I have finally started to put together the travelogue from our trip to London and Scotland. I just posted day one: http://www.ripleyaudiopost.com/GB
In this episode, we really try real ale, I critique the centuries-old tied house system, and prostitutes keep walking or die.
I posted previously about NJ Senate Bill S-641, which unanimously cleared New Jersey’s Senate Law and Public Safety Committee back in March. This bill is now up for approval in the NJ Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. The vote is currently scheduled for Monday, June 18. Continue reading
I
am happy to report that NJ Bill A-1277 passed favorably out of the NJ Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee. Thanks and good work to all who reached out in support of this measure. I’ll keep you updated on this as it develops.
I have been a bad, bad blogger of late. This is my first post in almost two months. Forgiveness! I have lots to talk about, especially our trip to England and Scotland earlier this month. It will, I promise, be discussed at length over the next few posts. To start with, here’s the story of one of the best beer quotes I’ve ever heard.
After checking into our sleeper berth on the overnight train from London to Aviemore, Scotland, we walked to the dining car. I noticed several people around me drinking Stella, so I asked the waiter, “What beers do you have other than Stella?” He replied firmly, “Stella’s not beer. It’s lager.”
I recently bought 10 pounds of 2-row from Valley Malt, with the idea of using it as part of an American Pale Ale SMaSH (Single Malt and Single Hop) brew with some extra Summit hops I have sitting around. The name of this fine beverage: Pale Ale #2, of course.
After some thought, I decided the recipe needs some color and a touch of residual sweetness, so I thought I’d take a shot at toasting some of the 2-row myself, aiming to make a 40-60L crystal malt. Whether or not this should still be considered a SMaSH is open to debate. Continue reading
An amended version of Senate Bill S-641 unanimously cleared New Jersey’s Senate Law and Public Safety Committee. Each committee member’s office had received more than 200 phone calls/emails from NJ consumers promoting the bill. Good work, everyone.
There are still several more steps to go: vote in the full Senate, hearing/vote in the Assembly Committee, vote in the full Assembly and signature by the Governor.
Yesterday, I took a tour (again) of the Brooklyn Brewery. They’re in the middle of a huge expansion, and it’s been fun to watch them fill out their new space. Here’s a quick shot of their new kegging line, which can fill 100+ per hour.
Made a trip today to the Wind & Beverage Depot in Totowa, NJ. Fantastic beer selection. Lots of Belgians. A bunch of nice variety 6- and 8-packs. Excellent craft brew selection, and some good European lagers as well. Highly recommended.
Since this is my first post, I thought it would be helpful to provide links to some good homebrewing resources.