Not So Famous…

So I went to a church gathering the other night, and really enjoyed myself. It’s great to be at a church, where the guys love beer almost as much as I do. :-D Really!

Anyway, so I’m sitting there discussing beer brewing techniques with a fellow brewmaster, and the doorbell rings. It’s my good friend Daniel, and he’s brought me a Christmas present that he just couldn’t wait to give me. What is it you ask?

An entire book on the concept and technique for brewing Scotch Ales! Those of you who know me know that my favorite beer style is the Scotch Ale, and for good reason. I tend to stay away from excessively bitter beers, as bitter is not my favorite flavor. If I’ve got a choice, I’d rather my sweetness be cut by a lot of alcohol, but I’m not entirely sure why people don’t like a sweet beer, anyway. I like Moylan’s Kilt Lifter precisely because the alcohol hides, and doesn’t mask the sweetness of the good malt their brewmaster uses. Anyway, the guy who wrote this book is a phenominal brewer. He begins with a history of brewing in Scotland…this has got to be the most phenominal Scottish history book I own, and I’ve got a few! :) With the popularity of Scotch Whiskey, many alcohol historians tend to overlook the Scottish contribution to good ale. When you consider that during the early 1800’s Scotch Ale was the MOST PRIZED and sought after ales in the world, you’ve got to wonder what they were on to.

I’m going to find out. My Scotch Ale is bottle-conditioning in my computer room, but I’ve already got some changes to my next batch in the works. As much as I’d love to brew nothing but Scotch Ales until I die, I promised Daniel that I’d brew him a stout next. (Actually, since he purchased the Stout book in the style series, he’ll probably be brewing the stout…he’ll just be using my equipment.) :-D

Alrighty folks, I’m going to finish watching the Good Eats chocolate episode. :) Hopefully, I’ll find out about the school district job tomorrow or within the next couple days. :)

I’m currently drinking: Boont’s ESB. Traditionally, as any Brit will tell you, ESB stands for Extra Special Bitter. Now, a pint of bitter is also traditionally anything but! How they ended up with the name is a topic for another article. However, on this label, the brewmaster has determined that is stands for Extra Special Beer. This is also not a typical bitter, in that it’s….well….somewhat bitter. I have come to appreciate hops, and what they can do for a less malty beer…which this is. Somewhat lighter in color than a typical amber, with very little sweet flavor, and a nice, alcoholic aftertaste with a very fruity aroma imparted by the hops. No lacing on the sides of the glass, and an impressive head thinned to a nice, light covering. This beer warmed my toes. I was pretty pleased. :)