Author: chip

Chop & Brew #5.5: Not an Official Episode

In this shorter “unofficial” episode of Chop & Brew, Chip pulls himself away from grad school work for a few moments to share some announcements, thoughts, and homebrewing/cooking resources. Got a crazy idea for a homebrew session, a go-to house beer recipe or mad skills in the kitchen you’d like to share with the people? Chop & Brew is looking for Twin Cities area homebrewers and/or home chefs with ideas for and interest in being featuring in future episodes. If you are game, contact them at chopandbrew@gmail.com.

Chop & Brew #5: Irish Beef Stew & Some Tasting Notes

This episode lives up to the series’ name, complete with some Chop AND Brew. First, an Irish Beef Stew to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (also good for any random chilly evening). Then Chip is joined by local homebrewers Bryon Adams, Chris Paynes and Don Osborn for tasting notes on The Nazz Session IPA and Golden Sunlight Belgian Tripel IPA brewed back in Episode 3. The discussion includes some thoughts on late-addition hops, mid-fermentation sugar additions and mash temperatures.

And who says every batch of homebrew turns out perfect? Not us. See this link for a Lagniappe video in which we taste and try to figure out what went awry with two earlier C&B beers.

Chop & Brew # 4: Washing Yeast with Don O.

If it’s one thing that (most) homebrewers love, it’s saving a few bucks. If there’s a second thing we like, it’s keeping something unique around for as long as possible. In this episode of Chop & Brew, we walk through the steps of washing yeast for the purpose of reusing it for brewing more beer at home. This easy process should yield healthy, clean yeast that’s ready to rip into your next batch of wort. Try it with your favorite house yeast strain or the next time you have something special you want around for a few generations.

Summit Oyster Stout Premieres at Oyster Fest

Just a reminder that Summit Brewing Company will launch their Oyster Stout during Oyster Fest at Meritage in St. Paul this Sunday, September 30th. I was there last year for the festival (and Lift Bridge’s Oyster Stout) and it was a blast! It’s funny how similar the oyster-head world is to the craft beer nerd world when it comes to getting the highest quality and regionally interesting products… and bragging rights for sampling them. (Check out this episode of Brewing TV to see last year’s brew day at Lift Bridge and the 2011 festival-in-action at Meritage).

This time around, Summit had the honor of making the festival beer. Whether you’re an experience bivalve-lover or new to the game, it’s a great way to explore the world of oysters while enjoying this new beer. Meritage says this about Summit’s Oyster Stout:

Summit Brewery will launch their Oyster Stout, inspired by and made from our very own oyster shells. In first discussions the brewers are thinking a British perspective and tradition might be an interesting way to go. Enjoy your pint, and even join us at the pairing station to learn about the beer, its process and pairing oysters with it.