Greetings from Underhill, Vermont

[HockeymanVT]

I have been away from brewing for a a few years but my sister-in-law and I want to start brewing again. I have an area in my basement designed for the task and a fridge, dishwasher ... in support of this activity. I love DIY equipment and have taken an old dishwasher and converted it to a preheater for bottles and I am thinking of turning it into a thermostatically controlled unit to keep the yeast at the right temperature during fermentation. (It gets cold here in winter ;-) ) I boil in the same 10 gallon rectangular pan that I finish my maple syrup in each year. I progressed to partial mashes last time I brewed and would like to get to a point where I can successfully do full mashes in the future.
The beer I like best is a STRONG IPA. Two interesting beers I did include Slanting Annie's Chocolate Porter (Yes it has lots of cocoa in it and it was the only beer that my wife didn't complain about the smell). The second beer is a sap beer made with maple sap as the water and conditioned with a bit of maple syrup. This beer was the fastest to ferment of all. It was active just a few hours after being put in the carboy and was done in 2 days if I remember correctly. It was light with a little protein haze but VERY drinkable. Can't wait 'til spring. If we get going seriously I will try to include some pictures. I am looking forward to perusing all your DIY information!

I am pleased to be among you all.

 

[the_bird]

Welcome!

I'm originally from the southern part of the state (outside of Bennington), I still consider myself a Vermonter at heart. Good to have another Green Mountaineer to represent.

Incidentally, if you're a bottler, I noticed on Craigslist that someone in St. Albans, I believe, has a boatload of swingtop bottles for sale. Too long a drive for me, but prolly not for you.

 

[HockeymanVT]

The Bird,
I will check out the bottle bonanza.

 

[lawsons_finest]

Greetings fellow VT brewer!
Just joined here myself. Down in Warren, VT, not too far.
We have a homebrew club (open to all!) called 'Our Lager Boys' Wanna Brew Club.
Get together every monday nite this time of year in Moretown. We'd love to have you join us some week. We do group brewing, some other part of the process, or just plain....relaxing and enjoying homebrew. BIG fans of the IPA like you, esp. the strong ones

would be happy to drop some hints on supply sources, etc. for our area.

Drop an email if you want directions to monday, more info.

 

[lawsons_finest]

oh yeah, and the maple!!! seeing your also a fellow maple fan.....
you gotta try my 2006 Maple Tripple
Made with 100% maple sap and syrup, malt, hops and yeast.
No water added!
cheers

 

[todd_k]

Welcome! My wife (and in-laws) are from Fletcher, VT, not far from St. Albans.

 

[the_bird]

Welcome! My wife (and in-laws) are from Fletcher, VT, not far from St. Albans.

I didn't know that. If you're ever up visiting, maybe we can figure out a way of getting together for a drink or twelve.

 

[todd_k]

the problem with our visits is that normally it is just a weekend so time is spent driving up to Newport to see the grandparents and other family. I'll let you know when I'll be up there for an extended stay.

Actually, Ill be up in Rutland, VT in late January for my brother's bachelor party. He wants to go to Killington and unfortunately, it's not a pretty sight when I get on a snowboard so I'll be watching and drinking. I have 2 other friends in Rut-Vegas to so I need to see them too.