Legendary Changes

David from Cumbria Legendary Ales called today - short of casks and it appeared we had 2 of his. Price of stainless casks increased by around 40% each it would seem! With hop, malt and delivery prices increased (the latter due to legislation as well as fuel costs) and of course energy prices to increase ensures that ale will have to increase in price too.....

.....anyway, we digress... he, David that is, left us a sample of Groglin Vampire which is a "Dopplebock" a form of dark largered beer - very full flavoured and very much to be savoured at 8%. Might have to start stocking this one, along with his excellent draft ales. Dave is enjoying his second bottle as this is typed.

Brewery is now tidy enough to brew in. Friday might be a brewing day if Dave is not up too late with the first influx of residents on Thursday night.

If you have seen the brewery last year you might spot a couple of changes on this pic...

Also, here is a pic of the Vortex underback, or whirlpool if you prefer. It looks very similar to one that Ted in Oregon has just made. Do you think he's copied????

But notice the clump of solids in the middle - apparently it works.

Pipes and Mandolins

Well today saw the improvement of piping of water into the brewery. Hopefully increasing cooling time of the boiled wart. This did unfortunately require the use of a blowtorch within the confines of the ceiling void above the brewery (argh) . Also the increased pressure seems to have found a leak in the brewery.....

-------->>
Ted "Should we put another 25kg of Marris Otter in here, we might not get above 5% ABV"

.........I should thank Graham for his encouragement in getting this Blog going, and for putting the first "independent" comment.... and is a Violin a metamorphosed Mandolin or vio versa?

Nearly there

Well, we're nearly there - Having had a successful 70th birthday party for Dave's dad, Bill - (is he really only that old) and tidied up quite a lot for it, we are a little more ship-shape for opening.

Mind you - did we need to tidy up after Dave had broken nearly everything in the building. Gents toilets broken, brewery broken, most of the rooms messed up and the bar used as a workshop.

Still, the new vortex underback just arrived today for the brewery along with a modified hop filter and repaired mash tun floor. Just need to brew some beer now.....

....and then into the kitchen to make some nice food - look out for the slow cooked Cumbrian Lamb special - it's that new it hasn't even got a name yet.

See you soon.

Oh, and watch out Ann bought
Dave a Mandolin for Christmas....