sodakbeer's Blog

Richard Drawdy and Dale Miskimins brewing an IPA

Homebrewing is a hobby enjoyed by thousands of people.  It is a fun way to make good beer and meet friends.  I made a couple batches of beer from kits a couple years ago, but then stored away my equipment until recently.  What made me start again?  My stimulus came through the burgeoning Brookings beer scene.  Heist Brewing, Wooden Legs Brewing and the SDSU Brew Club are generating interest among local craft beer fans.  The Brownstone recently opened with 35 beer taps plus their “Beer Geek Club”!

Richard Drawdy and Luke Rensink

Richard Drawdy and Luke Rensink helped me get the ball rolling with a a joint brewday where Richard made a smoke beer (rauchbier) and I made an IPA (India pale ale – Two Hearted Ale clone).  Their experience helped and we soon had our beer in the fermenters.  My wife, Sue, is already looking through the Northern Brewer catalog picking out a beer style she would like (the Dry Dock Paragon Apricot blonde).  I will have to acquire a few more pieces of equipment and more experience before I tackle that one!

The first beer turned out very respectable (IMHO).  A rye pale ale is in the fernenter and a Warrior hop IPA is on deck.

Where do you get the equipment and ingredients?  Supplies can be purchased at Taylor’s Pantry (Good Spirits) in Sioux Falls or from numerous online homebrew businesses.  Northern Brewer and Midwest Supplies are regional companies that are used by many locals.  See my recent post at the Sustainable Dakota Digest for more information and links.

Why not start homebrewing?  It’s not hard and the reward is good beer.  Cheers!

Dale enjoying the homebrewed IPA

Rogue Chocolate Stout

Valentine’s Day calls for special treats for couples and singles including these two chocolate flavored ales!

The first is Rogue Ales Chocolate Stout.  This ale is a mixture of five malts, two hops, rolled oats, roasted barley, natural chocolate flavoring, coastal water and Pacman yeast.  A 22 ounce bottle costs $6.39.

ABV = 6.0%

IBUs = 69

This ale pours out with a medium brown head and dark brown color into a globe glass.  The aroma is milky, chocolate & roasty.  The taste is a balance of smooth roasty and chocolate flavors.  Delicious!  This beer will be enjoyed by most craft beer drinkers.

Boulevard Chocolate

The second is Boulevard Brewing Company Chocolate.  Christopher Elbow, maker of artisanal chocolates, collaborates with Boulevard brewmaster Steven Pauwels to make this unique ale.  The ingredients include cocoa nibs, Honey Naked oats, malted wheat, pale malt and Hallertau hops.  A 750 ml bottle costs $7.99.

IBUs = 24

ABV = 9.1%

Chocolate Ale pours out dark golden brown and clear into a snifter glass.  The aroma and taste are intense chocolate.  There is a hint of alcohol.  Chocolate Ale is a must for chocolate lovers and experienced craft beer fans.  This is the second year this ale has been available and I look forward to many more Valentine’s Days to enjoy it!

Enjoy these beers if you are with your partner or out with friends.  Have a safe and happy Valentine’s Day!

New Belgium Dig

Need a new beer for the Superbowl? Try Dig from New Belgium Brewing.  This pale ale has an interesting hop profile with Sorachi Ace, Nelson Sauvin, Cascade and Centennial hops.  Malts include pale and C-80.  I picked up a six pack at the Brookings Liquor Store for $8.49.

ABV = 5.6%

IBUs = 36

This ale pours out a medium clear amber into a pint glass with a white head.  The aroma and taste are complex with lemon and tropical fruits up front with some hints of pine.  This is a nicely balanced ale and is very drinkable.  It is be a great choice for your Superbowl party.  I wish the Vikings were playing (there’s always next year), but will not miss out on this annual event.  Good luck to the Giants and Patriots.  I hope the game is close.  Cheers from the beer desert of South Dakota!