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.