Step 1, Move to Boise

Not only am I writing this post today, I have a second post that will be scheduled to post later this week. I really have no excuse for not blogging any updates these days, but I haven't had many interesting things to write about. I am not a fan of blogging just to blog and like to have some material to write about. Although I sometimes feel like I am turning into the blogging equivalent of a blowhard who just likes to hear himself talk.

100% moved to Boise at this point, which means that I have to stop hiding behind the safety of the computer and get things going. I have mentioned before about getting to a point where you just need to take a jump and a lot of other things start to open up. I am at one of those points again, this probably being the biggest to date (although quitting Boeing was pretty big). Beside some minor tweaks, the plan is done and it is time to go raise some money. I should find out a lot here shortly. If I get ripped by a potential investor I know there is still work to be done, but lets hope for the best.

I had some new equipment made by my homebrew guy in Seattle, another brew kettle and a hot liquor tank. Those along with my existing brew kettle will get pieced together to make a pilot system very similar to the one I have been using at Schooner. I am going to design how I want the system to look this week and probably put together a big list of parts I need to make it work right. The good thing about the system I have in my head is that I don't need all the bells and whistles from day one to be able to brew, but everything can be added as I can get it. I hope to get another test batch brewed up later this month on the system.

Speaking of test batches, I kegged my last two pilot batches last week. I haven't had a chance to really taste them and review them, but I will share my initial thoughts. The IPA is piney and citrusy in more of an apricot way than grapefruit, it is pretty good, but my ratios for the hops are out of balance. It needs work and if I had to bet, I would say IPA will not be among the first beers offered. Not because I don't think I can make a good one, because I can, but I am such an IPA fan, I want to release one that I love, not one that is just okay. The other pilot was a Pale, I like it so far. It is more typical of a Pale with the use of a lot of Cascade hops. I think I have a good arsenal of pale ale recipes that I am ready to make 3 or 4 and put them in front of a tasting panel.

No promises, but I'll try to get back to posting regularly.