tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205436452024-03-12T19:12:38.920-07:00Bad Ben's Brewing BlogOne Man's Quest for the Perfect BrewBen, aka BadBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686400413182985272noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20543645.post-36690078871281166442009-11-06T13:18:00.000-08:002009-11-06T14:09:42.549-08:00Update and Sierra NevadaWell, I brewed my <em>Robust</em> Brown Ale a couple of months ago, and it is tasty. I've taken it to several events (where it was well-received), so I'm almost out of homebrew, for now.<br /><br /><br />On the commercial front, there are some interesting beers out for Autumn from <strong>Sierra Nevada.<br /></strong><br /><br />Sierra Nevada has another edition of Torpedo out, now.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZzQzACLSZxGJsde10cJvt_N2sTUYRfomx6QmQ8M1NrdzCK59qH8seJLxQaYOZRtwqRiz739_5xMY9NmBtrXvo15dbXXTZrq7edJDFfC1Reuy7mREdq0ZRNkE2YO_eWLNAOek/s1600-h/Torpedo-bot.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401104712684154402" style="WIDTH: 184px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 208px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZzQzACLSZxGJsde10cJvt_N2sTUYRfomx6QmQ8M1NrdzCK59qH8seJLxQaYOZRtwqRiz739_5xMY9NmBtrXvo15dbXXTZrq7edJDFfC1Reuy7mREdq0ZRNkE2YO_eWLNAOek/s320/Torpedo-bot.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It's always tasty, but at 7.2% ABV, it's definitely not a <em>session</em> beer.<br /><p><br />Then, there is Anniversary Ale.<br /></p><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRwKI3v3uF3zMAjY_neIml3SdgeAuT6yw1LGO8IGhT2qFf2ZDg0aZIeGhIrEKI0nTk8y6zl5riIWXYeBtcdOoMSw-R1LALPl21WwVSwaE3a6wdJ7LsZC20ZPlndYqtZiSbFjO/s1600-h/anniv_bottom.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401106043687148098" style="WIDTH: 184px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 208px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRwKI3v3uF3zMAjY_neIml3SdgeAuT6yw1LGO8IGhT2qFf2ZDg0aZIeGhIrEKI0nTk8y6zl5riIWXYeBtcdOoMSw-R1LALPl21WwVSwaE3a6wdJ7LsZC20ZPlndYqtZiSbFjO/s320/anniv_bottom.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I've enjoyed all of Sierra's anniversary offerings since 2007, and this one is really nice. Complex, yet extremely drinkable, and not overly powerful. It's on the high side of a session beer. 2 to 3 bottles per session.</p><br /><p>Every year, I also await the arrival of their Celebration Ale...especially the on-tap version. In the Kansas City area, look for it to be on tap (in mid-December) at possibly: Barley's, Grinders, or Flying Saucer.</p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVi4Srq15bcse11iM5Vp2opCjfU2C547Jqs-VuwBTpb2azn2iY6gHTQk4ZfWsLEVo3gU4zEHEaqoHfMDLJiQOug5tsBpeBxePq0DhLU7Zgb56aK9Z19omEXI7rs97V4u8wXGd/s1600-h/m-cebeerb2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401108260962106370" style="WIDTH: 184px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 215px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVi4Srq15bcse11iM5Vp2opCjfU2C547Jqs-VuwBTpb2azn2iY6gHTQk4ZfWsLEVo3gU4zEHEaqoHfMDLJiQOug5tsBpeBxePq0DhLU7Zgb56aK9Z19omEXI7rs97V4u8wXGd/s320/m-cebeerb2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p><strong>And, I can't wait for this:</strong> </p><p>Sierra Nevada and Dogfish Head to release “Life & Limb” Collaboration<br />Chico, CA (08/12/09)—This fall independent craft brewers Sierra Nevada and Dogfish Head, will release two collaborative beers. Limb & Life—a draft-only beer—will debut in October; with Life & Limb 24oz bottles and limited draft to follow in November. </p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WdgHrwrMZdCAj5J0IwitGiqqD212U2-6EnytUuGbFEpIYzEh7L7L33c4SbeS1wil6_oOgjXyN-yun7S7YmaSUswdVkXjF_QjP3klCltr_Z_RnEnosWzyWvAlSiZ_03CsPgb_/s1600-h/LifeAndLimb.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401109214557714002" style="WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WdgHrwrMZdCAj5J0IwitGiqqD212U2-6EnytUuGbFEpIYzEh7L7L33c4SbeS1wil6_oOgjXyN-yun7S7YmaSUswdVkXjF_QjP3klCltr_Z_RnEnosWzyWvAlSiZ_03CsPgb_/s320/LifeAndLimb.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I would also like to try their new year-round release, <strong>Kellerweis Hefeweizen</strong>. The Sierra Nevada PR group says about it, "Several years ago, the brewers began working with a unique Bavarian hefeweizen yeast strain unknown in this country. This amazingly flavorful yeast was so exciting that they began working on a recipe for a traditional German hefeweizen with the Sierra Nevada twist."<br /><br /><br /><br />It will be interesting to see how SN interprets a Bavarian hefeweizen style. I haven't seen this product locally, yet. I'm sure it will show up, somewhere.<br /><br /><br /><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZt7q8_TnzPuuPtjzgmKPoV3FHdzpLRxkbfg8ZOeYZckkFsWc4FuHQrcX9r5vnXPrI2X5cjW2eiT1dMzagDc400ltpQythrfu16bo6Mjme-igVogFBdw9ghCX_LreunmBeO8nC/s1600-h/Kellerweis_Bottle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401111335220112018" style="WIDTH: 138px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZt7q8_TnzPuuPtjzgmKPoV3FHdzpLRxkbfg8ZOeYZckkFsWc4FuHQrcX9r5vnXPrI2X5cjW2eiT1dMzagDc400ltpQythrfu16bo6Mjme-igVogFBdw9ghCX_LreunmBeO8nC/s320/Kellerweis_Bottle.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p><p></p><p>By the way, I don't work for Sierra Nevada, and I have no financial interest. I've always thought that they've produced a quality product, though.</p><p>Cheers!<br /></p>Ben, aka BadBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686400413182985272noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20543645.post-46232116991716493142009-06-26T14:33:00.000-07:002009-06-26T15:14:52.769-07:00What's New on the Bad Ben Beer Front?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB16mTPfPKFZGO1bYjIDoY5F1eZNTtmc7mVuKHwaShdidO0z8aOZyhFcazU5YdehdjY5F0FXghiL9tuyns0AZoi-j8wBGazOK77CpAPufI6BmIAMmSOJejbtQcGjIi5xT5hp0q/s1600-h/photo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351754928787359954" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB16mTPfPKFZGO1bYjIDoY5F1eZNTtmc7mVuKHwaShdidO0z8aOZyhFcazU5YdehdjY5F0FXghiL9tuyns0AZoi-j8wBGazOK77CpAPufI6BmIAMmSOJejbtQcGjIi5xT5hp0q/s320/photo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#cc0000;">My love (Sophia) and I enjoy a beer at Flying Saucer.<br />Photo credit: S.O. Cindy Busjaeger.</span><br /></span><br />Well, I have 3 beers on tap, right now: Ersatz Schneider Weisse, Summer IPA, and my Belgian Uber Saison. Everybody seems to love the Weisse...(but I'm really not a huge fan of the style). I at least know that I did a decent job on it. The IPA and Saison round-things out nicely, but it would be nice to have my Brown on tap, as well (sigh).<br /><br /><br />The KC Beer Bloggers got together when Lee was last in town a little over a week ago. It was a nice, easy-going night. Good times.<br /><br /><br />There are some things happening around town on the professional brewing scene....more, later.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LBIb_TfEDYuICJl4Y6bcp4ce1Rg85aVhgzK1z78ghcyDF4SfRPCPRG5la472chOlaNQOWY0IRXWyrwzwKNL0KRfDhUhW2vAXNx-O4K5Xuk2R8FzHlU2rLUPXgJ1P_mgOsLot/s1600-h/photo2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351755821230923554" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LBIb_TfEDYuICJl4Y6bcp4ce1Rg85aVhgzK1z78ghcyDF4SfRPCPRG5la472chOlaNQOWY0IRXWyrwzwKNL0KRfDhUhW2vAXNx-O4K5Xuk2R8FzHlU2rLUPXgJ1P_mgOsLot/s320/photo2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />You'd better not over-imbibe!Ben, aka BadBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686400413182985272noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20543645.post-81215501593958943722009-03-23T16:49:00.000-07:002009-03-24T18:28:43.671-07:00Two Brew Weekends in a RowOne week ago, me and my wonderful assistant brewed a 2nd batch of the brown that was so well received. I've already transferred it to secondary fermentation.<br /><br />This past Saturday, we brewed a nice Belgian style ale.Ben, aka BadBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686400413182985272noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20543645.post-11736303958396715662008-12-20T11:03:00.000-08:002008-12-20T11:07:00.044-08:00Portage and Future Brown-outI'm transferring my latest Porter from secondary fermentation to kegs, today. I'll force-carbonate one of them when it's chilled enough. I may have a glass of Porter to drink by tomorrow evening!<br /><br />The Belgian Brown is still in primary fermentation, and will probably stay there until Thursday or so.Ben, aka BadBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686400413182985272noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20543645.post-36451591043733004462008-12-14T14:24:00.000-08:002008-12-20T11:01:52.933-08:00A Different Shade of BrownOn a suggestion by my son, I brewed a Belgian version of my American Brown Ale.<br /><br />All went as planned, and we'll see what comes of it.Ben, aka BadBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686400413182985272noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20543645.post-74353945170141825082008-12-08T08:19:00.000-08:002008-12-08T12:10:54.147-08:00A Pisces Scales Up<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwq6j8-pFN-y1rgrUrmvsaIEFqT0UVqtc46dxfP33dZmqL00WOrjR7Uzg_64B60Rkw7NugXPduJWMjf-6s_toslTk0BthJyEv1OX3ZAASp38TdACVRv5b3dzhZoO-OX8_G6yR/s1600-h/Porter.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277462553336230482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwq6j8-pFN-y1rgrUrmvsaIEFqT0UVqtc46dxfP33dZmqL00WOrjR7Uzg_64B60Rkw7NugXPduJWMjf-6s_toslTk0BthJyEv1OX3ZAASp38TdACVRv5b3dzhZoO-OX8_G6yR/s320/Porter.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Eight days ago I brewed a Robust Porter. It's the latest version of my Sherpa Porter. Not to brag too much, but my Porter <a href="http://kcbeerblog.blogspot.com/2008/01/homebrew-haven.html">seems to be enjoyed</a> by a lot of folks that know their beer. And it doesn't just rest on it's laurels...it gets consumed.<br /><br />I'll be transferring it to secondary carbonation this afternoon. I should have performed this yesterday, but was a little tired from working (on a Sunday), damnit!<br /><br />In other news on the homebrewing front: I'm going to be collaborating with a local/regional "commercial enterprise" to scale up one or more of my homebrew recipes at a craft brewery for submission into the 2009 <a href="http://www.beertown.org/events/pro_am/index.htm">GABF Pro-Am competition</a>. Hey, entering the competition will be Beeriffic enough, but having a commercial beer made from my recipe(s) will be the true honor. The acclaimed veteran head brewer of this establishment likes my stuff! (That's the real honor).<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjje3tL4HeN2sadKpRkwI08OxmzVULYM1QN6vNYkBbX3sWP8d0CVJzKnp3Ak_1eKKXxbzLjSA4IwVAzhUIa1VUoI_mRS4wlfi6g2r3bMfTKllSS7bKMoDtrDnJPmhPsqTE5LWGf/s1600-h/Belgian.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277462834868469682" style="WIDTH: 101px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 197px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjje3tL4HeN2sadKpRkwI08OxmzVULYM1QN6vNYkBbX3sWP8d0CVJzKnp3Ak_1eKKXxbzLjSA4IwVAzhUIa1VUoI_mRS4wlfi6g2r3bMfTKllSS7bKMoDtrDnJPmhPsqTE5LWGf/s320/Belgian.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Other news: My experimental I.B.I.P.A. (Imperial Brett India Pale Ale) has a very pleasing flavor profile. It turned-out better than I thought it would; it's quite refreshing. I had it with some Maytag Blue Cheese last night, and they paired well together. This project took a while, though...waiting for 2 years worth of fermentation and conditioning was a test of my discipline, all right. And so was stopping at just one glass of IBIPA, even though I was really stoked about it.<br /><br />I've got a couple more vessels of experimental stuff much more on the fringe than this latest beer, though. But I've got to wait. Discipline, discipline!Ben, aka BadBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686400413182985272noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20543645.post-55503183994861709392008-10-07T13:47:00.000-07:002008-10-07T14:17:03.891-07:00100 Miles for a Beer!!!<a href="http://00673d3.netsolhost.com/photoalbum_index.htm/10-05-08sandrats_action/images/IMG_0451_s_jpg.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://00673d3.netsolhost.com/photoalbum_index.htm/10-05-08sandrats_action/images/IMG_0451_s_jpg.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://00673d3.netsolhost.com/photoalbum_index.htm/10-05-08sandrats_action/images/IMG_0451_s_jpg.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div>Some of you know that my passion for good beer compliments my passion for running long distances in the woods.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.pitch.com/2008-09-11/news/trail-nuts">recent article in the Pitch</a> described me thusly:<br />"Ben isn't the kind of guy most athletes would peg for the cover of Runner's World. Far from the sinewy Kenyans who dominate distance running, Holmes has boyishly cut blond hair and a smile that makes his round face scrunch. He's an accomplished athlete, but he moves with the casual swagger of a bar buddy. A slight bulge around his middle betrays a love of beer almost as deep as his affection for running. "<br /><br />Some of the runs that I do might sound a little crazy. The 100-milers are a case in point. Running 100 miles within 20 to 30 hours might seem like a delusional dirge-like death march of a run...but actually it's more of a spiritual journey for me. It is my church. It's how I stay centered in this nutty existence.<br /><br />So...<br /><br />I have decided to dedicate my next Rocky Raccoon 100-mile trail race (in February 2009) to the American Cancer Society. I've finished RR100 six out of the past six years' worth of attempts. I'm dedicating Lucky Number Seven as a fundraiser for cancer.<br /><br />Just days prior to running my first Rocky Raccoon 100, I found out that my dad had inoperable systemic cancer throughout his entire body. They gave him 3 months to live, and he lasted 10 months, and had a horrible, "lingering death" that my family and I witnessed.<br /><br />So, I always have him on my mind when I run this race, and I also think of all of the friends, family, and coworkers who have battled this horrible disease; many of whom are no longer with us. If you can find it in your heart to <a href="http://main.acsevents.org/goto/benholmes100">donate something...anything</a>, it would be appreciated. I don't think there are any of us who haven't been touched by this killer, either physically or emotionally. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>You can read about my last Rocky Raccoon 100 <a href="http://badbenkc.blogspot.com/2008/02/bludgeoned-bloody-from-round-six-with.html">here</a>.<br /><br />Happy trails,<br />Bad Ben</div></div>Ben, aka BadBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686400413182985272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20543645.post-64894537465545786532008-09-03T07:24:00.000-07:002008-09-03T09:19:42.559-07:00Taste RantI've noticed over the years something about taste and the people who have "discerning" taste.<br /><br />For instance, the person that orders and enjoys the varying flavors of differently roasted coffees (without sweetener, milk, or cream), can taste and appreciate a subtle beer or wine flavor. Or how a red wine person can easily appreciate a Belgian-style beer. Taste over effect. These folks tend not to drink to excess, and tend not to be smokers. They <em>savor</em> their food and beverages.<br /><br />On the flip side of that coin, there are the people who don't seem to have discerning taste at all. They order their coffee as "fluffy-sweet" drinks, only. They order Rum and Coke and other sickenly-sweet drinks. Effect over taste. Folks that think "Turning Leaf" makes a great wine. And drink green-bottle Heineken and think the skunky flavor is something that they should enjoy or "get used to." Or think that Beck's or Corona are "premium beers" because of their premium price. And follow-up a bar session by slamming-down Jaegers.<br /><br />On the homebrewing side, I'm always amazed by the would-be brewers that want to "clone-brew" a version of Corona or even the insanely-overrated Fat Tire Ale. WTF? I just don't get it. Why get into homebrewing in the first place, if you're just going to try to copy the Shit Beers of the World? Find another hobby...cooking, maybe. You could attempt to "clone-cook" the perfect copy of a McDonalds Quarter-Pounder, or clone-bake the perfect version of a f*cking Twinkie. And then wash it all down with a Rum and Coke.<br /><a title="McD_Twink by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2824439507/"><img height="92" alt="McD_Twink" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3254/2824439507_50a361efd6_m.jpg" width="240" /></a>Ben, aka BadBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686400413182985272noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20543645.post-83494545170312414402008-08-27T14:39:00.000-07:002008-09-03T08:26:21.126-07:00Gute Träume KölschbierWell, I had a good little brew day last Sunday. I decided to brew at the last second, after running with some buddies on trails in WyCo Park.<br /><br />I decided to brew a <em>simple</em> <em>version</em> of my Kölsch recipe, since I had the materials on hand. I think a homebrewer should always have a Kölsch or Pilsener on tap, along with a Porter or Stout. Simple session beers for variety's sake.<br /><br /><a title="Kolschbier by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/1118052058/"><img height="272" alt="Kolschbier" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1076/1118052058_8371fd9097_o.jpg" width="339" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Here's the guts of the recipe:</strong><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>Gute Träume Kölschbier v3.2</strong><br />Style: Kölsch<br />Type: All grain Size: 10.5 gallons<br /><br />OG: __1.046 FG: __1.010_(est.)<br />Alcohol: 4.0% v/v (3.2% w/w)<br />Color: 3 HCU (~3 SRM)<br /><br />Grain:<br />9 lb. Weyermann Pilsner, 1.7-2L<br />9 lb. Maris Otter, Crisp -3L<br />2 lb. Wheat Malt<br /><br />Hops:<br />2.0 oz. Tettnang Hop Flowers (60 min.)<br />1.0 oz. Hallertau Mittelfruh Hop Flower, German (45 min.)<br />1.0 oz. Hallertau Mittelfruh Hop Flower, German (30 min.)<br />1.0 oz. Tettnang Hop Flowers (20 min.)<br />1.0 oz. Hallertau Mittelfruh Hop Flower, German (10 min.)<br /><br />Yeast:<br />Wyeast Scottish Ale, 1728 XL (activator pack).</span><br /><br />As I said, it's a simple recipe (and I used a single-infusion mash, too). The Scottish Ale yeast attenuates well, and brings out some malty notes with few estery issues.<br /><br />The yeast really took off. I'm going to have to transfer to secondary fermentation tonight...just three days after brewing.<br /><br /><strong>Other Bad Ben Nanobrewery News:</strong><br />Currently on tap: Porter, Maibock, Double IPA, and a 2-year-old Belgian Brett.<br />I took the Barleywine off-tap to save it for later.<br />The Uber-Saison that I brewed 3 weeks ago is almost ready for tertiary conditioning.<br /><br />Happy trails,<br />Bad BenBen, aka BadBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686400413182985272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20543645.post-80890447299063870652008-08-06T13:19:00.000-07:002008-09-03T08:54:41.755-07:00Hotter Than Hell Brew DayI brewed last Saturday, and holy-crap it was hot! I brew in a west-facing garage, and I couldn't get started until 1 p.m., because I helped put-on <a href="http://www.psychowyco.com/id71.html">a little race</a> that morning.<br /><br />On this particular brew-day, it was 100 degrees F, with 68% humidity. For those of you from drier climates, this type of weather can kick your butt (or even kill you), if you're not prepared. I just treated it as "heat-training," and drank a few pints of water for every beer that I drank. I had some salty snacks available to keep the ol' electrolyte balance up. I also used an old window-shaker air-conditioner; I sat in front of it while doing some tasks, and as much as I could.<br /><a title="Brew Day Aug 2, 2008MillingGrain by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2739457251/"><img height="300" alt="Brew Day Aug 2, 2008MillingGrain" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3116/2739457251_a144a68ccd.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Milling Grain<br /></span><br />I had invited Christy and her boyfriend Greg over. Christy is an extract brewer (from Colorado originally), and she wants to learn the all-grain brewing process. (Both of them went up to Oregon for the Oregon Brewer's Festival, also). My son, Matt came over for a little while, and Jim (another brewer) came over, too. It's crazy how I always get a crowd on the hottest or coldest brewing days of the year! Christy's dog was the only sane creature in attendance; she begged to go into the air-conditioned house, so we relented and let her stay and play in the house.<br /><a title="Brew Day Aug 2, 2008BrewCrew2 by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2740568478/"><img height="240" alt="Brew Day Aug 2, 2008BrewCrew2" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3016/2740568478_f239c9d7e6_m.jpg" width="233" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Brew Crew</span><br /><br />I've been on a brewing roll, lately, and I'm not going to let some nasty hot weather get in the way! I'm trying to re-stock my normally well-rounded offerings. I usually like to have at least 5 different homebrews on tap, but currently only have three: a 1-year old Barleywine, a Maibock, and a Porter. I also have a 5 year old Barleywine, but I rarely give out samples of that.<br /><a title="Brew Day Aug 2, 2008Fridge by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2740295064/"><img height="300" alt="Brew Day Aug 2, 2008Fridge" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3188/2740295064_3ef4c38443.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Garage Fridge Offerings<br /></span><a title="Brew Day Aug 2, 2008Failure by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2739457469/"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><img height="349" alt="Brew Day Aug 2, 2008Failure" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3139/2739457469_0fa4173fb6_o.jpg" width="336" /></span></a><span style="color:#ff0000;"><br />Failure is not an option!<br /></span><br />The Porter (at 4.8% alcohol) was the only "session-like" beer on tap for brew day. It was hot enough that some folks had a "hoppy beer" on their minds, instead of a dark Porter. I came up with a special strategy for the hop-minded: I poured a small amount of hoppy Barleywine into a glass, and then topped it off with a Boulevard Pale Ale, keeping the alcohol percentage in the neighborhood of 6 - 7 %, instead of kick-in-the-head range. We grilled some chicken, had some fresh veggies, and also chips and hummus to top it all off. A nice day, despite the heat.<br /><a title="Brew Day Aug 2, 2008Mashing_in by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2740295186/"><img height="300" alt="Brew Day Aug 2, 2008Mashing_in" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/2740295186_1e1d4f95e9.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Mashing-in<br /></span><a title="Brew Day Aug 2, 2008Brewing by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2740294732/"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><img height="500" alt="Brew Day Aug 2, 2008Brewing" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3170/2740294732_98786eeb65.jpg" width="375" /></span></a><span style="color:#ff0000;"><br />Hot work!<br /></span><br />The homebrewing part went very smoothly. I brewed yet another version of my Über Saison, which always has an interesting grain profile, but this time I used some off-the-shelf Wyeast, instead of my own privately cultivated "BadBenomyces cerevisiae." The cooled wort's original gravity ended up hitting 1.072. It's now bubbling-away in the primary. The Double IPA that I brewed 2 weeks ago is in secondary fermentation, and I'll transfer it to tetiary conditioning soon enough. Hopefully, I'll have it on tap within a week or so.<br /><br />Happy trails and cheers!<br /><br />Bad BenBen, aka BadBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686400413182985272noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20543645.post-89656302709365713242008-08-01T15:04:00.000-07:002008-08-06T15:00:35.155-07:00Oregon Brewer's Festival & PCT 50MFor the third year in a row, I flew up to Portland Oregon, to attend in the <a href="http://www.oregonbrewfest.com/">Oregon Brewer's Festival</a>, and participate in the <a href="http://www.pctultra.com/">PCT 50-mile trail run</a> on and near Mount Hood.<br /><br /><a title="2006_oregon_brewfest by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/205781345/"><img height="210" alt="2006_oregon_brewfest" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/86/205781345_92d9b92966_o.gif" width="216" /></a><br /><a title="MtHood3 by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/990272258/"><img height="300" alt="MtHood3" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1335/990272258_daabd94922.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />This year, my son Matt and I went. We flew up on Wednesday, after work. It was our intent to meet up with my nephew Andy, but we were surprised when Andy's dad (my bro) Jim drove down from Spokane on Thursday.<br /><br /><a title="2008 OBF & PCT 095 by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2723543386/"><img height="300" alt="2008 OBF & PCT 095" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2105/2723543386_28e0641901.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">The Holmes' Bro's. Matt and me in front, Jim and Andy in back.<br /></span><a title="2008 OBF & PCT 096 by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2723543390/"><img height="300" alt="2008 OBF & PCT 096" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3253/2723543390_a6973f21f9_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Don't run over that Emo kid!</span> <span style="color:#ff0000;">You've already hit your scoring limit!</span><br /><br />Our fist stop after our plane ride was Lucky Labrador Brewing, off of Hawthorne.<br />Good beer, good food, and lots of friendly doggies!<br /><br /><a title="IMG_0118 by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2722761671/"><img height="500" alt="IMG_0118" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/2722761671_35732116f8.jpg" width="375" /></a><br /><a title="IMG_0119 by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2722761669/"><img height="300" alt="IMG_0119" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3080/2722761669_001ccb3e35.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">First Beer while in Portland. Cheers!</span><br /><a title="IMG_0123 by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2722761687/"><img height="300" alt="IMG_0123" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3160/2722761687_4e394e4ff0.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Watching it happen doggy-style, at the Labrador. </span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">They don't call it the "Lucky" Labrador for no reason.<br /></span><br />Wednesday night was filled with a night of Glorious Debauchery...in wondrous Stumptown Style.<br /><br />On Thursday morning, we hooked-up with Greg and Christy, and hit the Bijou for breakfast, Whole Foods, and then Powell's books, before heading to Rogue Brewing for a breakfast beer.<br /><br /><a title="IMG_0126 by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2722761697/"><img height="300" alt="IMG_0126" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2722761697_8cfc9e6b92.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Greg & Christy, (AKA "Lecompton G" and "Mountain MudBabe")</span><br /><a title="IMG_0152 by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2722738631/"><img height="300" alt="IMG_0152" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3162/2722738631_fc1e954b88.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">My breakfast at my favorite breakfast place in the entire universe.</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">I've been going here since 1990 or so. (One of the wait staff that always recognizes me thought that I lived in Portland, until I told her otherwise, a few years ago).<br /></span><a title="IMG_0131 by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2722738647/"><img height="300" alt="IMG_0131" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/2722738647_e52813d7a7.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Keith Moon, back from the dead, serving us breakfast beers with 'tude at Rogue, in Beervana, Oregon.<br /></span><a title="2008 OBF & PCT 041 by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2723543398/"><img height="300" alt="2008 OBF & PCT 041" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/2723543398_bc011ebd22.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">"Roguesque Beerscape," by Matt Holmes.<br /></span><br />From Rogue, we wandered about Downtown Portland, and showed-off some of the sights. (Yes, there were a few Trail Nerd stickers still up from last year's all-city pasting). We showed-up at the Oregon Brewer's Festival (OBF), right after 1 p.m., or so.<br /><a title="2008 OBF & PCT 092 by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2723543376/"><img height="300" alt="2008 OBF & PCT 092" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3058/2723543376_9f9574e581.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Good times!<br /></span><a title="2008 OBF & PCT 084 by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2722761701/"><img height="300" alt="2008 OBF & PCT 084" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3102/2722761701_9751f587b9.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Serving station at OBF.<br /></span><a title="IMG_0135 by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2722738639/"><img height="500" alt="IMG_0135" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/2722738639_473a5db304.jpg" width="375" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">This girl is serious about her hops. I guessed right...she used Willamette Hops for the tattoo model. (I know my hop varieties).<br /></span><br />Friday was reserved for rest and recovery, and letting my brother Jim get to know Matt a little better. We went to our favorite resort in Welches, Oregon, while Greg and Christy went to Cannon Beach (and then met us later at our digs, to sleep for the night).<br /><br />Saturday...RACE DAY! Five <a href="http://www.psychowyco.com/">Trail Nerds</a> were there to run the race: Greg Burger, <a href="http://www.ultrastory.com/">Gary Henry</a>, <a href="http://amarathonisawarmup.blogspot.com/">Danny Miller</a>, and Bobbi Ashwandi-Thomas. The rest were there to cheer us on, pace us, (and maybe ignore us and head to Hood River for a brewery tour to arrive back at the finish line 20 minutes late).<br /><br />I hadn't really trained for this race, and I was out of shape. I've only been averaging 25 miles per week of running for the past 2 to 3 months, due to being busy and other issues. But I figured, what the hell, it's only a fifty-miler...right?<br /><br />Upon arrival at the race, I gave the two female race directors (<a href="http://runmoretalkless.blogspot.com/">Olga</a> and Monika) <a href="http://www.psychowyco.com/id77.html">Mud Babe</a> shirts. They proceeded to wow the race audience by stripping-off their tops and donning the stylish gaments forthwith.<br /><a title="Olga_Monika_MudBabes by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2723533634/"><img height="455" alt="Olga_Monika_MudBabes" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3032/2723533634_64dd345e66.jpg" width="339" /></a><br /><br />The weather was perfect for racing: 52 degrees at start time, sunnyall day, and it never warmed up past the mid-70s. Compared to KC, the humidity level was "dryer than a popcorn fart." PERFECTCONDITIONS!<br /><br /><a title="2008 OBF & PCT 162 by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2723543358/"><img height="300" alt="2008 OBF & PCT 162" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/2723543358_e6af82af24.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Near the start / finish area.<br /></span><a title="2008 OBF & PCT 101 by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2722738621/"><img height="300" alt="2008 OBF & PCT 101" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/2722738621_0410ccbd7c.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Me, getting my gear & shit ready for race. </span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">No drop bags necessary for a short 50!<br /></span><a title="2008 OBF & PCT 115 by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2722738615/"><img height="300" alt="2008 OBF & PCT 115" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/2722738615_622815bffe.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">We're off!</span><br /><br />Danny "Sandbagger" Miller did well. He nearly dropped out at the turnaround point on the mountain, but after sitting and regaining his insanity, proceeded to recover and start blazing down the mountain like a luge on teflon-coated ice. He soon passed Greg and me and ended up finishing in 10:14 or so.<br /><br /><a title="2008 OBF & PCT 165 by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2722738619/"><img height="300" alt="2008 OBF & PCT 165" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3278/2722738619_ac495666c8.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Me, coming into Timberline Lodge aid station (at mile 25).<br /></span><a title="2008 OBF & PCT 168 by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2723543366/"><img height="300" alt="2008 OBF & PCT 168" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3053/2723543366_6f9713c7de.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Scoring some tasty watermelon for fuel!</span><br /><br />Greg "Lecompton G" Burger and I played leapfrog all day long. Three miles from the finish we decided to pace each other in, and finished together with arms raised shouting "Trail Nerds and Wu Tang Clan forever." We finished in 10 hours, 37 minutes.<br /><a title="2008PCT50M_Greg_Ben_finish by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2723592082/"><img height="500" alt="2008PCT50M_Greg_Ben_finish" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/2723592082_77de53ed42.jpg" width="348" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Yep, I wore lucky number 69!</span><br /><br />Gary "Luddite" Henry and Bobbi (AKA BAT) took the early 5:30 a.m. start. Gary finished in 11:07, and Bobbi a few hours later.<br /><br />After the race, most of us repaired to a the Ice Axe brewpub (Mt Hood Brewing) on the Mountain, and proceeded to infuse mass quanities of food and "cool amber emulsion fluid" into our calorie-starved bodies. <a title="mthoodbrewco_logo by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2739044145/"><img height="75" alt="mthoodbrewco_logo" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/2739044145_d6307b4e07_o.png" width="61" /></a><br />We met a couple of other addled souls (other finishers), and fed the mosquitos out on the patio until they popped in little blood-soaked explosions.<br /><br /><a title="2008_PCT50M by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2722761705/"><img height="300" alt="2008_PCT50M" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3251/2722761705_ddeb5be743.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Greg, Gary, Danny, Matt, me, Christy, Jim, Andy.<br /></span><br />Well, that's about it. We had a lot of fun, and then flew back on Sunday. My left hip was a little tweaked, but other than that, I'm feeling fine. Nothing that some good ol' homebrew can't fix.<br /><br />Happy trails,<br />Bad BenBen, aka BadBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686400413182985272noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20543645.post-28874592606137121842008-04-11T12:54:00.000-07:002008-04-11T13:06:31.492-07:00Brew Vote: What To Brew?What should I brew next? A nice Porter or an IPA?<br /><br />I want both on tap (soon), but can only brew once this weekend.<br /><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1227/1377/1600/willie_beer_small.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1227/1377/1600/willie_beer_small.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div> </div><div>The MaiBock is just about ready. I'll check on it's condition this weekend.</div>Ben, aka BadBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686400413182985272noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20543645.post-49019319365840810602008-04-10T20:31:00.000-07:002008-12-08T13:19:31.594-08:00Complete Douchebags<p></p><p>The new <a href="http://www.cordish.com/sub.cfm?section=news&type=press&newsid=4">Cordish</a> Company's <a href="http://www.visitkc.com/meeting_planner/whats_new/index.cfm?page=kc_live.htm">Power & Light District</a> is only for complete douchebags, I guess. It's now "headwear non-inclusive." </p><p>I was turned away from 2 locations because I was wearing a FlexFit hat, (a KC Trail Nerds running club hat). They wouldn't let me enter, unless I took off my "gangsta-style hat." Yeah, maybe I looked like an idiot with my hat and runner's jacket on. But at the same time, a redneck idiot wearing a "tubed-out" and frayed circa 1990s OldSkool NASCAR hat, sporting a 1995-style goatee, and wearing a tee-shirt with the sleeves ripped-off, was let in without a problem. </p><br /><a href="http://00673d3.netsolhost.com/photoalbum_index.htm/02-09-08wyco_finish/images/IMG_0208_s_jpg.jpg"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEARua3ANCGaHz4DCjKfDa-mlmt74b_hM8yr4RYoYK3ziRgIhfPEE2f9gLHz9o4bW4lLqMljYE0ErPAKJlJDMBXKDz9GY3LIQJ_Z9ErKoFiOUbFOtoV-OQVfByJXAhx3Z5s1g/s1600-h/BadBenHat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187923878957008402" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEARua3ANCGaHz4DCjKfDa-mlmt74b_hM8yr4RYoYK3ziRgIhfPEE2f9gLHz9o4bW4lLqMljYE0ErPAKJlJDMBXKDz9GY3LIQJ_Z9ErKoFiOUbFOtoV-OQVfByJXAhx3Z5s1g/s320/BadBenHat.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p></p><span style="font-size:78%;color:#ff0000;">The offending "Gansta" hat (left).<br /></span><br /><p>A <a href="http://www.tonyskansascity.com/2008/03/kansas-citys-growing-ban-on-bandannas.html">DRESS CODE</a> that caters to Bud-swilling redneck mothertruckers...WTF??? This is just weird. Who do they think will spend more money? (Well, possibly he will, when he gets tanked-up, and buys a round for the bar). But who do you think tips the staff better (or at all)? Rednecks, as a rule, <strong><em>refuse</em></strong> to tip. </p><p>FUCK DOWNTOWN. At least <strong>that</strong> part of downtown. I'll still go to <a href="http://www.crossroadskc.com/">Grinders</a> and the <a href="http://www.kcbulldog.com/">Bulldog</a> and other haunts of mine. I'm voting with my dollars and with my feet.</p><p><strong>HAT</strong> FASCISTS!!!!!!!!!!</p><p>XXXOOO,</p><p>Bad Ben</p>Ben, aka BadBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686400413182985272noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20543645.post-7728511849372077762008-03-17T09:06:00.000-07:002008-12-08T13:19:31.777-08:00MaiBock Brew DayMy friend Greg and I split the costs on a batch of MaiBock for our brewing session this past Sunday afternoon. It was a good brewing session, and we hit our temperature targets exactly. The finished Wort's starting gravity was 1.071, so the (eventual) finished product will make you stand-up and sing in German, after a couple of pints.<br /><br />This MaiBock and a (July) Pilsner are the only two lagers that I plan to brew this year. I may throw in a Dunkel or an Eisbock for good measure, though. I like well-done (and tasty) lagers, but I'm pretty much an Ale Guy in my NanoBrewery. I just find most lager styles to be less-interesting than ales to produce and drink. I also like to experiment and push the limits of the Ale World, especially with my Belgian recipes.<br /><br />I plan to brew a couple of session beers next. I think I'll replicate my last Porter recipe, first. I've tweaked my "Sherpa Porter" recipe over the years, and now it's just about perfect. The last batch was loved by one and all who tried it. Following-up with a Kölsch would be nice. Having a Kölsch right at the start of warm weather gets me thinking of Summer.<br /><br />In the heat of the Summer, I like to have a Pilsner on hand. My favorite version of Pilsner is the Northern German style, with the higher hops content. When brewing, you've got to include German Noble hops and higher-sulphate water (than the other Pilsener or Pilsener styles) to pull-it off right. It should be as crisp-tasting as biting into a Granny Smith apple, with a refreshing lingering bitterness. Yummy and refreshing.<br /><br />My favorite commercially available (on-tap) example is the <a href="http://www.fishbrewing.com/friesian.html">Leavenworth Friesian Pilsener</a> by brewer <a href="http://www.fishbrewing.com/notebook.html">Jenn Gridley</a> at <a href="http://www.fishbrewing.com/index.html">Fish Brewing</a> in Olympia Washington. If you travel to the Pacific Northwest, it's on tap in the SEATAC airport at Anthony's, when it's in season. Give it a try. If you like this style, you won't be disappointed.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4NZx3EqxBOWQ2kIAQ7ADB2giCQhZOKT_bej6Bj1PEZTvrXCLPbjOFMKI_RR1KwzaPCEwamSt3r1sOqpuMHeUjkNuA9sBb3-4ijXYNLo-4fsxlcypABtfseeMYHkbrFm34oDaC/s1600-h/Leavenwth.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4NZx3EqxBOWQ2kIAQ7ADB2giCQhZOKT_bej6Bj1PEZTvrXCLPbjOFMKI_RR1KwzaPCEwamSt3r1sOqpuMHeUjkNuA9sBb3-4ijXYNLo-4fsxlcypABtfseeMYHkbrFm34oDaC/s320/Leavenwth.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178754972213376082" /></a>Ben, aka BadBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686400413182985272noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20543645.post-37162574082476636962008-02-24T15:19:00.000-08:002008-02-24T16:48:13.510-08:00I Hope Spring is Around the CornerThis Winter has been a tough one (weather-wise) for a lot of folks in this part of the country. I know that I can't do anything but whine about it though, so I'll just shutup now.<br /><br />On a lighter note, I went to a <a href="http://www.psychowyco.com/">Trail Nerds</a> Post-<a href="http://www.psychowyco.com/id7.html">Psycho</a> party last Friday night, and it also happened to be my birthday. I took a keg of my hoppy <a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1316/1118032766_93c45e7fcb_o.jpg">Sucker Punch IPA</a> to the party at <a href="http://shaneajones.blogspot.com/">Shane's</a> house. A fitting name, since the party ended with a macho display of who could take the hardest punch in the gut.<br /><a title="GutPunch by badbendrs, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/2290006714/"><img height="300" alt="GutPunch" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3160/2290006714_a995e25da3_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />I fared pretty well with the macho-drunk-white-guy bullshit. I still do massive amounts of crunches, and I can still deliver a nasty punch. For the record, I pulled my punches, somewhat...these are my friends, after all.<br /><br />I drank more than usual at the party. As my friend Gary says, "sometimes you've got to push the limits to see where the limits actually are." (I had a Designated Driver, by the way). I didn't make my next morning's run, and had to make up for it (partly) on today's run. I promise not to do that to myself again (for at least a couple of years). <br /><br />I took the morning off from running, partly from imbibing too much, but also from being generally run-down, overextended and tired. I decided I was on the edge of getting the flu or something, so I had a "sleep-in and be a total slacker" day. I feel much better today.Ben, aka BadBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686400413182985272noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20543645.post-76082133911334370562008-01-13T10:19:00.000-08:002008-12-08T13:19:32.172-08:00What a BURP!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahBgV6topBlj34CiXdOYhwW6O9kK7Is5UKTjrGNZ6cooU7h31J340wd0ZJRlBhR2aEY3pecceUUBu3pwpDO7bKm6zGLxKiOTO6BxoruDYFJGKsDIlLplvW9vRAF-Ww9enxw6p/s1600-h/BeerLineup.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155031027418637570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahBgV6topBlj34CiXdOYhwW6O9kK7Is5UKTjrGNZ6cooU7h31J340wd0ZJRlBhR2aEY3pecceUUBu3pwpDO7bKm6zGLxKiOTO6BxoruDYFJGKsDIlLplvW9vRAF-Ww9enxw6p/s320/BeerLineup.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />My annual Beer Utilization and Reduction Party (BURP) was definitely fun to host, and it appears to have been a lot of fun for the attendees. I had a good line-up of homebrew, and several guests brought homemade beer and wine and some delicious potluck items. We had some darn good food to chomp on, that's for sure!<br /><br /><br /><p>Depending upon one's tastes, I had a wide range from which to choose. Alberta and Jackie Rager, who are the Midwest's premiere <a href="http://www.bjcp.org/">BJCP</a> beer judges (and BJCP trainers), really liked my "Sherpa Porter" and "Event Horizon Barleywine." (Alberta is not a big fan of Belgians, but can appreciate them). It's nice to have a good review of my beers, especially by knowledgeable peers! I also let her and a few others sample my aged, 4-year-old Barleywine down in the NanoBrewery, and it was well-received.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFArEytQJ7QlS7fLJu2WGdiruSpAb55ftT4fyecP_bDIqeaVymFm_6MAkjXNECRf6uC-HH0-MmLCjLzXgMpjXp_ELKmcyrpFyp4jL3pVyGlHyxgrCsrhy6q7I5aKPx0Jduzh0i/s1600-h/EventHorizon.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155035524249396498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFArEytQJ7QlS7fLJu2WGdiruSpAb55ftT4fyecP_bDIqeaVymFm_6MAkjXNECRf6uC-HH0-MmLCjLzXgMpjXp_ELKmcyrpFyp4jL3pVyGlHyxgrCsrhy6q7I5aKPx0Jduzh0i/s320/EventHorizon.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p>Many wine drinkers enjoyed the Belgian offering and the Barleywine. For hop-heads, my Cascade dry-hopped "Sucker Punch IPA" was fresh and ready for a "teeth-scrapingly" fresh hops experience. (I had just kegged it the night before, and force-carbonated right after my morning run with the <a href="http://www.psychowyco.com/">Trail Nerds</a>). </p><br /><br /><p>For more pedestrian tastes, I had my "Plain Jane American Pale Ale" on hand, for a "maltier" and less excessive experience. Alberta and Jackie brought a homemade Gewurtztraminer wine and a "Cyser," just for fun. Debbie Webster brought some homemade margaritas, for those so inclined. A "<a href="http://www.jayhops.org/">Jayhops</a>" homebrewer (Mark) brought some bottles of homebrew, and I got to sample (and spill) a very nice Milk Stout that he had artfully made.</p><p></p>One-half of the <a href="http://kcbeerblog.blogspot.com/">KC Beer Blog</a> team made it to the party, and a couple of brewing friends that I haven't seen in a while were there, too. There was a lot going on, so I may have missed something. In fact, there was a whole bunch of folks I didn't talk to that were watching the KU basketball game. Some of them came and left without me seeing them, I'm sure.<br /><br /><br /><p>After the majority of the guests left, about six of us repaired to the great room to discuss and solve all of the world's problems. The last guest left at about 2 a.m., which (I assume) is the mark of a successful event. Once again, I ended up with more varieties of beer in the house than I started with, so I'll be looking for some "reductional help" yet again, soon.</p><br /><br /><p>Cheers and Happy Trails,</p><p>Bad Ben </p>Ben, aka BadBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686400413182985272noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20543645.post-91992974618562659502007-12-31T09:03:00.000-08:002008-01-08T07:46:03.165-08:00B.U.R.P.<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1227/1377/1600/willie_beer_small.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1227/1377/1600/willie_beer_small.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1227/1377/1600/willie_beer_small.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Yes, it's that time of year again. Time for my annual "Beer Utilization and Reduction Party." This is when I make a valid attempt to rid myself of some of my homebrewing stock, to make room for new brews. (Brewing in 10-gallon batches contributes to this unique problem).<br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div>Once again, this party will have a weird mix of folks: homebrewers, pro-brewers, mountain bikers, trail runners, and road runners. (No coyotes, though). As in the past, it can be a really good time.</div><div></div><br /><div><strong>Party Time:</strong> 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.</div><div><strong>Date:</strong> Saturday, December 43rd, 2007 in the "Bad Benian Calendar," (otherwise known as January 12, 2008).</div><div><strong>Location:</strong> My House (just drive into Johnson County, and look for the beige house in the culdesac...can't miss it).</div><div><strong>Food and Beverages:</strong> I'll have Chili to eat, and (at least) 5 beers on tap. If you don't like beer, bring another beverage or a counselor. </div><div><strong>Beers available will be:</strong> My Uber Saison (Beaucoup Belgian Farmhouse Ale), an aged 4-year old English-style Barleywine (Tenacious Curmudgeon), a younger American-style Barleywine (Event Horizon), a Robust Porter (<a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1185/1117195679_79cae4ba6d_o.jpg">Sherpa Porter</a>), and an in-your face hoppy IPA (<a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1316/1118032766_93c45e7fcb_o.jpg">Sucker Punch IPA</a>). I may bring out some more stock as the evening progresses.<br /></div><div></div><br /><div><strong>Please bring your choice of ONE of the following:<br /></strong></div><br /><div>1) Snack food, or any potluck item.<br /></div><br /><div>2) *Beer, mead, or an interesting wine; (ESPECIALLY if it's homemade or craft made). No Budweiser or anything like that, please, (unless that's all that you'll drink). </div><div></div><div></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>Also bring:</strong></div><div></div><div>A semi-good looking Significant Other, sister, boyfriend, girlfriend, wife, mistress, gigolo, stripper, or reasonable facsimile, thereof. <strong>Or you can bring a friend or just yourself.</strong> </div><div>NO KIDS or UFC Cage Fighters, PLEASE.<br /></div><br /><div>NOTE: If you plan on imbibing like a frat-boy or whorority-chick, please BRING A DESIGNATED DRIVER; or you can stay-over and sleep on one of our nice inflatable air beds and have our big, slobbery dog lick your face all night. (Don't worry, he's been neutered).</div><br /><div>*Homebrewers: For mini-kegs I have an extra CO2 bottle and hoses, if you have the proper fittings.</div><br /><div></div><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">If you want more information (like an address, or the type of new laptop that I'd like you to purchase for me), you can get my e-mail address from <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/00686400413182985272">my profile</a>. If you can't find that, you've already had enough beer to drink. Don't ever come to my BURP party with a headstart, or your liver will definitely explode.</span></div><br /><div></div><div>Cheers and happy trails,</div><div>Bad Ben</div></div>Ben, aka BadBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686400413182985272noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20543645.post-70208684166146486602007-12-30T11:44:00.000-08:002008-12-08T13:19:32.333-08:00Beer Blogger's Summit...World Peace Declared<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIIanTd6jkwCPnvznFZEdan_OtprnSpgCVtiDohVA5x3nHnNYU4KWZo6QMGidf44lbdbiGdDY6hNgrzSRgnJ_299Rw1HUfXHW8c_LhV1k9-RYq-GUJZ99hWPrbWpjJhF5Np4A/s1600-h/75thworld.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5149861475932153058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIIanTd6jkwCPnvznFZEdan_OtprnSpgCVtiDohVA5x3nHnNYU4KWZo6QMGidf44lbdbiGdDY6hNgrzSRgnJ_299Rw1HUfXHW8c_LhV1k9-RYq-GUJZ99hWPrbWpjJhF5Np4A/s200/75thworld.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div></div><div>Well, <em>we</em> had a little piece of <em>World Peace</em> while we met at <a href="http://www.75thstreet.com/">75th Street Brewery</a>, anyway.</div><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://i-love-beer.blogspot.com/">Lee</a> and Lady Margaret from Austin helped put together this meeting of (addled) minds in Kansas City, on a fine Saturday afternoon. Also in attendance were <a href="http://muddymo.blogspot.com/">Muddy Mo</a> and <a href="http://kcbeerblog.blogspot.com/">Bull E. Vard</a>. We talked beer, politics, music, <a href="http://www.oregonbrewfest.com/">OBF</a>, <a href="http://www.thebeergeek.com/TV/09/01.html">Beer Geek TV</a>, running and the vast selection of items available at <a href="http://www.riversideredx.com/departments.htm">Red X</a>. My son Matt stopped by also, and we ran into <a href="http://chimpotle.blogspot.com/">Chimpotle</a>, as well.</div><br /><div></div><div>Lee broke all known Missouri laws and introduced us to a bottle of <a href="http://www.nxnwbrew.com/">North by Northwest</a> Brewery's "Kodiak IPA." For an IPA with 6% ABV, it sure tasted much bigger than that. It appears that Cascade hops were used to dry-hop and finish this tasty brew. It's definitely one of the best beers that I've had from Texas, (normally referred to by me as the land of "sweet tea" and sweet beer). But Austin is really in its own little world, compared to the rest of Texas, ala Lawrence, Kansas.</div><br /><div></div><div>What a nice summit! We'll have to do this again.</div></div></div>Ben, aka BadBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686400413182985272noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20543645.post-76750718110799712392007-12-24T20:30:00.000-08:002007-12-24T20:37:09.729-08:00Good Brew DayWell, another batch is in the fermenter. I had 3 folks stop by to enjoy some beers during the brew. One of them was from New York.<br /><br />I cranked up two space heaters, and the garage reached a balmy 60 degrees F, at one point. It was a decently sunny day, and my dog (Fester) enjoyed laying in the sun and watching for any scraps of food to drop. <br /><br />I hit my mark for my "session" IPA, with a starting gravity of 1.050. It will be hoppy, but not too overt. A good brew day, all in all.Ben, aka BadBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686400413182985272noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20543645.post-60401691991774187012007-12-22T20:55:00.000-08:002007-12-22T21:05:37.961-08:00"F" the APATo heck with the APA. Because of the "hop crisis," I'm brewing an IPA on Monday, instead. Bring on the Columbus and in-your-frigging-face hops! <br /><br />By the way: Anyone that likes good brew is invited (if you're in the Kansas City area). Show up around noon. I'll be well underway, by then. You can bring some munchies or food, if you're so inclined. And dress warmly. On tap, I'll have a fresh Robust Porter, a 4-y.o. Barleywine, a fairly new Barleywine, a Belgian Farmhouse Ale, and a Oak-aged Imperial Stout; maybe more!<br /><br />You can get my e-mail address from my profile. If you can't find it, you deserve to wallow in self-pity and stale Budweiser.<br /><br />Cheers and happy trails,<br />Bad BenBen, aka BadBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686400413182985272noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20543645.post-74681011375038770212007-12-12T12:13:00.000-08:002007-12-12T12:54:04.448-08:00On Tap, Plans, and Smokestack Series<p>Right now, this is what I have on tap at home: </p><p>My Uber-Saison, which I call "Beaucoup Belgian Farmhouse Ale." - Yum...Tasty!<br /></p><p>A barleywine that I brewed in November 2003, "Tenacious Curmudgeon." - Wonderfully complex!</p><p>A recent, 3-month old American Style Barleywine, which I call "Event Horizon." - Yowza!<br /><br />That's right, no low-gravity stuff at the ol' homestead.<br /><br />It's soon to be rectified, though. My latest batch of "Sherpa Porter" should be pouring by this weekend. Not that it's very light...it'll finish at about 6.5%ABV. I did pick up the grain for a simple American Pale Ale, the other day. I'll see if I can find the time to brew it on Sunday afternoon. I haven't brewed an APA in a while. I need a good "session ale" at home, so I don't have to buy a commercial version.<br /><br />By the way, I've tried all of the new "Smokestack Series" of ales from <a href="http://www.blvdbeer.com/beer.htm">Boulevard Brewing</a> here in Kansas City. The beers are packaged in 750 ml champagne bottles with cork-and-cage closures. The first four in this series to be released are "Boulevard Saison," a farmhouse ale, "Long Strange Tripel," a Trappist-style abbey beer, "Double-Wide I.P.A.," and "The Sixth Glass," a Belgian-style quadrupel ale. My favorite of the Series is the Double-Wide IPA. It tastes like a well-made homebrewed ale (like an IPA that I might make). The Saison is just "okay" for a Saison, and I think the Tripel is a little too one-dimensional. The Quad is a nice one, though. So two really nice brews (out of four) ain't bad. I can't wait to see what else they'll be offering, in the near future. </p><p>Things are looking up (here), beer-wise.</p>Ben, aka BadBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686400413182985272noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20543645.post-41696479213081220052007-11-01T14:31:00.000-07:002008-12-08T13:19:32.722-08:00Beer Geek T.V.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwjLKRkK37B56rud6PXsCxoq9Zt-cPE4gvRh555qdZFM-3FWClQz24KII6ovSAZMdy_l5op8GmT7G7dx8fy-toidTNCTFahrSq-4ZVsYqEED1YXgJYtt_j8JSKHD-rNJnnhda/s1600-h/beergeekTV_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127989534441009138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwjLKRkK37B56rud6PXsCxoq9Zt-cPE4gvRh555qdZFM-3FWClQz24KII6ovSAZMdy_l5op8GmT7G7dx8fy-toidTNCTFahrSq-4ZVsYqEED1YXgJYtt_j8JSKHD-rNJnnhda/s400/beergeekTV_1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />There's a new, fun web site out there for all of us "beercentric" folk: Beer Geek T.V.<br />It's part of <a href="http://www.thebeergeek.com/">Beer Geek dot com</a>.<br /><br />My son and I were interviewed for Beergeek.TV at the Oregon Brewer's Festival, this past Summer. You can check it out <a href="http://www.thebeergeek.com/TV/09/01.html">here</a>. We're about 3/4 through the video. The rest of the video is great to watch, because it gives you an idea of how fun the <a href="http://www.oregonbrewfest.com/">OBF</a> is, and why I always try to make it to Portland for it, every year on the last full weekend of July. You can read more about my last fun OBF trip (with photos) <a href="http://badbensnanobrewery.blogspot.com/2007/08/obf-2007.html">here</a>.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">On the nanobrewery side of things:</span></strong><br />I'm dry-hopping my <a href="http://badbensnanobrewery.blogspot.com/2007/10/barleywine-brew-day.html">Barleywine</a> with Fuggles and EKG. I had also pitched some additional champagne yeast, but I don't know how much more attenuation I'll get out of it; apparent attenuation is at 82%. Two days ago, the specific gravity was at 1.020; down from a whopping 1.120! That's an ABV of 13.4%.<br /><br />My Belgian Double is already in two "corny" kegs, and one of them should be fully conditioned and carbonated, by now. I'm going to taste it tonight.<br /><br />I've purchased the ingredients for my annual "Sherpa Porter," a Robust Porter that I keep tweaking the recipe on, every year. This year, I've tweaked it a lot, and I'm interested in the result. I'm going to shoot for brewing it this Sunday; it's the only chance I'll have for 3 weeks.<br /><br />Happy Brewing,<br />Bad Ben<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWI551edDH7zOaMS5C_77Jrt52gvMwFSzaUu_lDevBqKIvoiptUpFKBHUsqUDGwySdvDtBddNEybYpqtAz_4-KdAqaeQYgeqaHncpvHeMCgBdP6OgOleKJ_3gEpAQnBkdzwl7/s1600-h/Sherpa+Porter.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127994911740063746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWI551edDH7zOaMS5C_77Jrt52gvMwFSzaUu_lDevBqKIvoiptUpFKBHUsqUDGwySdvDtBddNEybYpqtAz_4-KdAqaeQYgeqaHncpvHeMCgBdP6OgOleKJ_3gEpAQnBkdzwl7/s320/Sherpa+Porter.JPG" border="0" /></a>Ben, aka BadBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686400413182985272noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20543645.post-13164499009515820942007-10-15T09:19:00.000-07:002007-10-15T10:16:50.059-07:00Barleywine Brew DayOn September 30th, I brewed a ten-gallon all-grain batch of barleywine. The last time I brewed a barleywine was in November of 2003, (and I still have some of that batch left).<br /><br />This recent batch had a starting wort gravity of 1.120 on brew day, so it'll be a monster. I included the following grains in it: Maris Otter, Klagas 2-row, Castle Caramel Munich, Cara-Vienne, and small amounts of two new available grains: Crystal Rye Malt and Simpsons Golden Naked Oats.<br /><br />There's over a pound (total) of hop flowers in this 10-gallon batch. I started with 2-ounces of Nugget hops for bittering, and have a lot of Fuggles and Kent Goldings for the rest of the hop bill. I'll also dry-hop with Fuggles and Kent Goldings.<br /><br />Shane, Cody, and Keith showed up to keep me company, for the last half of the brew day. <a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2117/1572705263_a72330f733_b.jpg">Cody</a> had just finished 2nd in a <a href="http://www.flatrock50.com/">50-Kilometer run</a>, so he only had half a beer and went and sacked-out in Shane's car...he was pretty darn tired. It was a fun day.<br /><br />It is finally ready to transfer to secondary fermentation tonight (Oct 15). The little yeasties have been going nuts for two straight weeks! I'll check the gravity during transfer, and see if there's a need to add any champagne yeast.<br /><br />Here are some photos of the brew day operation:<br /><br /><a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/1579451946/"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;"><img height="300" alt="MashTunBottom" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2299/1579451946_d13e09842d_o.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;"><br />The bottom (inside) of my mash tun.<br /><br /></span><a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/1579451934/"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;"><img height="300" alt="Mashin_in" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2014/1579451934_94f4711b68_o.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;"><br />Mashing-in.<br /><br /></span><a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/1579451944/"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;"><img height="533" alt="MashTemp" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2324/1579451944_04ddfa7237_o.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;"><br />Hitting a mash temperature of 152 degrees perfectly.<br /><br /></span><a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/1579451940/"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;"><img height="300" alt="MashRecirc" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2009/1579451940_20cb7e05a5_o.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;"><br />Recirculation through the mash. Here's my cheap-ass flow control system, (a set of needle-nose vise grips with silicone tubing on its jaws).<br /><br /></span><a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65423964@N00/1579451920/"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;"><img height="400" alt="BrewingBarleywine" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2168/1579451920_fab5116feb_o.jpg" width="300" /></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff0000;"><br />Enjoying a glass of my Harvest Double-IPA on brew day.</span>Ben, aka BadBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686400413182985272noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20543645.post-36322890353653177972007-09-05T15:00:00.000-07:002008-12-08T13:19:32.916-08:00Brew Your Own<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWzKe7LYZoxCEDDkEENSl73QKPvLwOeYuxrTIVcyNTQ0hofTe2ABUILI6ZIl9OH2oWRydggdzuRbsy-IGAvbAdzEiMSbAYUDt7ykC0sjurzAEkecbbTOY9fwLEdHxl7Lk517Y/s1600-h/Sept07Cover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106844230570474978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWzKe7LYZoxCEDDkEENSl73QKPvLwOeYuxrTIVcyNTQ0hofTe2ABUILI6ZIl9OH2oWRydggdzuRbsy-IGAvbAdzEiMSbAYUDt7ykC0sjurzAEkecbbTOY9fwLEdHxl7Lk517Y/s320/Sept07Cover.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div>I'm in the September/October issue of <a href="http://byo.com/">Brew Your Own Magazine</a>, as the featured homebrewer.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>My son is also mentioned, and there's a photo of me, my nephew, and my son enjoying ourselves at the 2006 Oregon Brewer's festival.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>Pick up a copy, if you don't subscribe. (Barnes & Noble usually carries it).</div><div> </div><div></div><div>It's kind of cool, and (I think) an honor.</div>Ben, aka BadBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686400413182985272noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20543645.post-51061169020971879372007-08-30T20:02:00.000-07:002008-12-08T13:19:33.092-08:00Michael Jackson has left This Mortal Coil<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQx1GBU2cgvLEIsKH0iq2R6ZgMxSzs-ftVexGX0_XugQNGJwEQVboRjTa2ogPAS64c_iCaD2Z8xoTJsIVhS5E3rTkeHbesPM4wNrzhpjKBb3GVtP_wML5VZteZBcc3Q_dK8YN/s1600-h/Michael+Jackson.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104700422926355794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQx1GBU2cgvLEIsKH0iq2R6ZgMxSzs-ftVexGX0_XugQNGJwEQVboRjTa2ogPAS64c_iCaD2Z8xoTJsIVhS5E3rTkeHbesPM4wNrzhpjKBb3GVtP_wML5VZteZBcc3Q_dK8YN/s320/Michael+Jackson.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Michael Jackson, the "<a href="http://www.beerhunter.com/">Beer Hunter</a>," was a legend. He recently left this mortal coil and our worldly existence.<br /><br />Michael had so much energy for beer, malt beverages, and people, and was a genuinely nice person. He was a true gentleman.<br /><br />I got to meet him personally in 1994. It was at Big Time Brewery in Seattle, at 7 a.m., and he was leaving for the airport to go back to the U.K., but he still wanted to check out our beers for a possible new book project. This, after a whirlwind weekend tour of Seattle and the Northwest's breweries and brewpubs. He gave us an honest assessment of our beers, had some coffee and chit-chat, and then left. He didn't have to do this for us (at an un-godly time in the morning), but the man had said that he would, and he did. I still cherish the photo of all of us on that day.<br /><br />In the photo was Mark Irvin from Spokane's Northern Lights Brewing, Dick Cantwell (currently of Elysian Brewing in Seattle), Brian Johnson (formerly of Fort Spokane Brewing, Spokane, Washington), and me.<br /><br /><p>Michael, whatever dimension you're in, I know that you are enjoying yourself thoroughly!</p><p>Happy trails and cheers,<br /><br />Bad Ben</p>Ben, aka BadBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00686400413182985272noreply@blogger.com1