OT - Fall Camp Homebrew

Submitted by Blazefire on

I just tasted the test bottle of my latest home brew, and it has been a stunning success, my best to date, I think.

This beer is a Kolsch Style, but it's an ale, not a lager (because I don't have lagering equipment yet). Golden, mostly crystal with a slight haze, a HINT of cool sweetness, I'm very pleased. I th8ink I've settled on a name and label for this batch (50 bottles).

Your opinions on the name and label, please.

(Note this would print on a yellow label, so any hints of white would be yellow).

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mischill

August 8th, 2015 at 4:25 PM ^

My go to fall beer is usually an Oktoberfest, but Kolsch is a good choice too. Never brewed a Kolsch because of the lagering process either. Without a dedicated fridge for it, having to keep changing ice packs around the fermenters is a pain.



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Bombadil

August 8th, 2015 at 4:41 PM ^

I think it's a good name and I love Kolsch. Someone should post a Michigan themed recipe that uses victory malt and flaked maize, probably an ESB or something.

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Salinger

August 9th, 2015 at 6:56 AM ^

I made an IPA with Warrior hops, a touch of victory specialty, and all Michigan produced 2 row pale malt. Calling it Hail IPA. The Warrior Hops give this beer a bitter edge but pretty well balanced past the initial kick. I'm still getting the hang of all-grain brewing so low efficiency at about 5.5% abv,, was shooting for closer to 8, but I honestly like where it ended up.



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Monkey House

August 8th, 2015 at 4:35 PM ^

that's awesome you made a successful beer, but if I ever heard anyone describe a beer like that in person, I would smash the bottle over their head. congrats again tho.

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somewittyname

August 8th, 2015 at 4:38 PM ^

If you're in a house, just gotta find a fridge on craigslist and buy a $15 temp controller on amazon and you've got a lagering set up or just better fermentation control for even ales. Down here in Texas where it's (a) hot as balls and (b) people don't have basements, it's basically a requirement.

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Blazefire

August 8th, 2015 at 4:48 PM ^

I do have a basement that usually stays right around 60 unless we're having an indian summer or arctic ice storm, so that keeps them pretty even. Not cold enough for Lager, but it'll do a very nice ale if I keep it dark.

My next investment is actually likely to be an electric brew set up. With my new big brew kettle, I can't keep an even heat from underneath with any sort of burner. I need an immersable element.

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Wonk

August 8th, 2015 at 4:39 PM ^

A kölsch doesn't really need to be lagered to be successful. A basement corner in the mid-60 degree range was perfect for me. They are ales after all!

The beer sounds great, and your label is fantastic. Cheers!



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sadeto

August 8th, 2015 at 9:56 PM ^

A kölsch is an ale conditioned by lagering. But it is not a lager, as you say. OP seems to be conflating lagering and lager; the former is a conditioning process at low temperatures, the latter is a bottom fermented brew subjected to that process. I like the label but the u boat reference is odd, Cologne is nowhere near the sea. Then again, neither is Michigan.

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Blazefire

August 8th, 2015 at 4:51 PM ^

On the name and label - just wondering what folks think of it. If everyone hated it, maybe I have poor taste. I'm wheeling this out to a couple of tailgates over the first few weeks of the season, I'm sure, so I want to do something people will find clever and attractive.

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East German Judge

August 8th, 2015 at 5:06 PM ^

Only thing I might add for the label, as you reference u-boot, is if on the side of the sub you put U-135 (or whatever the correct year/team it is) also a Harbaugh mention wouldn't hurt especially if you save the bottles.  Good job again.

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Doc Brown

August 8th, 2015 at 5:24 PM ^

Cool label. I like the WW II era theme.

I have a hopslam clone in the primary at the moment. I will be racking into the secondary over some Simcoe hops tomorrow.

I am already planning my next beer. Probably an Octoberfest.



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LSAClassOf2000

August 8th, 2015 at 5:25 PM ^

I was actually wondering in what sort of ways the board would make the submarine theme a thing in August, and this is as good an application as any. Like the label and the name, and Kolsch beers are not bad at all. In my travels, my personal favorite among those I've tried has been Reissdorf - another one I wish you could find around here. 

 

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yossarians tree

August 9th, 2015 at 12:05 PM ^

It's my understanding that the only beer that can be truly called "Kolsch" has to be from Cologne, Germany. As though the name is trademarked. All imitiations must be called "Kolsch-style". Of this or anything else I may be somewhat or completely wrong, or just ask my wife.

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lmgoblue1

August 8th, 2015 at 6:34 PM ^

Ballistic missile submarine. Ohio class. You might want to change the submarine picture to a Seawolf class Attack sub. Or call it Boomers Ale...

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