Kaiser's Maerzen-Brew

[Kaiser]

After realizing that Easter is quite early this year I decided to hold my annual Maerzen-Brew one weekend before that on March 15. This is a Saturday and the rain/snow-day will be Sunday the 16th. It is also 2 weeks before Paulthenurse's Boston Beer Brewday.

Last year's fare was BBQ pork and I may repeat that unless I come up with something more authentic German to make.

Kai

 

[the_bird]

I'm in. That pork was freakin' awesome.

 

[Glibbidy]

That Saturday sounds good to me. Can't say if I'll do a decoction though.

 

[paulthenurse]

Crap, I think SWMBO's mother, her brother and his kids are coming up from NJ that weekend. Wicked bad form to bail out on her. I think I need to lay low on this one, I don't want to take advantage of her good nature.
PTN

 

[the_bird]

C'mon, who else is in? Anyone who hasn't had a chance yet to sample Kai's brews.... man, Ray McNeill was absolutely RAVING about them. I don't remember a lot about that night, but I do remember the term "Gold Medal" getting tossed around quite a bit.

 

[Vermicous]

I would love to go, but I am on thin ice with the wife right now. She thinks I am disappearing every weekend to drink beer. She is way off base, it's only been every other weekend.

 

[Glibbidy]

I would love to go, but I am on thin ice with the wife right now. She thinks I am disappearing every weekend to drink beer. She is way off base, it's only been every other weekend.

Maintaining a positive domestic tranquility index is a delicate balance.

 

[BierMuncher]

I'll be there....










Oh....



Wait...........



...checking google maps...Distance = 1,221 miles, Drivetime = about 19 hours 18 mins....




Nevermind..................

 

[Vermicous]

Trust me, Kaiser's beer is worth the drive.

 

[Kaiser]

Little more than two weeks now. Anybody else interested besides the Bird and Glib?

Kai

 

[the_bird]

C'mon, Boston folks! The drive ain't far. If you've got ANY interest in learning to decoct, this is a RARE OPPORTUNITY to brew with two of our resident decoction experts (I think I'm doing my EuroPils).


EDIT: Glib and Kai, not myself!

 

[Kaiser]

BTW, while I was lurking around on the NB board, I found that there is no free decoction mashing video available. So I decided to change that. I'm writing the script now and will be using the decoction mash of my Maerzen as the example. But I will only be covering the mash, not the whole brew.

Kai

 

[WortMonger]

Awesome, simple awesome. I can't wait to see the video. I am planning on decoction for my first couple of lagers and will be using a pressure canner with a pot inside, but I would love to watch a real one done again. The LHBS in Lubbock did one once and it was very interesting to say the least. Much more involvement the whole way through than just a regular single infusion mash schedule.

 

[pjj2ba]

I've never done a decoction but am very intrigued. I look forward to the video. I think that day will have to be National Maerzen/Oktoberfest brew day as I've got my Oktoberfest brew session scheduled for that same day. This was my best beer ever last year and it disappeared in one evening. I rebrewed it in Nov. and will be testing it in two weeks to see if I could brew it again and then make any recipe adjustments prior to brewing two 7.5 gallon batches for this coming fall. I'll have to consider how much could change with 2 months of lagering for the remake versus 6 months for the original.

 

[Glibbidy]

You may have to wait on observing my decoction expertise in actions.
It looks like I'll have family in town visiting that weekend. We'll likely be skiing/riding on Friday, Saturday, & Sunday. If this is the case, I'll have to bow out.

I'll keep you posted.

 

[Kaiser]

I'll keep you posted.

Yes, do that. I'll be brewing on that weekend no matter what.

Kai

 

[beergears]

C'mon, who else is in? Anyone who hasn't had a chance yet to sample Kai's brews....

Hey, I am!

That would be a great for me to meet more of the Northeast HBTers, and soak up more technique!

 

[the_bird]

Cool, I was debating whether to make the drive out or not. C'mon people!

 

[Vermicous]

I tentatively have a green light to go. I should know by this weekend.

 

[Kaiser]

If you want to brew and would like me to put some R/O water aside, please let me know.

Kai

 

[the_bird]

I'm planning on coming out, and I'll bring my own water again (unless you want to teach me how to build some Pilsner water). I *might* not be doing the Pils now, depending on whether I have any Saaz in the freezer or not.

 

[Kaiser]

I'm planning on coming out, and I'll bring my own water again (unless you want to teach me how to build some Pilsner water). I *might* not be doing the Pils now, depending on whether I have any Saaz in the freezer or not.

Pilsner water is simple. You can your just straight R/O or add some calcuium for the yeast.

Kai

 

[Vermicous]

I'll be there, not brewing however. All my equipment is in pieces right now waiting for a stand and new fermentor to be built. Let me know what time and where. Also let me know if there is any food/beer I can bring.

 

[Kaiser]

I sent PM with directions to brid, beergears and vermicous.

Am I missing anyone or are there others who want to come?

Kai

 

[Kaiser]

Looks like we will have some early snow/rain tomorrow, but it is expected to end around 10.00a. I'll still be brewing but Bird won't be able to make it.

Kai

 

[Hippie]

Hey Kai,
I was hoping I could make it, but had a long weekend of work & recovery... maybe next time. I hope it went well.

 

[Glibbidy]

I skied Stratton Friday, then rode my snowboard at Mt. Snow on Saturday and Sunday. I trust you all enjoyed yourselves brewing as much as I did making turns all weekend long. I will need to brew this week, as my stash is getting light.

 

[paulthenurse]

Hey Kai, how did your day go?

 

[Kaiser]

Hey Kai, how did your day go?

Only Beergears made it and it was a little rainy in the morning. I hope the turn-out for your event will be better. I plan on making a wheat since I should have my wheat malt by then.

Kai