Refractometer - what the heck is that - NERAX is back!!!

So I totally forgot to take pictures yesterday of the brewing process. Steve braved the cold-ish temperatures and brewed a Porter. About half way through the process when he used his Refractometer to measure the density of the beer (this helps us we figure out the alcohol %) he realized that he forgot to account for the hard water of Amesbury. It is funny, but the water you use really really really does make a difference in your beer. Offsets are needed to negate the chemicals in the town water – especially when it comes to dark beers. Anyway it looks, smells and tastes good – so that is all that matters
Another note NERAX is back at The Tap from Nov 5-7th. This cask festival should not be missed. It is great way to taste some beers the way they were meant to be served. If you have never had cask – you may think you beer is flat – but that is the way it was designed to be served. Steve and possibly myself will be working this event. Come and say hi and drink some awesome beers.

Bluebird Bitter - it tastes like England.

Although I was sick and could not drink much of the beer, I had a few sips of the Coniston Brewery’s Bluebird Bitter, and I have to say – it tasted like England. I felt like I was in a local pub with my mates. Add a bit of chips and football and it would have been perfect. If you have never traveled to Great Britten but you would like to experience, simply get yourself a pint of the Bluebird Bitter and sip.

Grassroots Brewery - we need your support - PLEASE FOLLOW MY BLOG.

Will you follow my blog – PLEASE
We may have an investor!?!?!?!?!?!?!!!!!!
If we are going to get serious about this brewery thing, we need to put the word out there. Steve and I were discussing some of the Grassroots options and I think it is time to kick this thin in high gear – especially since my old boss is calling me – for what I hope is only personal (fingers crossed that he does not want me back). But if we are going to do this………….. I say we do this.
First I will meet with my friend Dover Peter ;) about getting people to my blog. Next I am gong to head out and buy my friend Chris’s book (congrats on being on the NYT Best Sellers List) about social media, and third ask all my friends to follow me on my blog.
I would like to know from everyone out there – what do you think about my concept – Amesbury Brewing Company (ABC) teaching our drinkers the ABCs about beers from around the world? Would you buy a beer that gave you a short overview about what you are about to taste?
Let me know.

Brewery Meetings held at a bar

How cool is it that when people say let's talk seriously about the brewery we always hook up at a bar? I love it. The beer crowd is way cool.
So my idea for a mission statement for our brewery is "brining international beers local". I like this because it combines my 2 passions (outside family) together - beer and travel. I realize that this concept may not work everywhere in the US, but I think it will be well received in MA. Each beer will have a story and explanation of what they can expect, and why. I have found that people want to know more about beer, but they don’t want to ask and sound stupid. Not that it is stupid. But if we name our brewery the Amesbury Brewing Company (ABC) we can teach our drinkers the ABCs about beer.

How does this sound?

Comments appreciated.

Oktoberfest at the OC

I had an Oktoberfest party last weekend that was great. Our Stevefest (our homebrew) kegs got kicked before the Spaten Oktoberfest keg we bought. How awesome is that? We started it at the traditional early afternoon and made it to midnight. We had all the traditional Oktoberfest workings – friends, hats, pretzels, little chickens, cabbage and meat, potatoes pancakes, and so much more. It was a true depiction of the festival.
We also had brews like La Folis and Pliny The Elderr from Russian River, Canadian Chouffe & Du Di Ciel, and a boat load of brews from Alaskan Brewing Company. Some good some not so good.
All in all, it was a very successful party.