When the Doves Rye

The final installment of Ikigai went in to Le' Arthur today at 10.5% as a topper. Previous batches were 11.81, 12.08, and 10.24 so that means roughly the average going in was 11.5% Not too bad for a beer that got me my first medal ever at Jacktoberfest. Then again it AND my ability have come a long way. It'll hereafter be known as When the Doves Rye, in part because RP and I both agree Le' Arthur is the vessel and because when we were brewing the second batch (of four) of Ikigai to put in Le' Arthur it was an all 80s kind of day with Prince's "When the Doves Cry" keyed up at some point. Well, not sure what the demand is for a BA English barleywine in July, but Formation Brewing Co will have one. Did I mention we have about 2 gallons overage?

Brew Batch #139 Kemosabe

Kegged today with a wildly exciting opacity that I haven't seen since my first LA3 hazy use. The swill smacks of citrus and finishes with just a little musty. Got it on gas for some true sampling by Monday. FG 1.002-0.001@50F to bang out 7.7%! That Imperial A38 chewed it up like Silver on alfalfa hay!! Hi-ooooOOHH.

Brew Batch #138 Ikigai (again)

Slid into Le’ ARTHUR today with FG 1.031+ 0.000@60F to give a 10.24% addition. Sampling of what was already barreled had a nice mead like quality to it and a dangerous smoothness. And it may not take a year to finish this with as much spirit character that’s left. Only need about 3 more gallons and the other half of FBC is taking care of that later this week. So far blended abv’s are 11.81,12.08 and 10.24.