Continuing Progress

Well, tonight I made my attempt at entering these competitions. It turns out the one at some air force base south of Tacoma accepts entries until Friday, unless you're mailing them. I which case it needs to be there in 17 hours. Meh. I definitely don't want to make the 3 hour round trip with a zipcar either, so it looks like that one's out. The one in California is only accepting beers that are first registered online and I can't get the damn online registration to work. So that one's out. The 'Winter Beer Fest' (in March?) in Las Vegas looks like it is going to work out though. And the Cascade Brewers Cup right here in Redmond is a for sure one as well. Bob's is taking entries, so I'll run down there on Friday.

I'm glad at least two worked out though, because I cracked an IPA (dubbed Jail Bait for being so delicious that is easy to enjoy too many and misbehave) and Stout (which is going to be the new Black Hole) tonight and they are both super ridiculously good! The IPA came out an amazing light amber color with a huge nose of citrusy flowery sweet hops. The body is light medium with an initial hit of sweetness with subtle bready background followed by a strong hop flavor. It finishes really dry which I think is good for an IPA, but a little too much for my taste. The whole thing has a lingering bitterness, which might even be a little too much. Next time I'm not going with that crazy Pacman yeast and maybe try out American Ale II. I think I would help add a little more body and keep it slightly less dry. The Stout might even be better! It's dark black but not completely opaque with a nice off white head. The aroma is outrageous! hahaha! Strong roastiness with a slight choloate note. The body is medium and silky with a great bitterness/sweetness balance and a great roasty finish with a light chocolate after taste.

I'm honestly knocked out by how much I like these beers. I'm generally my very worst critic, but can't seem to enjoy these enough! Holy crap. hahahaha So, I guess I'm hoping others will think highly as well :)

I'm going to rack Tiger's Blood to the secondary tomorrow to let it clear out a bit. Fermentation looks to have been done a day or so ago, but I just haven't gotten to it yet. I'm thinking I'm going to skip out on the Brewboard's group brew now. I wanted to join in before, but I just don't really feel like it's going to be that great of a beer, so the 'ol chalkboard is all marked up on what I'll be brewing next. I'm thinking saturday will be brew day, so I've got some decisions to make!

wishing he could lager,
~Kyle