised to him.
mmmm … beeeeeer …
Looks like you guys had a lot of fun!
oh, and the giveaway name was drawn, and surprise! I’ve got a gift just for you for entering! Visit the blog for more details: http://designbycassandra.blogspot.com
Sarah,
Nice! I’ve still not tried brewing beer. Who knew that malt extract looked like vanilla extract? Your baby beer ooks tasty!
But your post also reminds me… I might have some REALLY old fermentation projects going in the basement that haven’t been bottled. Hmmmm. I should check that out.
hugs,
Susan
This is just about the best idea ever. And you’re amazing for make ‘n ‘telling with your already crazed and creative life! Very psyched to get to see you guys soon in your native digs. :O)