Dragonfly Kölsch

Here is a recipe I came up with to attempt to clone the Firefly Kölsch that McMenamin's used to make. I failed pretty bad on my mashing attempt and added some extract. I'm still trying to effectively do all-grain brews on my stove using an electric turkey fryer. The color is really nice.

Dragonfly Kölsch

Brew Type: All Grain	Date: 4/4/2010
Style: Koelsch	Brewer: Matt
Batch Size: 5.00 gal	Assistant Brewer:
Boil Volume: 5.72 gal	Boil Time: 60 min
Brewhouse Efficiency: 65.00 %	Equipment: My Equipment
Actual Efficiency: 50.56 %

Taste Rating (50 possible points):

Ingredients

Amount	Item	Type	% or IBU
0.50 lb	Light Dry Extract	Dry Extract	4.55 %
8.00 lb	Pilsner Malt	Grain	72.73 %
1.50 lb	Wheat Malt	Grain	13.64 %
1.00 lb	Vienna Malt	Grain	9.09 %
1.00 oz	Saaz [4.00 %] (60 min)	Hops	14.0 IBU
1.00 oz	Saaz [4.00 %] (15 min)	Hops	6.9 IBU
1 Pkgs	German Ale/Kolsch (White Labs #WLP029)	Yeast-Ale

Beer Profile

Estimated Original Gravity: 1.055 SG (1.040-1.048 SG)	Measured Original Gravity: 1.044 SG
Estimated Final Gravity: 1.013 SG (1.008-1.013 SG)	Measured Final Gravity: 1.008
Estimated Color: 4.7 SRM (3.5-5.0 SRM)	Color [Color]
Bitterness: 20.9 IBU (16.0-30.0 IBU)	Alpha Acid Units: 8.0 AAU
Estimated Alcohol by Volume: 5.48 % (4.00-5.00 %)	Actual Alcohol by Volume: 4.69 %
Actual Calories: 190 cal/pint

Mash Profile

Name: Single Infusion, Light Body, No Mash Out	Mash Tun Weight: 0.00 lb
Mash Grain Weight: 10.50 lb	Mash PH: 5.4 PH
Grain Temperature: 72.0 F	Sparge Temperature: 168.0 F
Sparge Water: 3.70 gal	Adjust Temp for Equipment: FALSE

Name	Description	Step Temp	Step Time
Mash In	Add 13.13 qt of water at 162.5 F	151.0 F	60 min

Sanke to Cornelius Conversion

After the completing the first tap on my kegerator, I decided I wanted to have some beer on it. My first batch of homebrew wasn't cutting it and I didn't have anything ready to go.

I knew someone who purchased 1/6 barrel kegs from the Iron Horse Brewery. The problem was that I was set up for Cornelius kegs with ball-lock disconnects. I found this helpful video through Keg Connection detailing the conversion.

Two points of interest from my experience. The sanke tap barely fit into my kegerator. If I had to do it again I would get a low profile sanke tap. Second, make sure you put a rubber gasket or O-ring in the liquid out stock of the tap. I had major leakage problems until I did.

Bee Cave Haus Pale Ale

Bee Cave Haus Pale Ale

Mini mash in 3.5 qts. of water. Sparged in 1.5 gallons. Added another gallon of water for the boil. Topped off with tap water for 5 gallons.

Brewed: 1/2/2010
Kegged: 1/25/2010
Tapped: 2/4/2010

OG: 1.054
FG: 1.012
ABV: 5.6%

St. Lou Honey Lager

St. Lou Honey Lager

Brewed: 11/14/2009
Kegged: 11/30/2009
Tapped: 12/16/2009

OG: 1.040
FG: 1.010
ABV: 4%

Apfelwein (1 Month)

The Apfelwein cleared up and I tapped it on 12/14. Drinkable at this point. Getting better as it carbonates. I got some more apple juice at Costco over the weekend, so I started another batch on the yeast cake of this one after I kegged it.

Apfelwein

I followed up my first brew with something a bit easier (and stronger). I tried this cider that my coworker made. It is delicious and potent. It couldn't be easier to make; sugar, apple juice, and yeast at room temperature for a couple months. I have this stored in my storage room because this one puts off a pretty nasty smell while it ferments. I've got a sleeping bag to hopefully keep it warm enough.

EdWort's Apfelwein

Brewed on 11/9/2009

The First Brew - Results

I kegged my first brew a while ago, but it took me a while to get these pictures up. I think this beer was a hit and a miss. It's drinkable, but I don't think the final gravity ever got low enough. It's a little on the sweet side.


Hooked up to the kegerator successfully. Since this picture was taken, I've changed my beer line to 10 feet.