New Years Strawberry Ale

Well, as the hops season wore down, so did my motivation to write up here. That is, until two weekends ago. I was in the Springs over the Black Friday weekend, and Ryan and I decided it was time to use some of those hops we ordered in bulk. Using both Bravo and Cascade Hops we brewed a beer similar to Ryan's first pale ale. All ingredients equal aside from the hops. Furthermore, Ryan has intentions of dry hopping the pale ale to get as much Cascade as possible into it. I left exited to brew again as I haven't since the failed all grain we made in the summer.

I figured I'd get back to something that I not only felt confident in, but knew would work. When Matt and I started brewing we were fresh into college and had received the oh-so-horrible Mr. Beer kit. You know, the can of goo and packet of dry yeast? That year, I took whatever the light can of goo was added strawberry jam and created something not completely terrible. In addition, it was super boozy and ready just in time for New Years. Although I usually brew the Blackberry Stout for New Years, I thought that I would try to brew something up that most people would drink instead of just a few dudes.

So, last Friday evening, with a growler of Cream Ale from Fort Collins Brewery, Matt and I brewed up the Strawberry Ale. I'm praying it's better than Mr. Beer. Unfortunately I spilled a bit of yeast after waiting an hour and half to pitch it. I figured I'd have to go get another vial, but after about 36 hours it finally started taking off. When I left the house this morning the air lock was furious with activity. Ahhhh what a relief! At 8 bucks a pop, I'm starting to think that yeast is a bit overpriced. Might try to save what I have and get a starter going for the stout.

I sent the invitations for New Years out this morning promising an alcoholic beverage, so no matter how the beer turns out, I don't think I can be called a liar. Here's the recipe if anyone cares:

.5 lbs Pale Ale Malt
1.5 lbs Crystal Malt
.5 lbs Munich Malt

7lbs Light Liquid Malt Extract

1 oz. Cascade @ 45
1 oz. Cascade @ 15

6lbs Smuckers Brand Strawberry Jam @ 30

Wyeast 1056 - American Ale - Pitched at 75 degrees Farenheit

Guesstimated ABV. 8-10%

This was easily the thickest and stickiest Wort I've ever made. I worry that by adding the jam at 30 minutes into the boil, that a lot of the strawberry goodness may have been steamed out. Also, the pectin in the jam may be of concern, but as long as it's fermenting, I'm gonna go with it!