6/29/03: http://niflheim.darktech.org

5 gallons of Czech-style pilsner, just racked to secondary and dry-hopped. I won't be touching it again until a week before the next RustyQ, and then I'll keg it and force carbonate it. Per my hydrometer readings today, it's right around 5% abv - very light (5 gallons of beer in one large doesn't look very light, but it's actually golden-colored when in a glass), very crisp, and very clean. Nice and hoppy.

If I have the time between now and then, I'll also brew up a blackberry honey wheat that everyone who has ever tried it seems to like. That's an easy 8-9% abv for that beer, gets the chicks smashed pretty quickly. The tartness from the blackberries masks the alcohol.

And if there is sufficient interest, I can brew up a Banned Belgian strong ale - if I get the same luck I did last time, it'll top out around 13-14% abv. Drinks much lighter than that. It's one of those where you drink a few and then try to stand up only to fall flat on the floor. Very very sneaky.

8/4/03:

The monster ale for the RustyQ refuses to ferment out. Therefore, I'm going to pour it down the drain on Wednesday. I will also brew a replacement that day. I should still be able to get that and the blackberry ale ready by the Q, provided no other problems occur.

The replacement batch - a strong golden ale - won't be so monstrous or ambitious. I'm estimating about a 9.5-10.0% abv, light golden color, and a decent hop bite.

Further news as events warrant.

10/7/03:

Here's what's making it to the Q:

Czech-style pilsner - 4.9% abv

Blackberry honey wheat - 8.4% abv
Belgian-style strong golden ale - 10.2% abv

And maybe:

Chocolate oatmeal stout - 5.0% abv

John Ervine