Well how things change. My beer making interest has been mostly browns, stouts, porters… the roastier, toastier less hoppy beers.

Over the past weekend we had our Feb Rackers meeting at Titletown brewery. Of course everyone brings samples of what they are making and its a good time.

But Titletown’s Dave O has just released his barley wine. a 2 year old, I guess English style barley wine. Oh my God. I never had anything like this before. The tastes that were in this beer were unbelievable. I am not a beer judge or taster so I cant describe in proper terms, but. citrus, raisin, fruitcake all happening in there. Every time you would try to nail down a single taste, something else would come thru. I feel that as a beer drinker, my life before this beer was an utter waste. I am going to find a way to make something like this, or i will die trying.

Secondly, if that wasnt good enough, Mike brought some of his mead. I have to say that I have tried mead one other time, and i had pretty much the same reaction as this one. Why have I not made mead before?

This is another taste that i think I have been looking to find. I am now actively researching mead making, and will soon be producing. small batches at first. I was always under the impression that Mead “kits” were expensive, but Northern Brewer has 5 gallon kits for just a few bucks more than beer kits. And me living in the sticks in Wisconsin, honey is fairly accessible makes this more and more appealing. in fact I am just now starting a 1 gallon batch. Gonna primary in a party pig then secondary in a regular glass gallon jug. Party pig is great for this cause its a bit bigger an when we rack off we should be just about at a gallon.

Am also looking for another keg. not so much as for dispensing, but more of a brite tank or long term secondary.

I’ll keep you posted.