E79 Beer Festivus for the Restivus

Home Brew Rock Stars Podcast

“Many Christmases ago, I went to buy a doll for my son. I reached for the last one they had, but so did another man. As I rained blows upon him, I realized there had to be another way.” – Frank Costanza

Welcome back to Home Brew Rock Stars episode 79 - Beer Festivus for the Rest of Us! In this podcast we unabashedly borrow from the Seinfeld episode where George and his father celebrate an alternative holiday, Festivus. So grab a couple of beers, prepare a Festivus dinner (meatloaf on a bed of lettuce is key to stay true to the holiday), get a Festivus pole, air your grievances and join in the feats of strength then settle in for the show. HAH!!

On this episode we have the pleasure of having Scott Walker (no, no not the former Governor of Wisconsin) sit in with us. Scott is the current Vice President of the Forest City Brewers of Rockford, IL. He discusses with us planning, prepping, setting up and tearing down for a beer festival.

There is plenty of home brew beer to sample. Scott brought a delicious Amber ale @ 6% ABV using Bravo and East Kent Golding hops. He also shared a New England style IPA that has a 6.2% ABV using Citra, Strata and Azacca hops. Both were great beers! Kent brought his first attempt at an Oktoberfest with a modest 5.4% ABV, golden orange in color and a good malt flavor, very tasty. Kent also made a 5.5% ABV IPA using strictly Loral hops which offered a unique combination of floral, citusy and peppery notes. A very enjoyable session IPA, nice job Kent! Sears went with the high octane and brought a 12% ABV cherry cyser. Cysers are fermented from honey and apple cider then aged to smooth out the flavor. This one was back sweetened and sour cherry puree added for flavor. A sneaky drink that will “grab ya by the Boo Boo” (nod to Cheech and Chong) as the alcohol is well hidden.

We also tried Pig Minds Brewing Totally Caked is a pastry style stout at 11% ABV using coco nibs, vanilla and marshmallow. This was a very good beer even for those of you that are not pastry beer fans.

If you have not figured it out WE LOVE BEER and if you have a homebrew that you would like us to try and review on the podcast contact us and we will make arrangements to get it into our thirsty hands.

Big thanks to our program sponsors Pig Minds Brewing, Artale & Co, and 815 Gardens and Brewing for all their suds and support, we love you guys!

Looking for a great craft beer and some of the best vegan food in the state line? Try Pig Minds Brewing. Seeking a hard to find commercial craft beer, wine or spirits to take home or as a gift? Stop in to Artale & Co, Anthony and Aaron have plenty of great suggestions. Looking to jump into indoor gardening? Stop in to 815 Gardens Bob will be happy to help.

Tell them that HomeBrew Rockstars sent ya.

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Prost! #drinkitup