We have been informed that the Ironwill taps are running dangerously low back at home, so we have been planning an upgrade to some brew equipment and to brew some Himalayan inspired beers. In fact, we recently placed an order for the new equipment (new kettle, pump, carboys, etc.) and enough grains, hops, and yeast for 30 gallons of beer to be brewed immediately upon our return. The plan is to start with a batch of cherry wheat since it should be ready within 2-3 weeks. Next we'll brew a "Khumbu kolsch" brewed with glacier hops...this will be a relatively light and crisp beer perfect for hot July days. Finally we'll brew up our two-hearted ale (an all-centennial IPA) clone. Once these beers are on tap, we'll start up our Himalayan Pale Ale (HPA), brewed with summit and glacier hops...and an experimental version supplemented with Seabuckthorn juice. Seabuckthorn is a shrub that grows well in the Khumbu and has many practical uses. The yellow berries are removed and crushed to make juice, which is often served hot. Although a bit astringent, the aroma and flavor of the juice is quite mild and rather summery. A local woman made some juice fresh for us yesterday, and we will attempt to add some to our HPA to provide a little fruitiness. We're hoping it will turn out along the lines of magic hat's #9. Finally, we will make use of some Neplese tea (more commonly drank than water or coffee here) in a beer or two brewed later in the summer. We have visions of a Milk tea stout and possibly an English bitter spiced with the tea. In both cases we're hoping to nitrogen ate the beer for a truly unique combination of flavor and mouthfeel. Can you tell we're itching for some real beer? ;)
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