Mellody Brewing

Great Pumpkin

 

This time of year calls for lots of things, and Pumpkin Beer, in my mind - is not one of them.  I'm in a minority here it seems, but I'm just not a fan of the stuff. Everyone I have had tastes like fake pumpkin pie.  But, in honor of Halloween, here's some fun music to celebrate.

Also, Mellody Brewing is back on Twitter.  Check us out at @mellodybrew

Feel like funkin' it up

 

We saw Rebirth Brass Band on the last day of ACL in the hot steamy mud, and it was incredible. The video doesn't display their ability and the incredible feeling of hearing them live, with us right in the front row. It was the pinnacle of ACL for me. I can't wait to go back.

Brew Day Update: Stuck in a fermenter with you

Yes, my first batch in almost a year and I make a rookie mistake...I didn't prep my yeast.  I didn't make a starter and with such a high gravity beer that was a big mistake.  We had active fermentation for about three days, then it just died.  I'm pretty sure it had to do with the cold temps in the apartment tied with a bad start to the fermentation.  So, I consulted with my local home brew shop owner and a few boards and decided first course of corrective action was the electric blanket to warm the beer back to ideal fermentation temp - 65-75 degrees.  That brought some small bubble action, but not enough.  Before we repitch more yeast, tonight I added Yeast Energizer.  Yup, a magical mixture of yeast nutrients that should jump start the process...think of it as a shot of speed or something I guess.  We'll see what happens.  We now have yeast energizer and the electric blanket at work - let's hope we get more bubbly action soon.

Brew Day: Fermentation Update

Cold weather here at Mellody Brewing (aka 40s outside and low heat inside) means a stuck fermentation.  Opps...I've pulled out the trusty electric blanket to hopefully jumpstart the fermentation process.  Wish me luck.

Brew Day: Fermentation

Barley wonders how long till it's ready?

Brew Day: Barley takes an interest

 

Post boil and cool down, Barley came over to see what her crazy human has been up to all day. She looks disinterested but this was after a few attempts to stick her nose in it. The yeast has been pitched and all readings taken. We are looking good for being where I hope to be. I'll post details on the recipe after cleaning up a bit. It's nice to have brewed again. My apartment smells incredible and now I'm thinking we need a dark beer on tap as well. Maybe next weekend...

Brew Day: I want candi

I decided to add a full pound of candi sugar. Lesson learned here, next time break it into small pieces. It was truly a bitch to add to the boil and not have it burn on the bottom. It took a while too add it all but no burn or other issues. This is going to be one strong beer. Look out!

Brew Day: Boiling Away

Transfer made, boil achieved and first hop addition made. Now time to sit and enjoy a beer as the Eagles beat the Bucs. I have 30 minutes to figure out how much Candi Sugar I want to add.

Brew Day: We're gonna need a bigger pot

Uh yeah, so when I decided to go back to stove top brewing I went to a smaller pot, my old original pot. I forgot however that two gallons of water and 9 lbs of extract make for a very full pot. Time to transfer.

Edited to say transfer made, only a slight burn to the left hand due to a splash of wort.

Brew Day: Prep

Warming the extract.

Grains await the boiling water.

Let the games begin.