Mystery Beer Revealed

After these many weeks, the Mystery Beer can now finally be revealed - A.J.'s Pale Rye Ale. This beer was brewed specially for my good friend, Tony (A.J.) Lerma, who lives in Detroit and visits us here in Austin just a few times a year. I met Tony years ago as he is the father of my close friend and colleague, Chad Lerma (now of Oktoberfest2008 fame). We all share a passion for beer and get together to imbibe each time he visits. Thankfully, he has been a big fan of my homebrews as well.

On his last visit, he happened to mention that he was currently really into Rye ales and asked if I had ever brewed one. I am also a fan of Rye and no, I had never brewed a Rye beer before. So, I set out to ensure that on this next visit Tony would indeed have a Rye beer worthy of a man of his stature. I referenced what little information there is available on Rye beers but in the end went with a recipe all my own. The result, I think, was well worth the effort. Not for the faint of heart, this beer is big and bold but yet still smooth enough to be consumed as a session ale. Even I was surprised by how well it turned out.

It was brewed with Maris Otter Pale Ale, Rye Malt, Crystal Malt, Crystal Rye Malt (good luck finding this one, if you need a source, drop me a message), Amber Malt, Torrified Wheat and a touch of Acidulated Malt to adjust the mash pH. I used U.S. Challenger hops for bittering and Belgian Organic Admiral whole hops for flavor and aroma. The aroma of the Rye in this beer screams of its spicy, bold flavor. The label emblazons Rubens' famous painting of the Duke of Lerma along with the Lerma family crest.

Tony, Chad and I got together this week and tried it out. This beer is not for everyone but we sure enjoyed it. It seemed to sit well with our usual stimulating conversation, the obligatory Tom Morton references and a bit of Elbow and Seasick Steve to close out the night. A great time, as always.

Again, here's to you, Tony! Thanks for all the great times and all the ones to come!

Cheers!
Neil

Brewing Day - Again.

Basically, I'm using up my holiday time prior to the end of the year so that I don't lose it. So, I'll likely not be working any more Fridays for the remainder of the year, and yes, that usually means brewing.

Today is one of those days. Brewing up one I've done over the past three or four years, slightly tweaking it each time. However, I think this one is the final tweak. It's called "Lord of the Isles" and is loosely influenced by a couple of different Scottish cask ales brewed in the west coast of Scotland. It uses a pretty unique grain from Simpson's Maltings in the U.K. called Golden Naked Oats. They give the beer a beautiful golden, orangy color and semi-sweet berry-like flavor. This time around I'm using Glacier hops for bittering and New Zealand organic Pacific Gem for flavor/aroma. I've come to love the hops from New Zealand. They are all great to work with. Glacier I've never used before but it smelled brilliant.

Listening to the new Oasis. Whether you like them and or not, you have to admit they are masters of hook-laden pop/rock song writing. And I'm a sucker for it. This new one is outstanding! Really like the new Kaiser Chiefs too. Have stayed away from the new Snow Patrol so far although I like the single. The last one just didn't resonate that much with me. Unfortunately, as much as I love Travis, I'm not too keen on their new one. Not exactly sure why at this point but I'll keep giving it a go.

Out... for now.

Cheers!
Neil

The Work's Laptop's Gone Dead - Crisis: No Tom Morton Show!

Yes indeed, yet again (this is the fourth time in as many years and over three laptops?) the hard drive on my laptop at the work is dead. What does this mean? CRISIS: no Tom Morton Show! Have missed the show all week but trying to catch up after hours using the fabulous Listen Again feature on BBC Radio Scotland. Listening to today's show just now.

An absolutely dire, dire situation!

Hopefully day off on Friday for, you guessed it, more brewing. Hope to do an 80/- and another unique golden ale with oats. The Maclay's Oat Malt stout, Boadicea and the still concealed identity mystery beer should be ready to be on tap in a week or so.

This worldwide hop shortage is still getting my goat. Some varieties are starting to be available but the prices are simply unbelievable. The lengths (and expense) I'll go to for good ale! Had an email exchange with John Peed up in Tennessee about reduction boiling for Scottish beers - he is quickly becoming the expert on this technique, I'm still not sold. He also asked again about my opinion of smoky character in Scottish beers. I had to yet again emphatically state: NO SMOKED MALT OF ANY KIND SHOULD BE USED IN AN AUTHENTIC SCOTTISH ALE!! I'll leave it at that.

Cheers!
Neil

Brewing Day!

I'm excited. It's brewing day again. I'm actually doing a marathon today. Two full brews in order to rebuild the stock after Oktoberfest drained me. Trouble is, the first beer I simply cannot reveal any details about. I'd love to comment, but at the present time, I can't. Let's leave it at its something I've never done before and should be very interesting indeed. I'll comment on it later.

So, I've got the Seasick Steve fired up on the iPod (thanks, Tom for introducing me to someone I probably should have known about already. I just picked up Steve's newest after hearing him for the first time last week (was it?) on Tom's show) and the first brew is going.

The second beer is a bit interesting as well. Pretty much a straight ahead Strong Bitter but two small twists: I'm trying a new UK hop called "Boadicea" (and yes it reminds of the famous Queen of the Britains) and, with my loving oats so much, I'm adding some Scottish Pinhead Oats made by Hamlyn's, said to be made in the Highlands (HQ in Banff). I've used them before but with a darker beer. This should be cool.

Back to the brewing before I mess something up.

Oh, yeah. Happy Birthday! to the love of my life, my wife Valarie. Her birthday is tomorrow.

Cheers!
Neil

Oktoberfest, exciting week on the radio, Facebook and now the Sunday Herald

Yes, been awhile since I've blogged. Busy, busy... The First Annual Oktoberfest party went brilliantly! Great food and, important for me, great bier. The Oktoberfestbier2008 was obviously the winner as the 5 gals. went in just a few hours. Dusseldorfer Altbier and the Hefe' were nearly drained as well. The root beer went down a storm with the young and the young at heart. Next year, I'll need more of everything. Not bad for 50 or so people.

Amazing series of events this week. It all started with a casual reply to one of Tom Morton's Twitters on his Facebook account by one Ali Wilson, regular Tom Morton Show listener and drummer from Peebles. Tom had, quite literally, briefly mentioned Deuchar's IPA, one of my top five beers the world over, in a Twitter update and Ali lashed out with an unbridled bashing of the IPA style (drummers, eh?). So, of course, I couldn't sit idly by while one of my favorite beers and styles (when done appropriately) were assaulted. I chimed in on Tom's Facebook in response to Ali. I missed Tom's show on Thursday due to too many meetings at work and found out on Friday that the whole exchange had been mentioned on the show and further comment ensued. Then, this morning to my shock, I noticed a comment from Ali about Tom's Diary in the Sunday Herald so I took a look (somehow I always forget Tom does this diary). And there, the exchange was mentioned yet again. And Tom had some really kinds words regarding my Scottish beer knowledge. Lot of mileage out of a completely off-handed Twitter topic.

One thing though. For some reason, Tom always has to mention that I'm American, why is that? Does it contribute to or detract from my credibility on the subject, or, perhaps, has nothing to do with it at all?

What on earth will next week bring?

Cheers!
Neil

Oktoberfest 2008

No, not that Oktoberfest. Two friends of mine and I have decided to hold our first annual Oktoberfest here in Austin, TX. Being the homebrewer of the bunch, I'm on for brewing the bier for the occasion. Myself and the rest along with applicable wives will be cooking German food and we're hoping for a great time.

This year's biers are "Oktoberfestbier 2008", "Dusseldorfer Altbier" and "Isar Hefewiesse". In my process, all three biers undergo a single decoction mash schedule that is very time, labor and resource intensive. I hope it is all worth it. "Oktoberfest" is two days into fermentation and I am in the middle of mashing the Alt. The Hefe will be probably next weekend.

Here's hoping for some great bier!

Cheers!
Neil

Maybe I Was Right About Elbow Afterall - and, Great Beer Coming?

Anyone who listens to the Tom Morton Show on BBC Radio Scotland knows that I am a regular correspondent and, I would like think, long distance friend of Tom's, and Tom has generously promoted my website on many occasions. You will also be fully apprised of the on-going saga of my passion for the band, Elbow, and their newest CD that I put on par with Floyd's "Dark Side Of The Moon". Obviously, Tom thought I was nuts when I suggested this to him and he said as much on a recent show. Well, I haven't convinced him well enough for album of the week but I've converted my family and his to the Elbow cause and he has given them some rare and fine accolades. Personally, I think it is about time. Elbow has been doing great music for a long time. Certainly, however, this newest is the Holy Grail for them, so far. Anyway, if you're living in the dark and haven't checked out Elbow's "The Seldom Seen Kid" go out and get it... NOW! And, as I've warned everyone, KEEP listening to it. It is my opinion that the best albums are not the ones that grab you on the first play - those eventually get relegated to gathering dust on the rack. Instead, those that take a bit of time to get into stick with you for years to come. This new Elbow is no exception. Patience, Grasshopper... Check out their recent appearance at Glastonbury. My thanks to Cairan Norris for posting the video.

As of my last blog, the homebrew situation was dire. Well, a lot has gone on since. Nearly two weeks ago I brewed a hoppy British style ale using only organic New Zealand "Pacific Gem" hops. This is in an attempt to really taste the flavor and bittering qualities of this hop as it one of the few I can actually still get (at least in whole hop form). Did I mention that this worldwide hop shortage SUCKS? Anyway, at racking, the flavor and aroma was great so I have high hopes. For those lucky enough to have tried my "Welsh Dragon", "Pacific Gem" was one of three different hops used in that now infamous ale. So, this one could easily be another winner - let's hope. I'll tap the keg in about a week's time.

For all the Americans out there, Happy 4th of July!

Cheers!
Neil

Yes, You Can Brew Bad Beer With Great Pots!

My last brewing session has turned out to be a disaster. Well, nearly, anyway. As anyone who knows my brewing knows, I usually stick to Scottish/English cask-conditioned style ales or German lagers and ales. I do do the occasional American influenced beer but never, under any circumstances, a Belgian influenced beer (try as I might, I just don't like them). Well, I recently did what I call a marathon brew day - two 5 U.S. gallon batches. This being all grain brewing, it literally takes all day and feels quite like a marathon (although, I can't say that from experience as I've never actually ran a marathon). And the styles? Well, both American influenced.

First, the disaster. I took my inspiration from a book I purchased recently, Jamil Zainasheff's Brewing Classic Styles. For those that don't know Jamil, he is perhaps the most award winning homebrewer in the U.S. Jamil also does an internet radio show that is really good (check out Jamil's Page on the The Brewing Network website). Now, I'm not knocking this book in any way - it is great and perfect for anyone wanting a basis for brewing a variety of styles. But, I did a take on what he calls a staple California/West Coast Red Ale. What I wound up with is undrinkable and perhaps the worst beer I have ever brewed. Two things definitely wrong. The biggest, the yeast - totally wrong for the style but I didn't know from the manufacturer's description. But please note, this was not a yeast mentioned by Jamil so no fault of his. The second is too much Pale Chocolate Malt making it too dark (I followed Jamil's recommendation but I think it is too much). If I didn't know better, I'd think the yeast I used was indeed a Belgian style ale yeast but it was never billed that way. Nonetheless, it was totally wrong for the grist and hop bill in this one. I'll say no more about this abomination.

Second, I looked at Jamil's American Amber Ale recipes and did a take on one that I saw but did change it quite a bit. I'm always on the lookout for a middle of the road type beer mainly for parties where we have not-so-beer-savvy guests and I think an amber usually fits that bill. This one I named "Auburn Amber" after the classic Auburn Automobile Company and put an Auburn Boattail Speedster image on the pump clip (label). I grew up near Auburn, Indiana where Auburns were made between the wars and my mother still lives there and is an avid volunteer at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum. Anyway, there's nothing really wrong with this beer, it just has no character - completely nondescript. Not really what I set out for and in this case, I'm not exactly sure why. I would have expected a bit more malt character but it is severely lacking and the hops lend no real flavor either.

So, what does this mean? Well, I need to redeem myself, and soon. So, back to what I know and love the most. Do I taste a hoppy, well balanced British Pale Ale/Bitter coming? You bet! Maybe I'll get another Welsh Dragon if I really get lucky.

Cheers!
Neil

Finally! The BoilerMaker Update.

After endless harassment (OK, actually one casual comment) by my good friend, Tony Lerma, it's time to get the blog back to its main purpose - beer. Awhile back I complained about the wait for my new homebrew pots, Blichmann Engineering's BoilerMaker. I went on about how these should be the coolest brewpots on earth. Well, they arrived some time back now and I've had the opportunity to brew three batches of beer with them (15 U.S. gallons). Here is one of said pots in all it's glory.



As I mentioned in the previous blog, I purchased two 10 U.S. gallon versions of these marvels. They come standard in food grade stainless steel with a graduated high-temperature sight gauge to indicate the liquid level, the Blichmann stainless steel value assembly and the Blichmann adjustable face BrewMometer. Another feature is the beveled bottom with a lip to rest the optional false bottom on.


The first one serves as a mash tun with the uniquely designed false bottom. It is a combination of a manifold design and a "pizza pan". It is said to be optimal for mash efficiency. The jury is still out on this one for me due to other issues not associated with the pot.

The second pot serves as my new boil "copper" or kettle. It is seen here with the optional boil screen that is an improvement on the Bazooka screen, if you're familiar with them (I am, I've used two different ones in the past). It is indeed an improvement, in my opinion.




I am very pleased with the Boilermakers. As a brewing "copper", I could not be happier. The boil screen works great with little wort loss using my high-temperature pump. I use primarily whole hops and it does a fine job filtering them out. I haven't done a batch with a lot of pelletized hops so I cannot comment completely on how effective it is if one uses solely pellet hops.

As a mash tun, I'm pretty pleased. There is one fairly big annoyance, I have to admit. The probe for the BrewMometer (the finest brewing thermometer of its kind, I believe) is so high up on the pot that it renders the thermometer useless for an average 5 U.S. gallon batch of beer (assuming roughly 10-11 lbs. of grain in the grist). The probe sits too high to effectively measure the mash temperature. I emailed John Blichmann about this and his response was to increase the liquor-to-grist ratio (I have used 1.5 U.S. Quarts per Pound of grain almost exclusively). I tested this on two of the three batches I've done increasing the ratio to 1.75 Qts/Lb and it did improve it but it still doesn't put the probe in the middle of the mash where I think it should be. John said the design is as it is to avoid getting the BrewMometer too close to the heat source as to avoid exposure to excessive heat. That is fine for a boiling kettle, but, in my opinion, not necessarily so for the mash tun. The only situation a pure mash tun would be subjected to heat is for external heat applied during a step mash. In this case it is best to hit the mash tun with short blasts of heat, not prolonged heat so I would think the BrewMometer could hold up. Again, this is only my personal opinion and I'm not trying to deter anyone from buying one of these pots. I do understand that these are engineered for mass production and to be suitable for all uses but this, to me, seems an unfortunate consequence.

This fact, however, does not change my feeling about purchasing the BoilerMakers, I'm still very pleased and, despite their high price (at face value, anyway), I think for what one gets, the price is warranted. If unconvinced, price each of the Blichmann features such as the adjustable BrewMometer, the Blichmann stainless valves, the high temperature sight gauge and the food grade stainless pot itself and you should be convinced it is priced appropriately. In short, I am incredibly pleased with the BoilerMakers and don't regret purchasing them in any way. Finally, here is a photo of the Boilermakers in my now modified three tier brewery plant.

Cheers!
Neil

More Elbow and I Guess I've Always Been - British, Musically.

OK, I've changed my opinion. "The Seldom Seen Kid" is THE best CD from Elbow, no question. I cannot stop listening to it. It is absolutely brilliant and one of those CDs that is great from start to finish. I've even inflicted my own ten year old son, Evan. He can't get "Grounds For Divorce" out of his head. Now, hey, wait a minute. I didn't pick which track he would latch on to - he did!

I just finished watching VH1's "Classic Albums" on Judas Priest's "British Steel" for the second time. I have to admit, I was an absolute Priest-head in my younger days. My cousin turned me on to "Unleashed In The East" and I subsequently went into all the back catalog of 'Priest and followed them until, I think, "Painkiller", at which time, I lost interest and/or they lost focus on what they were all about. Shortly after this Rob Halford left the band so I have my suspicions. Anyway, I'm glad he and the rest have mended the rifts and is back with the band. Frankly, they aren't the same without him and "Angel of Retribution" is certainly a return to real form.

Anyway, this got me to thinking. In my youth, I pretty much listened to Christian rock music from a very early age. Although this continued and does to this day (although I still only really listen to the stuff I grew up on as the new stuff just doesn't measure up), I have to say other than a short delusional period of peer pressure in elementary school to listen to Kiss, Rush was the first band I was really obsessed with. I guess I haven't lost that as I just saw them again a couple of weeks ago and I must say, they haven't lost anything. Absolutely incredible. But, that is not the topic of this blog. It is Britishness. Many folks ask me about this Scottish obsession of mine and as I state on my website, www.ScottishBrewing.com, I can't totally explain it. But, as I think back on my musical tastes once I actually acquired my own, I can truly say that they have, for the most part, always been British.

With the exception of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Robben Ford, and short stints long ago of REO Speedwagon and Kansas, everything else that I've maintained listening to has been British. Gary Moore is and probably always will be my favorite guitar player and I love nearly all of his albums (though there are some "clinkers" in the catalog) and I'm also a huge fan of Peter Green and his Splinter Group. Motorhead, Iron Maiden, Tigers of Pan Tang, Judas Priest, Saxon, Rogue Male, Anvil, all were my early heavy metal days. The only American bands worth anything then were (and still are) Metallica and Anthrax. During all this I also got hooked on Marillion while Fish was still with them and every album they recorded is worth every cent - incredible stuff!

Now, it is almost exclusively British bands and artists that occupy all my listening. Elbow, Biffy Clyro, Idlewild and Roddie Woomble, Emma Pollock, The Hazey Janes, Stereophonics, Frightened Rabbit, Trashcan Sinatras, the list goes on. I also thoroughly enjoy Amy Winehouse, Goldfrapp, and Duffy. In addition I'm a huge fan of traditional Scottish music of which the list is endless - Peatbog Faeries, Stuart Cossells, Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Old Blind Dogs, Karine Polwart, Julie Fowlis, Jenna Reid, Runrig, Karen Matheson and Capercaillie, Jim Malcolm, Battlefield Band, on and on.

So, I guess I've always been British...

Cheers!
Neil

What Is It About Elbow And Why Did Fish Have To Leave Marillion?

I absolutely love Elbow. The band, that is. I just downloaded their newest 'album', "The Seldom Seen Kid", (not yet available in the States) and again, another fantastic musical journey from them. What is it that draws me in so much? Is it Guy Garvey's vocals? Is it the fascinating collection of weird sounds intermixed beautifully with flowing melodies? I think it is everything. So many unique and now easily identifiable 'Elbowescences' yet you never know what you're going to get next. Fantastic stuff!

So far, "A Cast Of Thousands" is still my favorite but "The Seldom Seen Kid" has tons of potential and could propel it upward in my obscure and ever-changing ranking of favorite recordings. If you've not heard them, I urge you to check them out as soon as humanly possible. I first heard them (and probably NEVER would have otherwise) on Vic Galloway's show, Mondays on BBC Radio Scotland, available both in real time and by 'Listen Again' for up to a week after on the BBC Radio Scotland website.

I also drug out Marillion's "Misplaced Childhood" again today. This and "Clutching At Straws" are my favorite Marillion 'albums' although I find no fault in "Script For A Jester's Tear" nor "Fugazi" - in short, I love Fish era Marillion. It is such a tragedy that that particular lineup could not stay together. I do not wish present day Marillion any ill-will but the music they made during the Fish years was second to none and in my opinion stands the test of time. It has not been surpassed by any band of this 'ilk', 'genre', whatever one wishes to call it. And Fish hasn't achieved anything anywhere near the quality of this music despite doing some decent stuff as a solo artist.

On a completely unrelated subject. Tomorrow (Saturday) is yet another Glasgow Derby between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox. Rangers lead the SPL over Celtic by a mere 3 points so GO CELTIC!

Unfortunately, still no Boilermaker pots!

Out!
Neil

The Waiting Is The Hardest Part!

Yes, I am as impatient as a small child when it comes to waiting for something I have been consumed with desire for. Yes, you know, that "I MUST have it!" feeling that grips one upon first seeing something new and exciting that will most certainly change one's life.

What is this newest something that has so captured my longing? Why, new brewpots of course! Not just any brewpots, no. These are (or had better be) THE coolest brewpots on the planet! They are called "Boilermakers" made by Blichmann Engineering in my home state of Indiana (pictured right). Now, since I also went to Purdue University, home of the Purdue BOILERMAKERS, this was one of the first things that gripped me about this new pot for homebrewing that reached out to me and said "you will be mine!". But, it is not the name that makes these so awe inspiring. It is the design and the 'all of the best features' aspect that makes these so compelling. The homebrew digests around the web all complain about the price but for the quality of what you are getting I don't consider it out of line. So much so that I've decided to replace my current mash tun and brewing 'copper' with two new Boilermakers. I already own just about everything John Blichmann has designed with the exception of a conical fermenter and have found everything to be of the best quality of anything I've purchased and all well engineered. I'm most eager to try out the mash tun false bottom design. This is the most unique one I have seen and is supposed to be the best of both the straight false bottom and the manifold false bottom designs. You can learn more about them at: www.blichmannengineering.com.

Now, the hard part, Tom Petty - The Waiting. I placed my order over two weeks ago and John responded to a recent email that it might be another two weeks before they are on their way to me. Apparently, demand has been high which is a good thing. This is very difficult for someone as impatient as me to deal with but, as Monty Python said "Wait for it!...". More to come, stay posted.

SXSW

Well, another South-By-Southwest Music Festival has come and gone. Unlike most Austinites who flee the city during this week of mayhem, the last few years I've attended the Scottish Showcase promoted by the Scottish Arts Council and hosted by the one and only Vic Galloway (pictured here) of BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio One. This year I also attended showcases for new music from Wales and from Northern Ireland. While nearly all the bands were very good, I have to say in all honesty the Scottish bands this year were the best and perhaps the finest set representing Scotland sent to SXSW over the years.



All the British showcases were held at a club called Latitude 30, temporarily renamed the British Music Embassy (pictured right). In the New Music From Wales Showcase on Thursday I had really hoped to catch Duffy, the hot new R&B artist from Wales. Well, as I highly suspicioned, she was removed from the list probably due to her newly found fame. This happens quite often with SXSW for some reason. Many artists are signed on for the festival as virtual nobodies but a hit single or CD released just before SXSW propels them out of that status and they no longer perform in anything but exclusive gigs. I don't think, stylistically, she would have molded very well with the other Welsh artists, however. The other bands, in particular, People In Planes, were all really good. I also quite enjoyed Christopher Rees. Sincere congratulations to the Welsh Rugby team as well for their incredible Grand Slam in the Six Nations!

As for Scotland, I think the biggest buzz was surrounding Frightened Rabbit (pictured left). I was unable to catch their showcase gig and although their appearance at the Scottish Showcase was fraught with equipment issues and them being rushed due to the showcase being behind schedule, they were absolutely brilliant!

The other band I really enjoyed were The Dykeenies (pictured right). Again, unfortunately, I didn't make their showcase gig but their performance at the Scottish Showcase was one of, if not the, best and the crowd was really, really in to them. Outstanding performance.



All the other Scottish performers at the showcase were fantastic as well and all were real crowd-pleasers. It is not possible to say a bad thing about any of their performances. Sons & Daughters and Make Model were great and I really liked Inverness band Jyrojets.

I felt really bad for the opening act, Stornoway based Our Lunar Activities (pictured left). As if it wasn't bad enough that their equipment never made it to Austin and they had to borrow from their country-mates as well as a kind donation from Taylor Guitars, they were unreasonably delayed in starting due to equipment problems that ultimately put the entire showcase behind by about an hour. Cheers to them, they rolled with the punches and put in a great performance!

All in all, an outstanding showing from all the Scottish artists. I hope they enjoyed their time in Austin as much as we enjoyed having them.

Cheers!
Neil

Brewing, More 6 Nations, and Upcoming SXSW

Well, it's a weekend of excitement. It's the next to the last weekend of the best Rugby tournament in the world - the Six Nations. For the weekend, the excitement will be Ireland facing undefeated Wales and Scotland v England at Murrayfield. I hope it is pishing rain and howling wind in Edinburgh! Go Scotland!

Brewing day tomorrow, exciting as well. Two all grain batches to be done so a full day. It'll be my signature IPA and a complete "wing it" I call "Welsh Dragon". Since Scotland has gone belly up in the Six Nations and Ireland already has a loss, I'm counting on Wales to be undefeated and this will be a celebration ale in tribute to Wales. If something goes wrong, it'll be a "drown your sorrows". As long as a Celtic team wins, I'll still manage. It will also hopefully be the last day for my current brewing setup. I have two new brewing pots on order - the Blichmann Boilermaker pots - to replace my current mash tun and brewing kettle. These are the most awesome homebrewing pots I've seen. When I first saw them advertised, I knew I had to have them. Besides being the coolest pots on the planet at present, I went to Purdue - a "Boilermaker", and I grew up in Indiana, where Blichmann Engineering originates. If you're curious:
Boilermaker Brewing Pots. Did I mention this worldwide hop shortage SUCKS!?

Next week brings what most Austinites dread: the South-By-Southwest (SXSW) Music & Film Festival. Well, I don't dread it, I look forward to it every year once I found out you don't have to only do the wee hour shows. BBC Radio Scotland host and friend Vic Galloway will be here again next week and I'll be going to the Scotland and Wales showcases as well as any gigs I can get to for Scottish acts. Looking forward to Frightened Rabbit, Sons and Daughters and The Law from Scotland this year and Duffy from Wales.

Music wise, up next is The Hold Steady at Emo's end of March.

More after tomorrow's marathon brewing session.

Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant!

At the close of the weekend, I had planned to blog about when I thought the Six Nations could not get worse for Scotland - it did! However, after listening as I do daily to the Tom Morton Show on BBC Radio Scotland on Monday, it no longer seemed appropriate to say anything about rugby.

Thanks to Tom, I learned sadly that the father of Christian Rock, Larry Norman, had passed away on Sunday. Given Larry's long-standing health problems, all of his fans knew this day would come but it doesn't make it any easier. Growing up in a strong Evangelical Christian home, I was exposed to Larry's music at a very early age. At the time, I was far too young to understand the political aspects of Larry's lyrics but could easily relate to the religious ones. I've remained a fan of Larry Norman for nearly thirty years now and still listen to his music today - some of it as fresh and timely as it was when it was released. Whether you like or agree with the message, Larry was a brilliant songwriter and a tremendous musical influence to countless musicians in any genre.

I lost my best friend in life, my dad, shortly over a year ago. One of my final memories of he and I occurred when he came down to visit me in Texas and one day we hopped in my Ford F150 to go somewhere. Larry's "Only Visiting This Planet" was in the CD player at the time. I remember "I Wish We'd All Been Ready" playing at one point and my dad quickly started to sing along. He (my dad) was in his late sixties and I had just turned forty at the time. It was then that I realized how far reaching Larry's music went. I was the rocker, not my dad. He was a church hymn and gospel quartet man yet he recognized good music of all types - especially when it had a strong message.

Larry's wish was truly that, that we all would be ready. I'm sure Larry will be recognized as he spoke of in the theme of "I Am A Servant" and be told "Well done, good and faithful servant"!

Despite our loss, your fans, Larry, you deserve the peace and release that you now have from the weakness of your physical body. I know you're now in a better place. After all, you were "Only Visiting This Planet"!

Rest In Peace, Larry.

Miserable Six Nations - So Far

Yes, it has been a miserable showing in my favorite of all sporting tournaments - The RBS Six Nations - for my team, Scotland Rugby. What is the problem? Is it coaching? Is it the infrequency that the players get to play with each other outside of their league teams? For many of us, we don't know.

Two things I'll state so far though. Number One, those of you knocking Dan Parks, lay off! He has proven himself to be a quality player for both Glasgow Warriors and Scotland. Number Two, I was wrong about Chris Paterson. After being subjected to the humiliating defeat of Scotland by Italy last Six Nations in person at Murrayfield, I thought he was overrated coming in to this season's competition. I was over 100% wrong. Chris Paterson is an outstanding player that simply must be part of the Scotland squad. I'd like to see Dan Parks stay too despite his couple of errors recently. My beef with Scotland Rugby is the lack of attack and focus on scoring tries. Every game seems to focus on field position and the kicking game. That's obviously not enough against a crafty young squad such as the new French team.

All I can hope for is improvement throughout the rest of the campaign. Come on Scotland!

A'Best and Cheers!
Neil