Another year has past, with 2018 being somewhat experimental and getting use to brewing on new equipment (ss brewtech kettle, buffalo boiler & standalone mash tun)
In hindsight it probably wasn't a good idea to do experimental batches while figuring out a new brew system, but brewing what I fancied at the time meant this.
I also had a bit of a set back in Oct when I fractured a bone in my right (dominant) hand, which put me out of action for 6 weeks. Fortunately I had just had kegged my milk stout (Brann's Breakfast Stout) however unfortunately that was the last brew I have done this year and with difficulty typing/use of computer I didn't right my reactions/thoughts of the beer/brewday up.
What I can say now though is that it came out exactly how I remembered from last year. Very pleased with it and when my parents came over for xmas, my Dad happily consumed 4 pints of it in one sitting. He was blown away by it!
For a present I got Camra's Essential home brewing book, which has some tasty looking recipes like from Verdant & their Pulp. I'll be looking forward to going through the book, it looks really interesting even for me who's been brewing for 3 years.
I also got a ball and keg level indicator which I'll leave my impressions here when I get round to testing my next batch.
So what am I planning on brewing in 2019.....
I'll certainly be brewing Brann's Breakfast Stout again, maybe a smaller batch so I can drink it alongside a lighter beer.
Saison of Love will be brewed again too, I tried to do a variation this year but it didn't live up to the original so I'll be sticking to my 'core range' version.
2019 will also be a time where I'll some recipes I didn't do last year, maybe to hone them so they can become part of my 'Core range'. I only have 4 'core range' currently, ones that I'll brew over and over, year after year. Brann's Breakfast Stout, Saison of Love (dry hopped Saison, Thai-Panda-Ale (American Pale Ale with Kaffir Lime Leaves) and a Cream Ale (which might get some variation/update in 2019).
Until next time...... Have a Happy Brew Year!
