Beer Update

2010 was a low year for me and brewing beer. Not a lot of brews and not a lot of success. 2011 is off to a good start. Pale Ale is flowing from the taps and is enjoyable. I kegged and tasted my IPA and Stout yesterday and both seem to be a winner as well. I will know in 2 days once fully carbed.

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Brew Day: Project Black Stout

My buddy Seymore has been getting into brewing and has inspired me to dust of some of my equipment and get back into it.
Here is today's menu.

Project Black Stout


Batch size 5 gallons
Boil size 6.4 gallons
Boil time 60 minutes
Grain weight 11.5 pounds
Efficiency 72%
Original gravity 1.060
Final gravity 1.013
Alcohol (by volume) 6.0%
Bitterness (IBU) 24
Color (SRM) 35.6°L
Yeast
11 dry grams
Dry
    Fermentis
Safale S-04

Grains/Extracts/Sugars
11.5 pounds
2 Row Base
    37ppg, 1.5°L
10 pounds
    87.0%
Barley (Roasted)
    28ppg, 500°L
0.5 pounds
    4.3%
Special B
    30ppg, 140°L
0.5 pounds
    4.3%
Chocolate
    29ppg, 350°L
0.5 pounds
    4.3%

Hops
1.5 ounces
Willamette hops
    5%, Pellet
1.5 ounces

Mash
60 minutes, 8.4 gallons
Strike
    Target 152°F
4.3 gallons
163°F
60 minutes (+0)
Sparge
    Target 170°F
4.1 gallons
179°F

Boil
60 minutes, 6.4 gallons
Willamette hops
    5%, Pellet
1.5 ounces
60 minutes (+0)
Wort chiller 15 minutes (+45)

Ferment
14 days @ 59-75°F

2011 Don't Think ...Execute!

I am looking forward to what 2011 will bring.  I know that the key to all the exciting things that are possible begins with me.

My focus in 2011 will be:

Don't Think . . .  Execute! 

In our computer based world, I tend to think, research and write things out about what I am going to do etc.  Now, I understand that writing down goals increases the chances of accomplishment however, I have a tendency to sit and think and not get around to the "doing it" part.  Granted, if I take this approach for 2011 some of my results may not be perfect, however I will have a result.

So 2011 .. Here's looking at you kid - and watch out cause I am going to EXECUTE! 

Special, Thanks to Mark and Kevin P for making me this shirt.

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