It is a great time of the year, I have got to tell you. The staff has un-officially dubbed this month ‘Don’t Remember December’ on account of all the double digit ABV beers we have on tap. I myself am a man of moderation but looking over the draft list I can understand their joy.

Now it’s time for the hop monster. Yesterday we brewed the Kryptonite. I little history: the name came from Paul Rutherford and it totally fits.  There are enough hops in this beer to make even the mighty Superman buckle at the knees. On paper this year’s batch is 155 IBUS, will have over 3 pounds per barrel (35 total pounds…we use 3 in light lager), and it will be about 9%ABV. Giddyup!

If you’ve been following the beer world you may be aware the hops have suddenly become a fairly scarce / expensive commodity. Normally that would preclude the brewing of such a hop laden beer. It’s just way too expensive for us to sell. Last week as I was considering this dilemma a friend sent me an email. So it turns out his company has about half a BALE of whole leaf Columbus hops they didn’t know what to do with….turns out they don’t like it. For a brewer that is sort of like hitting the lotto.  Actually that’s not like hitting the lotto…that IS hitting the lotto. Nice. Photo is of our mash tun being used as a hop back. Yum. Status updates as the beer matures.