1 Week

Down to one more week of living in Seattle, kind of weird considering I have lived here for 7 years. I am sure I will reflect on that at some other time, but right now I am really excited to be in it 100%. Sure I have been "in it" since I quit my job, but once I am in Boise it will be much more real than right now. I just can't wait until I can write the same title in regards to the brewery opening.

I brewed up another batch of pale ale, went a little different route than the most recent one I kegged and simplified it more. I slightly regret that at this point, but it will be good to have something different than the last pale that turned into a strong ale. Here are some specs on the one I brewed last week.

Pale Ale
Malt: Pale, Crystal
Hops: Nugget (Bittering) Cascade (Aroma)
ABV: 5% (was dead nuts on my gravity for the first time on Schooner's system, only took three tries)

The thing that really concerns me is the Cascade hops. Cascade has been a staple in craft brewing since the movement started which is why I see it as concern, it is a great hop, but it is also everywhere and I don't want to have a beer that tastes just like someone else. I really shouldn't worry about it because if it is a good beer, then it is a good beer.

Knocking-out a batch of Pale Ale

I have had a chance for my first pilot to have some tastes and get some people's opinions. First of all, the alcohol content is very deceptive. It drinks like a 5% beer but hits you like the 6.8% beer it is. While I still think it is on the sweet side, others who tried it didn't find it overly sweet. This will be a future pilot, but I plan on hitting my gravities to have a true pale to taste.

I ordered some equipment for my own pilot system this week, as I get it all put together I will post some pictures.