2012 Gooseberry Mead

This is a three gallon batch, started with 90 ounces of a local wildflower honey. Used Champaigne yeast, should produce a 10% mead. When the fermentation is 70% finished, I'll add gooseberries, and let it finish out.
Third of July and the gooseberries are going in. Six and a quarter pounds of this year's crop. Total goodness!
Racked to secondary on 7-24.

Time for a bitter

Another bitter being brewed.
10 gallon batch
15 pounds Maris Otter
10 ounces 80L Crystal
1 ounce Target at 60
1/2 ounce Challanger at 45
1/2 ounce Northdown at 45
2 tsp Irish Moss at 45
Did a no-sparge, wish I brewed this earlier!
The next day, at full krausen, hot today, mid 90's outside, high 70's indoors, temp controllwer to left is ambient below the fermenter.

The one to the right is the actual temp of the ale. Internal chillers are great!
Kegged on the third of July, force carbing one kegs worth so it can be served tomorrow. Finished at 1010, very tasty!

Birch Beer

A total change in direction, I made Birch Beer! Pam enjoys it very much.