Tribute-Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

I figured I'd write a little tribute to a brewery that I think got America wanting more to a beer rather then drinking a lite pilsner. It seems they have been over looked lately as they don't have commercials ads and don't design fancy beer glasses. The founder started out like most. A homebrewer that wanted more to beer.

In 1979, Ken Grossman began building a small brewery in the town of Chico, California. His goal: to brew exceptional ales and lagers. Today, the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is considered the premier craft brewery in the United States. And the beer?Well it speaks for itself.

On November 15, 1980, the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. brewed the first batch of what would soon become a landmark in American craft brewing: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. 

Word spread quickly, and over the next decade the demand for Sierra Nevada brews soon exceeded the brewery’s modest brewing capacity. Despite nearly constant additions to the brewery, Ken was soon back at the drawing board, planning a new brewery. In 1989, the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

To this day, the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. remains true to its roots. Ken is still personally involved in every aspect of brewery operation. Most importantly, the Sierra Nevada commitment to quality remains the same. Premium ingredients and time-honored brewing techniques make Sierra Nevada ales and lagers truly exceptional beers.

My first beer that I drank that actually stood out side of the box from a standard American Commercial  beer was Sierra Nevada's American Pale Ale. It still remains one of my favorite beers to have year round.

A beer I enjoy come Summer time is Sierra Nevada's-Kellerweis Hefeweizens- it is one of the only American Hefeweizens made using the traditional Bavarian style of open fermentation. This difficult and labor-intensive technique adds uncommon depth and flavor complexity. The hazy-golden hefeweizen is deeply flavorful, refreshing and perfect for a sunny day. To serve, pour two-thirds into a glass, swirl and pour the rest.

A good bold IPA I enjoy when I'm on my hoppy bold kick is Sierra Nevada's Torpedo Extra IPA. It is a big American IPA; bold, assertive and full of flavor and aromas highlighting the complex citrus, pine and herbal character of whole-cone American hops.

So Cheers to you Sierra Nevada!

Future Plans

Future plans have been planned out. Now just need to schedule the dates and order a few more grain/specialty grains.
I have down not in any particular order.
1. Cream ale-half blue berry half vanilla
2. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
3. My Rye Pale Ale with a few changes
4. Summer Wheat remix
5. Bell's IPA

I think that should keep me busy for at least two months. Things haven't been on schedule since the move and the new job, but I look forward to getting back on a routine and brewing some more beer.

Going to miss you Terripan..

Well, yesterday I had my last visit with Terripan Brewery yesterday. You really can't beat paying $10 for a mug and 8 tickets for beer. I leave satisfied every time I go. I plan to have a summer road trip to come back to Athens for a day of drinking at Terripan and then go to a few pubs downtown. Then go to Sweetwater the next day.

Terripan inspired me to make the Rye Pale Ale recently. Here is a little back ground of the beer and what they have down for the ingredients.

By using an exact amount of rye, a grain seldom found in other micro brewed beers, the Rye Pale Ale acquires its signature taste. Made with five varieties of hops and a generous amount of specialty malts, it offers a complex flavor and aroma that is both aggressive and well balanced – a rare find among beers.
The Terrapin Rye Pale Ale was released in Athens, GA in April of 2002 at the Classic City Brew Fest. Six months later this beer which was sold only in Athens was awarded the American Pale Ale Gold Medal at the 2002 Great American Beer Festival, the most prestigious competition in North America. We hope you will agree with our peers in the brewing industry that this is truly one of the best pale ales in the country.

Malt: 2-Row Pale, Munich, Malted Rye, Victory Malt, Honey Malt
Hops: Magnum, Fuggle, East Kent Golding, Amarillo (Dry Hop)
Food: This beer cries out for spicy foods to match it’s hoppy flavors…jerk chicken to shrimp and grits.
Cheese: Gruyère or Manchego

After I left Terripan last night and after drinking a few Rye's I realized my make isn't to bad, I think I just used to much rye I think. I plan to play around with this recipe as a base and will have my own make of this beer.

http://www.terrapinbeer.com

Beer clubs

These are the two clubs that I have been associating with. Both are very different in there own aspect. The club in Athens is predominately homebrewing. While the Hampton club is all about tasting beers. I enjoy both but unfortunately they are not close to each other and soon I will only be stuck with one depending on the job.

http://athenshomebrewers.com/
http://hamptonbeerclub.wordpress.com/

Update

Its been awhile since I've posted and I'll update what has happened. Recently I joined a local homebrew club and just went and watched a demo on how the all grain process is. I'm pretty confident I can do it. I also just made a stir plate from some pretty easy directions I found online. My little home brewery looks to be complete. I plan to brew some beer tomorrow. I will post some pictures and recipes and how everything goes.

Lucky Finds

Last night I was searching around on the web and found a local homebrew club! Also found a local men's rubgy club. I think I will like it here. Two things that I love to do. Hopefully I can get intcouh with both of them.