Been rather busy for the last few months, but finally got around to brewing again. Since Bell's isnt dropping Smitten this spring I decided to make a "cloneish" NEIPA of it. Rather happy with the results.
Also had to make the drive for Zee. Went home with two cases, well worth it. One of my favorites from them, also Clark's "favorite" beer. But I think he changed to FSM now.
S04 is their normal for there regular 4 packs, I have heard now that due to 007 being shorted earlier this year has led TG...
They did have a yeast shortage of their "house yeast" and had to use a replacement for a few weeks. It didnt work out well in some batches, with Mosaic dry hop sue being recalled, and I believe your date of king is one of the problem batches as well.
Was my favorite of the bunch. Ended up a little lower abv at about 7.2% I think, which made it dangerously sessionable. Actually was just thinking about brewing that one up again with the new yeast blend I have been doing lately, half s-04 half s-33 underpitched.
Have a interesting tidbit from my recent trip down to TG.
"David" the collab brew between TG and Tree House from a few years back was fermented using under pitched S-04 on Nate's persistence. This is one the reason's why TG now uses s-04 instead of 007 for many of their core beers.
Latest clone attempt.
This one might be the closest yet. Fresh crop is tasting very good.
Got a Mosaic DH and a King Sue Clone ready to go tomorrow. Here's hoping they all turn out as good or better.
Cheers
Kegging is highly suggested. Not only will it free you of the pain in the a** that is bottling... it is a much safer way to prevent oxidation of any IPA. It also a lot easier than most people think.