Nelson mini case swap (12th Dec)

[Dale]

OK Guys,

We are looking at doing a swap of 2 different beer types each. In 745ml ABC swapa crate bottles(or suggestions of different size/bottle). Let me know who's in and we can work out total bottles we all need and who's place we can meet, test what they have on tap and do the swap.

[Greydog]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the big 'ups' on the mile high Dale.



Christian,

I cracked your NH 28/11 a few nights ago (before I read your read your post not too).

It's great.

I am a real fan of that deep golden orange colour, beautiful in the glass.

Spicy, and sweet honey aroma for me. That spice carries through in the taste also with orange citrus flavours.

If there is anything 'funky', for me an underlying vague 'burnt' taste. Similar to that in the WB. But that's getting picky.


Mike,

Thanks for the heads up text. I'll try and check it out. I also opened your Red Fox last night.

Man has that aged well.

Attractive 'sienna' brown (that was Kath's description). Inviting chocolate and berry aroma, full malt flavour, with that 'coal dust' finish. Almost scotch ale-ish.

Thanks for the ales guys.

John

[Christian]

Thanks for the feedback John - glad you like the Rakau taste. Some bottles I'm enjoying, others not so much - think the temp has a bit to do with it and if you're had after beer before hand.

The malt was two cans of Blackrock LME + 250 gms Brewcraft crystal + 330 gms DME that I had left over - I typically boil one can of malt with the hop additions for 45 to 60 mins (add the second can at the end) and perhaps some caramelisation is occurring here. I guess another cause could be this brand of Crystal. I'll have to try some tweaking with my techniques and ingredients.

That said, personally I love a bit of smoky toffee flavour in my beers - e.g. Dux Nor'Wester.

[Dale]

Hey Christian's have just had your Wrecking Ball

Great hop smell when pouring, nice colour and great taste. Was really impressed to hear this came from a Mac's kit backbone. The one time I used a Mac's kit it came no-where near this level.

Thanks Mate.

[Christian]

Cheers Dale. That was one Mac's kit + one Blackrock East India Pale Ale kit, which is quite light. I've used two Mac's kits before with some Crystal in a pale ale and it was too dark.

I've made a slightly different version for Christmas - swapped the Blackrock kit for Blackrock light LME (haven't really noticed a difference here), upped the Crystal from 250 to 300 gms, no dry hopping and fined. I think it's more balanced than the case swap version.

I really enjoyed both your beers (so did my wife).

Have a great Christmas.

[bonnyboy]

Hi all, hope you beer swap went well.I couldn't make because a) I was working and b) the only beer I had that was ready I didn't think was good enough to inflict on other people.I have made some adjustments to my equipment ( removing the theromstat on my boiler so I get a constant boil, not on and off for 1 1/2 hours) and my last two batches have been far superior. So if there are any swaps planned for the future I would be happy to share my brews and have them appraised.Cheers Andy

[Christian]

A couple more reviews to add.

Had Mike's Carry Me Home Porter last night - what a fantastic beer. I'm not a huge dark beer fan (dry, roasty ones anyway) but this is exactly the style I like to drink if I'm going down that route - lots of sweet, rich malt and a complexity of flavours - I think this one was perfectly balanced.

Had the Red Fox a while back and it was also excellent - had it after a pint of Armageddon at the Freehouse and it definitely held it's own. Only thing to note was the aroma for both these beers was a little 'homebrewish' but it really didn't carry through into the flavour so it's not really an issue. In fact, I got quite a surpise when I had my first taste as I had different expectations from the aroma.

Also had John's Mile High a few days ago - a really nice wheat beer - wish I could brew something like this because it's a style I love.

Cheers,