So despite the fact that IH Maple Shade sells more beer than any Iron Hill in existence I just can’t get my boss to approve the purchase of another fermenter.  But you guys won’t stop drinking my stuff, so I had to come up with a plan.  I built my own out of wood!  Just kidding.  I think I’m close to breaking the powers that be on the new fermenter thing.  The barrels are actually for a very special beer we’ve got going, an Oud Bruin or Flemish Brown Ale.  While Jeff and I spend 90% of our time cleaning and sanitizing to prevent bacteria from getting a hold of  our beer, we invite it with this one.  The wood is a great environment for the wild yeast and other bugs that we’ve got working on this future sour beer.  It will also pick up a hint of oak character and some wine character as well.  These barrels are used Beaujolais barrels from the Tomasello winery in Hammonton, NJ.  Don’t hold your breath, this beer will be sitting patiently in the barrels for at least another 3 or 4 months.  Bacteria works a lot slower than yeast does.  I’ll let you know when its ready!