December 28, 2008

Had some issues with a problematic pump that put a crimp in the plan to brew back-to-back batches, but I did get one batch of the Wheatley Hills Weizenbock brewed yesterday. Will be taking advantage of as many unseasonably-mild days as possible to keep busy in the brewhouse, which is heated only by the kettles when they are fired up.

In addition to more of the Weizenbock, I'll be brewing up more of the Hellsmoke Porter. Today, I'm hoping to bring the spent grains from yesterday's mash over to a couple of hungry cows I know of in nearby Northport. Our compost bins are full!

December 24, 2008

Well, that went quicker than I thought it would. Despite three deliveries to Big Z since Saturday the 13th, the first official batch of the Hellsmoke Porter is reportedly just about all gone (check with Mark or Rick at Big Z to be sure). I've had some good feedback on it, so I'll be brewing up more for January availability. I'm also working on getting it into more locations. This is a small-batch brewery to begin with, but my goal is to first see how folks like a specific beer before I go nuts and start brewing up lots of back-to-back batches.

December 13, 2008

The Hellsmoke Porter is now available in 22-ounce bottles at Big Z Beverage on Jericho Turnpike in Huntington. For directions and contact info, use the "Where to Find" page at http://BlindBatBrewery.com. I'm also working on getting some of the Hellsmoke out to Bellport Beer & Soda, word of when will follow.

If you try the Hellsmoke, or any of the other future beers, please let me know what you think via the "Be The Judge" form at BlindBatBrewery.com. The form  is designed to keep feedback anonymous by default, but feel free to let me know who you are if you want.

The Hellsmoke Porter is a robust porter, roasty and a bit smokey thanks to the alder and applewood I used to smoke some of the grains before mashing. As with many traditional porters, the carbonation level is on the moderately-low end of the scale. It goes great with steak, burgers, and other barbecued or grilled meats.

December 5th is "Repeal Day"
It's the 75th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition, which lasted almost 15 years
(January 16th, 1919 --- December 5, 1933).

Part of the platform that Franklin Roosevelt ran on in 1932 was the repeal of Prohibition.
For more about Prohibition and Repeal Day, visit http://www.repealday.org/

"I think that this would be a good time to have a beer."
-President Franklin D. Roosevelt, December 5, 1933

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Meanwhile, in 2008....
I've been bottling up that first official batch of Hellsmoke Porter, and am getting ready to roll 'em out the door at last.
Also, my commercial kegs finally arrived yesterday, so tapped offerings are now possible. News of where and when coming soon.