OT: Which beer to brew for next season?

Submitted by desmondintherough on
I have recently starting making my own beer, and the first batch, an American Stout, went very well. I was thinking that I should brew some up for next season, and wanted to get the MGoCommunity's opinion on what brew to make. Something that speaks of renewal, youth, despair? Your comments appreciated.
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evenyoubrutus

February 23rd, 2010 at 12:00 PM ^

of home brewing. You will never want to stop once you get it down. The first batch I made was called "Bo Schemlager". It was a dry, hoppy lager, almost like a more-bitter version of Coors. That was really fun to drink during the season. I wouldn't suggest doing a lager though unless you are able to produce a controlled environment to allow the wort to ferment within the proper range of 45-55 degrees F. For the fall, I would go with a simple, straight-forward dark, malty ale with a relatively high OG. If you follow the link on my signature, you can download a program for about $20 that makes the life of beer brewing much easier and more enjoyable. The most important thing I can stress is don't try to over-do anything. At first, simpler is better, and once you get the basics down you can start to experiment.

Joined: 11/04/2008

MGoPoints: 178108

UofM Snowboarder

February 23rd, 2010 at 12:19 PM ^

You made a lager for your first beer? Never heard of anyone doing that. I've never lagered because I don't have the self control to wait 3-4 months/the ability to keep a beer in cold storage for that long. Also: Paying money for brewing tools seems like a waste. The important stuff you need is here: http://hbd.org/recipator/ I've been brewing for just a little less than a year now, and I must say. You should work as hard as you can to get away from extract brewing. Your first capital investments should be a mash tun with a false bottom, then a yeast bank. Those two things will change your beers from costsing 30-50 bucks per 5 gallon batch to less than $10 to around $30. At homebrewing.org (Adventures in Homebrewing, just off of Telegraph road outside of Inkster, if you live around Ann Arbor/Detroit is one of the best resources around. They offer huge bags of grain, or they will measure out a recipe for you with just about any grain you might want to use. Let me tell you, spending $15 on grains for an imperial stout is nice. Beats paying $20 for 3.3 lbs of crappy extract that you don't know the L on.

Joined: 08/22/2008

MGoPoints: 957

OHbornUMfan

February 23rd, 2010 at 12:07 PM ^

Dark and foreboding, with a taste too powerful for the average palate. Make it like the billowing thunderheads on the horizon that the fools see and think, "that won't be here for quite some time; we can continue our picnic on the grass of Michigan's mediocrity for now". The ensuing deluge, awesome in its might and ferocity, leads them to wonder why they didn't take the first signs of the storm more seriously, and they bemoan not taking better advantage of Michigan's hiatus from greatness. So, yeah, I like the idea of a double IPA. Maybe something DogFishHead-ish.

Joined: 01/22/2010

MGoPoints: 2338

Bryan

February 23rd, 2010 at 12:10 PM ^

Little early to start planning for fall, but it depends on what part of the season you are planning to drink the beer. The September games need something light, but then in October and November you can move over to the dark beers. Like the above said, make it simple to start out, things can go wrong the more complicated you get.

Joined: 07/10/2009

MGoPoints: 14777

Yinka Double Dare

February 23rd, 2010 at 12:18 PM ^

Deathbacker Dubbel Slot Ninja Stout And a beer of any style simply known as HOLD ON TO THE DAMN BALL More sarcastic, you could have Scorched Secondary Pale Ale (with chili peppers in it) Missed Tackles Marzen Dong Punch Double IPA

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 9742

Hemlock Philosopher

February 23rd, 2010 at 12:19 PM ^

Actually, I have three carboys going right now -- IPA, Dry Stout, and Lager. If you need a good recipe, just google your favorite beer + clone (i.e. "Oberon Clone"). There are a lot of V-bulletins on brewing with recipes. Read the comments section as the recipes are often refined and reviewed by the OP. Good luck with the brewing. It's a fantastic hobby. My basement Brewery

Joined: 02/12/2009

MGoPoints: 9369

d.

February 23rd, 2010 at 12:20 PM ^

it totally depends on when you want to drink it. I did a double pale ale (reminiscent of Arrogant Bastard Ale) that was perfect for early/late fall. You for sure want something with balance. That you'll feel the alcohol warmth. What about an Amber Ale? Homebrewing is so much fun man, I'm glad you've joined our ranks! p.s. I also did a porter I'm toying with naming Caracajous.

Joined: 01/09/2009

MGoPoints: 195

Happyshooter

February 23rd, 2010 at 8:26 PM ^

An IPA. It is hard to screw up and the hop taste covers up minor mistakes. For spring the hops taste just goes well with the cool days and still cold nights. I am brewing a double IPA as my next beer for the taste reasons.

Joined: 04/11/2009

MGoPoints: 465