Brew Batch #82 Mango Wheat

Went into the keg this afternoon at FG 1.004+0.002 @77F to give a healthy 6.3%. On first swill, the mango nose and slight taste were there but I think I'll be doubling the Azacca on the next batch and going 100% mango flavor without pulp. Even thought about some flaked oats but I think the other 2 points should be changed first. Gassing up for the Return of Junk.

Jacktoberfest 2017

Post Siebel, my goals were small and staggered.  I wanted better learning around yeast propagation and hop usage during the course to help with recipe development. Then phase II involved entry into several home brew competitions with medal reception of some placement using a few different recipes. Thus, we have the entry of Ikigai into the Annual Jacktoberfest. Mailed the entries off today for category 17D in the hopes of brewing this on-site at Lucky Town Brewing Co.  Winners and BOS (Best of Show) are announced 10/08/2017 via their Facebook page 10/20ish. I'll keep you posted on results and overall scores.

Brew Batch #83 Jake's Juice

I want to see how long I can re-prop this yeast without detriment. OG 1.051+0.001 @67F, from 3 batches ago? Thank you Siebel, on 60bbls this could be $500 per pitch yeast management. Plus, the neighbors are pulling growlers faster than I can entertain bottling! It's amazing how fermentation was full blown within 4 hours. It's also the same strain for my impending Mango Wheat Oktoberfest entry.

Our Tastes-- Furious

A well known IPA in the home brewing circles especially since Surly Brewing Co. released this recipe as part of a ProAm program with Northern Brewer. Surly pours up a fantastic amber to red hue with ample tan head. Nose is evenly paired with soft hops tones and the touch of English yeast used. But then the pay off is the destructible taste of Warrior, Ahtanum, Cascade, Simcoe and Amarillo on what appears to be the malty backbone of an Imperial Red? Go figure. Either way, if given a choice between this and Dutch Windmill, I'd pick Surly every single time!

Our Tastes-- Daisy Cutter

Daisy Cutter's website description is by far more exciting than the beer itself in person. I like this PA, but I would not consider it a lush and papaya, mango driven monster. I agree it is dry and I pick up more floral notes belonging to Centennial hops than anything else. A smooth yummy banger that if still somewhat local (used to live in Rockford), I'd buy if available over SN, which is my usual convert "to some hops" beer. Good sweet light biscuit malt taste and aroma. 5.2% Andy gimme.

Our Tastes-- Kiwi Kölsch

A little Cahaba Brewing Co offering, their summer seasonal and a little Alfalfa train bootleg. It's no secret that I look to perfect JJ's honey kölsch and I've tried more of that style and comparable lighter beers this summer than ever before. So here's another 5.3% light and lovely with coriander and kiwi. I've not read of coriander in this style, more prevalent in the wits., but we carry on. Color and aroma is standard but the taste is clean, sweet with a touch of tart on the very end. No nose of kiwi per se so I guess this is their contribution? Either way, it was an ok brew and I would definitely crush a growler easily during a hot summer yard work day.

Our Tastes-- North Island IPA

Post Seibel, I treated myself to $100 in beer that I couldn't get here via CraftShack. Now I would have only done that due to shipping reasons because of the free shipping they just happen to be running at the time. This is why as I follow the NEIPA rabbit down the hole, we have North Island IPA. A cloudy, fruity/yeasty nosed beauty! Made with Columbus (one of my favs), Centennial, Citra and Mosaic hops then paired with a British yeast (I'm thinking 1098? 1099? or 1725?) to give a great tropical fruity chew and full body. Aroma is that of oranges more than any other fruit followed by a well balanced hop and orange pith. At 7.5% can't do it all day but a bomber gives you a couple of great pints. Bummer though, only one ordered.

Brew Batch #81 Jake's Juice

Into the keg with perfect flavor, all it needs is a little chill and gas. FG 1.008+0.002 @75F to give 5.6%. Jake has already hit me up for a growler this weekend though his 2 cases of bottles will take a hit.

Our Tastes-- Bretticent

I have 3 bottles of Wicked Weed pre sell-out stuff and this is one of them. Now, when I got this bottle I was not big on the "British fungus" nor the saison class in general. However, when I poured up Bretticent even my wife clamored at it! It poured a thick white head atop a medium to dark ray of sunshine. Taste at 6.5% was light and smooth with a touch of tart. Made with Riverbend Malthouse barley, wheat and rye and finished with Brettanomyces, this is one of the most phenomenal saisons I've had. Now part of "The High End" with AB-InBev, I'm curious to know whether this intricately made and produced beer will remain the same.

Goat Haus Biergarten

A new watering hole in the greater Montgomery area is the GoatHaus Biergarten. Hours vary but generally speaking thy're open every afternoon after 2m except Tuesdays. I try to lead with the "not-so-goods" and close on the positives. Parking, slim to none, downtown street parking or the ability to walk steep grades is what you'll need. Currently offers only bottles or pre-packaged products, no draft (however at the time of my visit they had just been inspected and hope to be pouring draft by mid September. So you'll be paying $5-7 for a bottled beer poured in a plastic cup. The biergarten itself is one of 3 houses owned by the same guys. This one in particular is fabulous in that it was built in 1889 and much of the original woodworking is still inside. Decor is fine but with only 1 TV you won't be going there to watch many games. A wrought iron spiral staircase outside leads up to a great "sipping" floor that overlooks downtown Montgomery and Alabama River. Plans in place include a wine tasting room, large leveled outer deck, child's play area, bark park and 2bbl nano brewery. My first thought was where are they going to put all of this stuff then I saw the land the have to work with, it's substantial. The upper floors house an airbnb? Not sure I would want to sleep above their Thursday night sellouts but if it's generating revenue to further the property so be it. Jeremiah was a friendly dude and seemed knowledgeable about the beer. As the draft beer starts flowing, I'll revisit.