Beer-Homebrewing/drinking

My hops are starting to flower.

 

And the hops vines cleared my roof which makes them about 25 feet tall. It has been a good growing year for them. This is the first time they have topped out since I planted them 10 years ago. They usually stop about a foot under. I hope they are ready to pick before we go away in August. Last year they weren't ready to harvest before we left and were past when we got back two weeks later.

 

No, you have to make some of your own first.

 

My hop cones are stating to form. Looks like it will be a good crop this year.

 

They are cascades. The processing consists of picking, drying and packing.. I spread them on an old sliding door screen and hang it from my basement ceiling in front of the AC for several days or more. (They don't get top covered ). I then vacuum seal them in the food saver. I haven't been brewing myself for several years so I give them to a friend who owns a brewery. They can't be used for bittering because their bitterness is unknown, but they make fine aroma and flavor hops. He uses them for special projects. One time he dry hopped a corny keg that I got for him. Another time they wound up in a special run of a farmhouse ale that was served at a local 'harvest' food/beer tasting. It let him get a locally grown ingredient into a locally made beer.

 

My Cascades seem to be taking over this year. Much like you, they'll be going to local brewers with special projects.

 

So how wrong is it to be siting at a pub in the UK and drinking hefeweizen by the pint?

 

I waited at the airport but you never showed up Just kidding that looks great hope your having a good time even though its a work trip Better have a couple of those for me

 

Just a couple.

 

It is time to harvest the hops. They are feeling paper dry.

 

I harvested the hops today. Now they dry. I have 2 window screens and an old storm door sized screen hanging in front of the AC.

 

Already chuggin' away......what yeast in that Christmas ale?