Batch 6: Organic Belgian Special

February 16, 2010

We just wrapped up the brewing of our Organic Belgian Special, and I have to say that I love brewing.

One thing I have discovered about brewing, is that few things are as wonderful as the smell of hot steamy wort, especially on a chilly morning (if you are not familiar with the brewing process, that will bring a completely different image to mind. Remember, I said wOrt, not wArt ).

The whoosh of the flame’s ignition signals the official start of the brew day; the stainless equipment tensely shines in anticipation as gallons of cold, filtered water gush in and start warming.

As the water heats, the hissing and popping of dried barley and malts being measured and poured is heard in conjunction with mechanical whirring as grinding and cracking begins; a hot bath awaits for the freshly processed grains, still smelling of toast and caramel.

A quick interlude brings tastes of successes past, with a deliciously frosty pint of our T2 is shared by all (yet another reason to join us on brew day).

The hot liquid is separated from the spent grains, and now reveals its color–our recipes bring forth wort of sparkling gold, rich amber, chocolate caramel, or inky espresso, with many variations in between. Transferred into the brew kettle, the roiling brew bubbles up heady, delicious aromas of warm chocolate, roasted coffee, and toasted nuts from the grains.

When ready, freshly dried hops are added, releasing piquantly vivid aromas that reminiscently combine exotic citrus, floral bouquets, and sharp pepper; they dance across the senses, across the cool cement floor, and out the door with the roiling mist. The luscious brew is then quickly chilled with our gleaming copper chiller to temperatures comfortable for yeast.

Time for another taste of success; this one an experimental batch from a friendly Master Brewer.

Prepping the yeast involves giving it a good shake, and then we add the primed yeast to our fermentation vessels, and wait five loooong weeks. We can’t wait to repeat this wonderful process!