Gemütlichkeit is a German-language word used to convey the idea of a state or feeling of warmth, friendliness, and good cheer. (Wikipedia)
This is the second in the lineup for the afore mentioned First Evangelical’s 175 anniversary year festivities (Oktoberfest). It is a Helles Bock and should play nicely with the Märzen brewed last week.
Although the last post did not address it, the Bloody Mary Bar is and has been a staple on brew day for some time. Not to be complacent, Mark is seeking new ways to improve the experience. Vodka has been the go to for about…. forever. Mark has experimented with a few new players to the bar: Tequila and Bacardi Rum. We didn’t think much of the Tequila – I tried it once and went back to the familiar. However, Vodka might be taking a back seat to the Bacardi for some time as we both have taken a liking to it. Here is the BBM spread from last Monday’s session.
Speaking of upgrades, the Man Cave has an additional piece of equipment. Last time it was the brew table and this time the new fermentation chamber was added. Mark has a new place for stickers.
But it is not plugged in! Yes, your observation is correct. In order to get this unit transported in the truck, it needed to be rotated 90°. It also had to be rotated again to mount the casters to the bottom. Rules being rules, we have to wait at least 24 hours before powering it up. There is a Blichmann temperature controller that will regulate the temperatures. The 3 fermenters should have plenty of space and there is a beer shelf (compressor) for Mark to load up. In addition, there might be enough additional space for a couple kegs. We are happy to have this available to brew lager beers in the future as it has been talked about off and on over the past couple years. The First Evan 175 gave us the needed push to pursue this adventure.
Back in May of 2023 Mark and I went to our first DarkLord Day at 3 Floyds Brewing in Munster, IN.
We each received a bottle of DarkLord and 3 variants which we have been saving for special occasions. With the new additions, successful brew / grill sessions, gutter cleaning, hedge trimming and maybe a mortgage payoff, Mark brought out a bottle to celebrate: Marshmallow Handjee (MMXXII).
Can’t tell you enough of how we enjoyed this. Thanks Mark for the share.
In other news: The Dorothy Doors have been seeing action now that warmer longer days are here. The patio furniture has come out of hibernation and Mark’s best friends, the chipmunks, are ruling his back yard once again.
Mark’s wife, Helen, has taken up a unique hobby: bird tease. Now let’s be sure to understand that there is no physical contact with birds – they are for looking at and listening to. Helen has a phone app that mimics bird calls. A cardinal (not from St. Louis) has made the back yard its domain and isn’t interested in sharing the territory. Helen amuses herself by occasionally playing the cardinal call on her phone thus drawing the full attention of the resident cardinal who comes to check things out. It is interesting how the bird will come in close attempting to figure out where the fictitious calling bird is.
What does all this have to do with brewing? Probably not much. The brewing process is pretty much routine now so need some filler material. Thanks Helen for providing! It’s all in a day’s brew.
Gemütlichkeit
Grains
- 10 lb – Pilsner Malt
- 1 lb – Acidulated Malt
- 1 lb – Vienna Malt
- 1 lb – Crystal 40
Hops
- 1 oz – Hallertau (60 minutes)
- 1 oz – Hallertau (15 minutes)
- 1 oz – Hallertau (5 minutes)
Yeast
- German Lager
Projected Analysis
- OG – 1.067
- FG – 1.017
- Color – 11.8 SRM
- ABV – 6.7%
- Bitterness – 28 IBU
