Valentine's Hefeweizen

The Story:Although I like to think I enjoy almost every style of beer, my wife does not share my love for variety. One style she has never past up is a classic German Hefeweizen. It has become a yearly tradition to brew her a Hefeweizen for Valentine's Day as a small token of thanks for putting up with my brewing obsession. 

The Beer: Cloudy golden yeast filled goodness, aroma of wheat with spicy phenols of clove, banana, and bubblegum, medium mouthfeel with a full texture finishes dry and refreshing.

 

Ingredients: 

Malt: German Pils & Munich, American Wheat

Hops: Tettnanger

Yeast: Hefeweizen (WLP003)

Extras: Honey

Specs: O.G. 1.048, 5.0abv, 13ibu

West Seattle Ale

The Story: While visiting relatives in West Seattle, WA I had a few lazy days and looked to take advantage of my brother-in-law's wine equipment in the basement. Formulated an idea for a Red ale that could hold up in the Pacific Northwest. I aimed for a session beer somewhere between Rogue DeadGuy Ale and Greenflash Hop Head Red. The creation was such a hit, I had to brew it on my full setup back in Monterey, CA...the beer was similar but the name stuck. Makes me want to go back to Seattle and drink visit my relatives. 

The Beer: Pours a brilliant dark Amber,great nose of citrus (Amarillo dryhop), medium rich smooth mouthfeel, finishes crisp with a little hopkick to keep you interested.

 

Ingredients: 

Malt: American 2-Row, American Carmel, German Munich & Caramunich, Belgian Biscuit, Canadian Honey Malt

Hops: Columbus, Willamette, Liberty, Amarillo

Yeast: Rogue Pacman Yeast

Specs: O.G. 1.055, 5.9abv, 52ibu

Holiday Spiced Porter w/ Pumpkin

The Story: One of the first beers I homebrewed was a Pumpkin Porter inspired by Dogfishhead's great introductory book, Extreme Beers. Although every fall I brew a version of this a pumpkin beer, this is a late season addition brewed specifically for the SF Beer Week's Charity 'Small Batch Big Thirst' Event.

  

The Beer: Chocolaty Robust Porter in the English tradition, whole spices help jump out of the glass for a Christmas time aroma, rounded flavors begin and the spices help accentuate a long finish.

 

Ingredients: 

Malt: American 2-Row, American Carmel, German Munich & Caramunich, Belgian Special B & Belgian Biscuit, English Chocolate & Roasted Barley

Hops: Columbus, Willamette

Yeast: London Ale (WLP013)

Extras: Honey, Brown Sugar, and whole spices (allspice, clove, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg)

Specs: O.G. 1.066, 7.2abv, 40ibu