Friday, June 19, 2009

Hangar 24 Brewery, Redlands CA

Hangar 24 Brewery has lots of starter feel, in a great way! I've now had all of their beers and am quite impressed. They have lots of potential! Here's Andrew, Sarah, Dana, and I. Sent from my mobile phone.

Hangar 24 Brewery

In Redlands now on our way to Big Bear. We stopped at Hangar 24 Brewery. They've been in business for just 14 months. I had a few of their beers at the Blind Lady Ale House and really liked their helles and altbier. Here's Andrew and Dana. Sent from my mobile phone.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Independence IPA, June 6 2009

Independence IPA

Moving seems to always put a damper on homebrewing. The new kitchen has hardwood floors that demanded the brewing operation to be moved outdoors. For years, I've been brewing on apartment balconies with quick access to the kitchen. Organizing a brew space makes for a more chillindamos brewing experience. Today, I felt a little disconnected from my normal brewing routine. Decisions such as where to do the boil, gravity tasks, and sanitation took some chillin away.
Despite the numerous adaptations and running around to find all of my equipment, 6 months out of the game of brewing and chillindamos did not rust away the essential skillz. I hit my temps, volume, and gravity as I hoped.
Our friends Dave and Sarah encouraged this brew as it will be consumed at their Independence Day party.

5 Gallons, All Grain, Single Infusion Mash, 70 Minute Boil

12lbs. Domestic Two-Row
1/2lb. Crystal 60
1/4lb. Victory
2oz. Black Roasted

1.5oz. Homegrown Centennial 60min.
1 Whirlfloc Tab 20min.
3/4oz. Styrian Goldings 20min.
1/2oz. Styrian Goldings 5min.

OG: 1.066 @ 76'F
FG: 1.015 @68'F
ABV: 6.9%

White Labs, WLP041 Pacific Ale Yeast

Friday, June 5, 2009

Smoke or Fire!?

At an awesome restaurant and look what's going down! Playing our favorite drinking game, Smoke or Fire. Sent from my mobile phone.

Smoke or Fire Drinking Game

So here's the basics: shuffle and deal to each person asking the round question:
1st Card/Round (worth one drink - you guess it and give out a drink or if you're wrong, take a drink): Smoke or Fire (Black or Red)? The card goes to the player face up.
Proceed to all players.
2nd Card/Round (worth two drinks, if guessed correctly you give out two drinks or you take two drinks if wrong): Higher or Lower? This is relevant to the first card dealt. If the card is the same, the player drinks double (4 drinks).
3rd Card/Round (worth 3 drinks): Inside or out? This is related to the first two showing cards. If the card dealt duplicates a showing card, the player doubles (6 drinks).
4th Card/Round: Choose your suit? This is unrelated to any other cards showing and is worth 4 drinks.
Next, cards are flipped by each player. It would be a good idea if you try to remember some of the cards out there. The dealer makes a five level pyramid then proceeds to deal out the remainder cards until everyone has an equal number of cards. If any excess cards, add them to the pyramid.
The pyramid is basically a round of bullshit. The base row is worth 1 drink, second row worth 2 drinks, etc. The dealer flips a card starting at the bottom row. If you tell another player to drink one, you are basically telling that player you have that particular card. Of course, you can lie. If they catch your lie and call bullshit, you drink double. If they call bullshit and you were true to your word, show your card and they drink double.
Let's say you're on the second row and you have two cards of the one in show. Well, since each of those cards is worth 2 drinks, you can give out 4 drinks.
Happy Drinking Games!