So, it's been a while, huh? Well, a quick update for now then back to more brewing type things. So, now that the prime competition season is over and all of my scoresheets are returned, how about some reflection. I will say I learned a ton specific to my own brewing and learned that quantity rarely trumps quality. That is to say that a few really well made beers with intent will always trump making tons of different beers. I also learned that I need start my brewing much sooner. This is evidenced by the fact that my Dunkel is just now rounding into form. The same Dunkel that started as a low 20s beer finished out with a 34 in the last competition I entered it into. It just reinforces the idea that time really does cure a lot of ills in beer.
Specific to this season, I only managed two ribbons: a second for my Duesseldorf Altbier at BABBLE and a first place for my American IPA, which was my first use of WY1272, which is the Anchor Liberty strain, I believe, a very cool strain that I plan to use more of in the future. This was a beer that I focused on using Citra & Ahtanum hops to develop a juicy layer of flavor in it.
Coming up this weekend, I'll be retaking the tasting portion of the BJCP exam in preparation of retaking the written portion of the exam next fall. This will allow me to continue to progress through the ranks and gain more clout and ability to judge at a higher level. We'll see what the future brings.
Speaking of future, my next few topics will be quite varied to reflect the different experiments and products that I have going right now/recently. I've been delving into mead and cider lately, as well as brewing syrup production as well. I've done a Belgian Dark Strong using candi syrup and will be brewing a Best Bitter using Invert No. 2 this weekend. Also this weekend, I'll be producing a triple decocted Bohemian Pilsner, for which I presently have a gallon starter going. This beer is to be entered in a competition with Pilsner Urquell for a chance to win a trip to Prague. We'll see how this goes. With that being said, I have plenty to share and will do my best to get it out!
