2011 Recap - Looking Forward to 2012

Well I have not written here in a while and since it is 2012 I figured that I will add a resolution to my list. Brew bigger, better and blog about it!

So after I sat and went through my notes, while sipping on some of my coveted blueberry wheat, I ended up brewing 18 batches of beer this past year. Granted I had some brews I brewed a few different times but brewing this year was far better than my 2010 brew year. That said, I also upgraded some of my equipment and acquired some new stuff as well. I am working into doing small all grain test batches and practicing my all grain techniques which is definitely time consuming but produces a better, clearer beer. I have also switched from a spoon to a paddle which in my opinion is ten times better in my opinion. (I would recommend it if you do not have a paddle)

I also have upgraded to kegs, which is a lot of fun but one hell of a learning experience. I seem to keep over force carbonating my beer. Does anyone have any tips how to fix that? Kegging is fun but I do also prefer to bottle some beers because the bottle conditioning is fun and the aging is also fun to taste beers after a while.

The next and last upgrade came not in 2011 but pretty fracking early in 2012. I have acquired a Beer Meister. It is a single tap kegerator, with a stainless steel tower. It is for a Sanke tap or 15.5 gallon keg. I will need to do some converting for I figure up to 3 Cornelius Kegs. I will also be putting on a digital display temperature controller. This is my 2012 project. I will also be using it possibly for lagering.

As per the big brews, I will perfect some fruit beers, and my English ale. I will aslo brew up a few seasonals this year as well. I will also attempt a lambic and stick to brewing as often as I can. I hope to find a brewing partner that hopefully we can brew as often as possible. I will also take suggestions for beers to brew up.

I guess this sums it up for my first post of the new year. Cheers! Raise your glass and drink up!