Archive for August, 2004

Iron Hill Brewery Vs. Fool Circle Beer

Monday, August 23rd, 2004

Guess who get’s to brew at Iron Hill Wilmington tomorrow? You damn right!

Tomorrow morning at 7:30 A.M. your’s trully will be participating in the brewing of Iron Hill’s Iron Bound Ale (APA). Brian Finn will be brewing it up while I shadow him for the day.

(Afterward . . .)

That was some pretty cool stuff! I got there at 7:30 and we started to crack the grain to put into the grist hopper to send to the mash tun. When the grain began to enter the mash tun they asked if I wanted to be in charge of making sure everything went OK. Brian’s assistant, Wayne, was also there and he was very helpful and knowledgable through out the day. I think they asked me to stir-in the grain because it was hot and heavy work for about half an hour.

Later after we were done mashing in we had to get the spent grain out. So again they offered if I wanted to do it. Again, it was hot and heavy work, no wonder they offered. Then from there to the boil kettle, then lunch, then back to boiling. The whole process was very interesting to watch because basically it is the same thing I do with 5 gallons only a lot bigger and a lot more efficient.

The day ended at about 4:30 and with a beer tasting with the new staff (bummer). For me, it was an extremely long day. It was very hurry up and wait. When we were working I was working harder than I normally do, and when we were waiting, basically we were standing around looking at each other from 5 to 90 minutes. Waiting that long that many times in an unformilar environment with a bunch of nice “strangers” is a little wearing.

On the whole I had an amazing day. I thank Mark Edelson, Brian Finn, and Wayne very much for a great experience, a great day, and in the long run the great beer that we made together!!

Coventry – Phucked

Monday, August 16th, 2004

August 14, 2004 – Coventry, VT – As a direct result of the severe weather conditions and serious flooding encountered over the past few days, the Vermont State Police and concert organizers, in the interest of public safety, have been forced to limit entry in to the COVENTRY festival this weekend. After exploring all possible options, Police and organizers have concluded that there is no conceivable way to park the remaining vehicles on or in the near vicinity of the concert site, due to the conditions of the grounds as a direct result of the persistent and torrential rains over the past several days.

Effective immediately, all vehicles bound for the concert site not already off Interstate 91 will be turned around and denied entrance to the festival. In addition, roadblocks at additional points of entry have been set up and State Police will be ensuring that people can turn around in a safe and efficient manner.

All ticket holders denied entry to the site will be granted a full refund. Ticket refunds will be refunded directly to credit card holders who have purchased tickets from Ticketmaster and from Phish’s online ticketing system. Further details on refunds will be announced in the coming days.

While Phish deeply regrets having to take this action, it is necessary to protect fans as well as residents of the greater Coventry area.

Wedding Brew Update

Monday, August 2nd, 2004

To the right are the Wedding Brew results – you voted, you’re results. I wonder if anyone was stacking the poll at all . . . ?
Some of the “others” that were mentioned were: E.C.P.A., Hunting MacRae, an apricot hefeweizen, a triple, and a lowest common denominator lawnmower light. Honestly, I don’t think that last one has a chance!
Hopefully we’ll have some DFH or Victory or something local and yummy avaiable too. Thanks for your thoughts