Abby Road Oatmeal Stout Update

Steve and I racked the stout to secondary today. We measured the gravity at 1.025. Given our original gravity measurement of 1.06, it looks like we're on our way to an oatmeal stout with about 4.8% alcohol by volume. Not bad for the first time around. Here are our first impressions on this new recipe:

Aroma: Mellow, malty aroma.

Taste: Very low bitterness with a sweet (toffee-ish), malty finish.

Appearance: Overall clarity is excellent. Looks like the addition of whirlflock during the last 10 minutes of the boil paid off. Rich, dark coloration almost like blackstrap molasses.

Finish: Sweet, malty aftertaste.

Overall, we're pleased with the progress of the stout. I can't wait to get it in the fridge.

Prost!

Superstitions

I'm not talking black cats or walking under ladders here folks. I'm talking the Superstition Mountains! Right now I'm sitting at the base of the Mountains where I'm lucky enough to have a good pal with a sweet pad. I woke up early and sat in the back yard to gaze upon the mountains. So now I'm planning a quick hike up to Weaver's Needle. I'll head out early tomorrow.

Social Media

I am really excited about the opportunity to share photos, stories, and memories with my friends... both new and old! The potential of social media to open up new lines of communication within our social networks is really fascinating. I'm working on a number of projects to re-connect myself to the growing circle of people looking to get in touch and be in touch. Keep your eyes pealed for some of my upcoming projects, the most exciting of which will be brewmeister.tv... My brew partner Steve and I will be bringing you closer to one of our favorite hobbies... homebrewing. It's easy! We'll show you just how easy it is. Hey, if we can do it... so can you!

Family Fun: Christmas 2008