The Alchemist Pub And Brewery

Here it is, September.

First and foremost, the hops have been harvested and they are already soaking in the Heretic.  They were harvested on the 23^rd, and I put them into the Heretic on the 30^th.  I will rack the beer to the serving tank on Tuesday, for a Wednesday release.  See you at opening on 9/9/09.

The harvest went well with my generous volunteer crew organized by Tim Cropley. We got there bright and early Sunday morning, bing bang boom, we were finished and on our third beer by noon.  I was just able to get all of my hops on the trays I had rigged.  I ended up with 6 pounds of wonderful, resinous hops, so if you figure a ten to one ratio, it was probably about 60 pounds wet.

It is always entertaining to pick hops with first-timers.  I remember my first time very well.  It sounds like the coolest job on earth until you get about an hour into it, that’s when reality sets in, and you become VERY thankful that there are people around you to help.  Everyone really hung in there and worked hard, I can only hope I made their time there as enjoyable as I could.

The hops were in pretty good shape in most spots, with the exception of a few patches that were too close to the wall.  Over the years , they have crept toward the base of the wall, so I will be moving them out a bit.

When I do this, I will also be splitting up the rhizomes.  Any extra will be packaged up and available to the public on a first come, first served basis. I can’t tell you exactly what strain they are due to the mixing of roots, but it could be Cascade, Willamette, or Chinook.  Very healthy and very FREE.  Stay tuned to this blog for the actual date…

This years Harvest Ale is on the dry hops as you read this.  Very malty and lightly dry-hopped with Columbus.  I will be making a second batch next week.

Uncle Daddy will be brewed next week .  The pumpkins are on order as well as a big pile of organic vanilla beans.  I’ve saved enough of the Moat Mountain yeast from the Hefty Weizen to ferment it,  hopefully the clove character will carry through for a second time…

Heady Topper is just about done fermenting….

I might make an oatmeal stout soon……

I’m sick of writing…..

And if you don’t work for me , don’t even think of showing up to our employee party!!!!!