tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1275664956753340432024-03-05T22:03:31.007-08:00FiftyFifty Brewing Co.Whats happening at FiftyFifty Brewing Company... Up to date information from the brewery and the restaurant. Of course all the latest info coming from the brewhouse. Weekly 'what's on tap' updates and frequent thoughts on what is coming up next from our vast array of specialty brews!!!andy5050http://www.blogger.com/profile/18194390925944431008noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127566495675334043.post-26292620371666706282010-07-23T14:11:00.000-07:002010-07-23T14:15:53.669-07:002010 Collaborative Evil...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHc93-XaOMg_G37hW83PPuPQ02LyQ3YPH6yO0avgdF2OcMbIuP9i6j7c09HTwVqF96mKn4uGkEmqFDVb0zlyBMAdV7lIg65ukuno_Vku884NasCat5H0MBCRVdoRr6e00_ykICOwBEGzk/s1600/Evil_baltic_2010.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497212997351324514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHc93-XaOMg_G37hW83PPuPQ02LyQ3YPH6yO0avgdF2OcMbIuP9i6j7c09HTwVqF96mKn4uGkEmqFDVb0zlyBMAdV7lIg65ukuno_Vku884NasCat5H0MBCRVdoRr6e00_ykICOwBEGzk/s320/Evil_baltic_2010.jpg" /></a><br /><div>(Truckee, CA) – JULY 19, 2010 – For several years, a group of brewers have been brewing unique, distinctive beers in an experiment of sorts that aims to demonstrate the diversity in brewing styles, techniques, and ingredients. </div><br /><div><br />Todd Ashman of FiftyFifty Brewing Company, Truckee, CA initially created the Collaborative Evil group with industry friends Zac Triemert, Co-President and Co-Founder of Lucky Bucket Brewing Company, La Vista, NE and Matt Van Wyk, head brewer for Oakshire Brewing Company, Eugene, OR. This group did not collaborate in the way other groups have worked together in the past. They simply agreed upon a specific beer style and each would incorporate their own unique ingredient or technique in their respective brews. No parameters or recipes were set and the results were interesting, diverse, and delicious. The beers were then entered into the Great American Beer Festival, the most prestigious beer competition in the country. The goal was to earn medals of course, but also to give festival goers a glimpse into how each brewer has his own style and interpretations in the world of beers.</div><br /><div><br />Over the years, the group has grown to include a total of eight brewers from across the nation. Unique ingredients or techniques have included exotic sugars, a variety of honeys, and wood aging. At the GABF, the response has been positive from judges and festival-goers alike, there has even been a Bronze medal awarded to one of these entries. An enthusiastic crowd has been seeking out each brewers Collaborative Evil brew and appears to be quite fun for those who set out on the search.</div><br /><div><br />This year, the brewers have agreed to create an Imperial or Baltic Porter. This style is characterized by big rich malt and roast character (or not in the case of Baltic) and higher alcohol content than other styles of Porter. This year’s style will lend itself to complex beers with rich chocolate and coffee notes, and of course, a little bit of evil. In addition, this year’s attendees of the Great American Beer Festival can receive a Collaborative Evil map listing the participating breweries, their booth locations, and the unique ingredient/technique used. The emphasis for the brewers and the GABF attendees is simple…it’s meant to be fun. If you’re headed to the GABF, seek us out. We’ll have temporary tattoos and a map of the festival floor to find all of the breweries.</div><br /><div><br />Brewers/ Breweries involved:<br />Todd Ashman- FiftyFifty Brewing Co., Truckee, CA Zac Triment- Lucky Bucket Brewing Co., La Vista, NE Matt Van Wyk- Oakshire Brewing Co., Eugene, OR Brandon Wright- Silver Peak Restaurant and Brewery, Reno, NV Bryan Shimkos- Flossmoor Station Brewing Co., Flossmoor, IL Roger Davis- Triple Rock Brewery, Berkeley, CA Matt Cole- Fatheads Brewery and Saloon, Cleveland, OH Jack Kephart- Brew Kettle Production Works, Strongsville,OH</div>Todd Ashmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820922232170674868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127566495675334043.post-22008250066680363652010-06-26T04:02:00.000-07:002010-06-26T04:12:06.303-07:00The 6/26 Lunar Eclipse marks FiftyFifty milestone!Hey Gang!<br /><br />I haven't been compelled to write much on here but thought a brief mention of some activity here at the brewery was worthy.<br /><br />This morning...very early in the morning we filled the last 5 bourbon barrels for the 2010 Imperial Eclipse Stout. The barrels are 10-13 year old Evan Williams Single Barrel. There are 18 of these barrels in our dining room of the brewpub. The majority were filled in April but we held some barrels back for a shorter aging period. A test of sorts to see overall how the length of time in the wood affects our stout. We will most likely blend as many of the barrels as possible.<br />Holding back anything that demonstrates superior quality and anything that may not be complementary to the product.<br /><br />Cheers!<br /><br />Todd <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ashman</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Brewmaster</span><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">FiftyFifty</span> Brewing Co.Todd Ashmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820922232170674868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127566495675334043.post-3037636745297452022009-12-17T21:43:00.000-08:002009-12-17T22:16:38.244-08:002009 Imperial Eclipse Stout...release date set!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQli_8uBZiOZGthFiOurgRa2Bk66sjmLqgdbokHvIbtMS8naWJ52VoO9JxxU3vxDfFW8St-dq7fTLVoGfv7NxT1o4wID8qrHS5YR2pS-qCPub7nnkrltzBuyGd5_TlepGSfhdNBjrSo10/s1600-h/todd_ashman.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 237px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416456148608794130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQli_8uBZiOZGthFiOurgRa2Bk66sjmLqgdbokHvIbtMS8naWJ52VoO9JxxU3vxDfFW8St-dq7fTLVoGfv7NxT1o4wID8qrHS5YR2pS-qCPub7nnkrltzBuyGd5_TlepGSfhdNBjrSo10/s320/todd_ashman.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnn-H8hOJF-uNpzBLPnRfWAV7f3JlzdDH8Nd6za5_hm5MBbrQjPVGrkxbusnyoBB2MDXPr3ex5AbJjGHN_INZcOtDcsrFrl-e2PyNZ2cg14-J49adT2DZhaitILZjl1EEQhq_i-ArcpG4/s1600-h/Eclispe+in+Bamberg.jpg"><span style="font-size:+0;"></span><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 3px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 4px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416454304326694226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnn-H8hOJF-uNpzBLPnRfWAV7f3JlzdDH8Nd6za5_hm5MBbrQjPVGrkxbusnyoBB2MDXPr3ex5AbJjGHN_INZcOtDcsrFrl-e2PyNZ2cg14-J49adT2DZhaitILZjl1EEQhq_i-ArcpG4/s320/Eclispe+in+Bamberg.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>As I thought about writing this a lot of moments in the past have come to the forefront of my brain. The first time I brewed Eclipse was when I was back at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Flossmoor</span> Station in Illinois. It was in 1997 fairly late in the year. We packed the mash tun full of malt well over a thousand pounds of it. Then there were the goodies we put in the kettle to drive up the gravity. Fun stuff.<br />That beer would later be the first beer that had been aged in a Bourbon Barrel to be given a medal at the Great American Beer Festival and that was in 1998. When they still had the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">GABF</span> at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Currigan</span> Hall. I remember after the awards ceremony that someone had dragged the Beer Hunter Michael Jackson over to taste the beer and have our picture taken together. Pretty neat stuff... We named that beer Imperial Eclipse Stout because on the day it was brewed there was an Eclipse of the moon. It's a name I wanted to keep using today and the folks at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Flossmoor</span> Station graciously retired from their lineup.<br /><br />Fast forward to 2009 and another milestone for Imperial Eclipse Stout will soon occur. Since <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">FiftyFifty</span> opened in 2007 there have been two batches of Eclipse produced...small batches and most of the beer served over the bar. We hand bottled some but that is a daunting task to do even a few hundred bottles. The 2008 vintage got up to about 500 or so bottles and they got around...and by around I mean the entire country. If you look up on the beer rating websites you'll find reviews for Eclipse. Almost every single one a glowing review. Well, the 2009 vintage saw the greatest <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">amount</span> of Imperial Eclipse Stout brewed to date. We aged it in Elijah Craig, Heaven Hill Rye and Jack Daniels barrels. Rather than blend the entire lot we kept the barrels <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">separate </span>so the consumer could compare the barrel treatments if they desired. There is no better way to 'follow the journey of a barrel aged beer' than to taste the nuances left by the barrel itself.<br /><br />On December 23rd <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">FiftyFifty</span> Brewing Co. is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">proud</span> to release the 2009 vintage of Imperial Eclipse Stout. The Elijah Craig and Heaven Hill Rye barrel aged versions will be available in wax dipped 22oz bottles. The Jack Daniels barrel aged version is anticipated to be available in the second week of January. At least two versions will be available on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">draught</span> that day.<br /><br />Questions? call the Brewery at 530-587-2337 ask for Todd or Kyle</div></div>Todd Ashmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820922232170674868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127566495675334043.post-14932006372169160302009-12-02T23:40:00.000-08:002009-12-02T23:52:15.006-08:00What can you do in a day...Well, that isn't my most snappy opening line but I feel it's works for today.<br /><br />Kyle and I got four beers added to the draft lineup today. The return of Donner Party Porter and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Trifecta</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tripel</span>. Both are tasting great with the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tripel</span> really dialed in and I'm very happy with that... A new batch of Concentrated Evil which is also tasting good and the raisin component is there and very drinkable as well. Finally, the last of our tribute beer BART. Bart was the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ashman's</span> pet for 19 years and we blended up our Summit <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">BarleyWine</span> and Roundabout Oatmeal Stout to celebrate Bart's life. Then we aged it in a Jack Daniels barrel. This is the last keg there is and Kyle and I felt it fitting to share it with our guests at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">FiftyFifty</span> this holiday season. Please come by and try this special brew...it's tasting stellar.<br /><br />To wrap up the day I p/<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">o'd</span> my boss...I'm hoping she'll forgive me...please...<br /><br />Cheers!<br /><br />ToddTodd Ashmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820922232170674868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127566495675334043.post-11067871251178563032009-11-15T21:21:00.000-08:002009-11-16T10:38:32.262-08:00Imperial Eclipse Stout gets Top Honors at Bistro Barrel Aged Beer Festival<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSL8CPDAB7w95dgIFVvZsEC91R6UzuuLTWf6m_DjHpixJdj3Y1AiIJ76GsczrBm6WeKZr7j2kl4s2qVaoZRIoe4Pvmyh1u5gpBSetA3zNsBW2Y-Zep5fwLW6wpF_9KxqfEaXoaCoFr5gA/s1600/5208_1198384644633_1379031324_566499_6971532_n.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 215px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404570144645497154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSL8CPDAB7w95dgIFVvZsEC91R6UzuuLTWf6m_DjHpixJdj3Y1AiIJ76GsczrBm6WeKZr7j2kl4s2qVaoZRIoe4Pvmyh1u5gpBSetA3zNsBW2Y-Zep5fwLW6wpF_9KxqfEaXoaCoFr5gA/s320/5208_1198384644633_1379031324_566499_6971532_n.jpg" /></a><br /><div>The 4<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> Bistro Barrel Aged Beer Fest in Hayward, CA is in the books and guess what??? I guess the title gives it away but <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">FiftyFifty</span> got the coveted Peoples Choice award. The only award presented at the festival. The beer was the 2008 Imperial Eclipse Stout aged in Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon barrels. To put it simply this beer is completely dialed in at the moment. The base beer was brewed in May of 2008 and put into barrels for 225 days. Kegged and put into cold storage it emerged from it's slumber just a few weeks ago, we force carbonated just one day before the fest.<br /><br />There were many great breweries at the fest and over 70 beers entered. We were in great company and when I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">can</span> track down a full list I'll post it here. If you were lucky enough to be there and got a taste of the 2008 Eclipse you've tasted some of the last of the vintage.<br /><br />We'll be getting ready to get the 2009 Eclipse ready before long...into bottles and draft at the pub.<br /><br />Cheers!<br /><br />Todd</div>Todd Ashmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820922232170674868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127566495675334043.post-30701102967676162242009-09-30T17:09:00.000-07:002009-09-30T17:18:21.331-07:00FiftyFifty Imperial Stout prevails!!!(again)It's certainly a fun story... The base beer for our Imperial Eclipse Stout has done it again. Bronze for the big beer that could. The 2009 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">GABF</span> in Denver is in the history books and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">FiftyFifty</span> Brewing Co. has made it in there yet again. The competition which was huge this year with over 3300 beers entered into 78 categories seems daunting to even the biggest breweries.<br />Nearly 500 breweries were in the mix this year yet only 45 'small brewpubs' took medals...in which we were one. Our medal came from the Other Strong Beer category which pits beers of various types against each other that are made 'bigger' than the recommended style guidelines.<br />Ours being an '<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Imperialized</span> Oatmeal Stout'. Also worthy of noting is we <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">medaled</span> in this category last year as well which is also a notable feat unto itself. <br /><br />We have a keg of this Stout going on tap soon at the pub as we held it back for just such an occasion.<br /><br />Cheers!<br /><br />ToddTodd Ashmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820922232170674868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127566495675334043.post-78895503578922647672009-08-16T20:21:00.000-07:002009-08-16T20:23:08.506-07:00Todd on BeerObsessed.com<a href="http://beerobsessed.com/brewer.htm#toddashman">http://beerobsessed.com/brewer.htm#toddashman</a><br /><br />These guys were great and they got me on audio for about 45 minutes. There is a great gallery in there as well...Todd Ashmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820922232170674868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127566495675334043.post-1575719584528995712009-07-14T12:35:00.000-07:002009-07-14T12:37:46.841-07:00Collaborative Evil-2009Collaborate: to work jointly with others or together especially in an intellectual endeavor.<br /><br />Collaborative Evil returns...with more breweries and a bit of leeway. In 2008 three brewers decided to create a beer recipe and then brew it at their respective brewhouses. The beer a Strong Dark Belgian inspired Ale brewed with Honey, and spices. Each brew had a unique ingredient distinguishing it from the others. This effort was intended to get the beers to the Great American Beer Festival in Denver so that they could be served at the same time under one roof. Two of the three beers managed to get there and be served to the public, the third alas was there but not able to be judged or served at the time of the festival. The founding brewers Zac Triemert of Lucky Bucket Brewing Co. La Vista, NE, Matt Van Wyk of Flossmoor Station, Flossmoor, IL and Todd Ashman of FiftyFifty Brewing, Truckee, CA. <br /><br />In 2009 we've brought in six more breweries. The base style for this year is a Belgian inspired Strong Pale. The larger group presented some interesting hurdles and this also proved to be what this collaboration is all about.<br /><br />Working together but also working within the confines of each respective brewery. We have production breweries and brewpubs involved and some with tight schedules and others with lot's of play in the brewing regimen. We asked each brewer to create a beer based on the style and then make it uniquely their own but within the parameters of the 'Belgian inspired Strong Pale'. This was important because it demonstrates what people think of when you mention a style. Because one of the things we focus on in Collaborative Evil is entering the respective beers in the Great American Beer Festival. Entry guidelines forbid entering the same beer so creating a theme and then allowing each brewer participating in Collaborative Evil to spin-off their own beer based on our base style. Tough but not impossible and the interpretations are very spread out and will be fun for GABF attendees to seek out on the festival floor. <br /><br />The new participants are: Valley Brewing, Stockton, CA. Steve Altimari, Brewmaster, Sacramento Brewing, Sacramento, CA. Peter Hoey, Brewmaster, Fatheads Brewery and Grill, Cleveland, OH, Matt Cole, Brewmaster, Flossmoor Station, Flossmoor, IL, Bryan Shimkos Brewmaster(New Brewmaster), Oakshire Brewing, Eugene, OR Matt Van Wyk Brewmaster, Silver Peak Brewing, Reno, NV Brandon Wright, Brewmaster, Speakeasy Brewing Co., San Francisco, CA. John Gillooly, Brewmaster.<br /><br /><br /><br />Look for these beers on the festival floor at the 2009 GABF and at the breweries participating. Production breweries may have limited releases check with your favorite for more details...Todd Ashmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820922232170674868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127566495675334043.post-76570775547640645772009-06-28T01:12:00.000-07:002009-06-28T01:29:44.252-07:00June notables and the GABF timeline....We got word from the folks that run the California State Fair's Commercial Craft Brewing Competition that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">FiftyFifty</span> did pretty well. 1 Gold, 5 Silver's and 2 Bronze's. Two beers made 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">nd</span> in their categories <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Blonde</span> #2 in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Blonde</span> Ale(which got a Gold...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Yay</span>!), Drunk Monk Abbey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Dubbel</span> in the Belgian Strong Dark Ale. Imperial Eclipse took 3rd in Smoke and Wood Aged beer and Manifesto Pale Ale got an Honorable Mention. Kyle and I are quite pleased with the results considering what we're working with as well as the fact that 2 years running we've placed in very good company(much bigger breweries with long(er) histories).<br /><br />Imperial Eclipse Stout should be available at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Florians</span> in Truckee now. They got the rest of the 2008 vintage. Look for the 2009 batch to be around in December.<br /><br />We're entered in the Great American Beer Festival again. We've got ten entries and we're VERY happy with them and the fingers are crossed(no pressure!). As things lead up to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">GABF</span> I'll try and be more prudent about posting here. With only two or three beers yet to be brewed it's pretty tense in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">brewhouse</span>. Just gotta get the stuff bottled and shipped off to Denver. With just about two months before the beer makes it's journey it always an anxious time for me...<br /><br />As always thanks for your support of the pub it's always nice to hear that someone reads this stuff so thanks for speaking up!<br /><br />Cheers!<br /><br />ToddTodd Ashmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820922232170674868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127566495675334043.post-51865057214104396282009-05-29T12:03:00.000-07:002009-05-29T12:09:45.355-07:00We're getting distributed!!!5/29/09- Truckee, CA<br /><br />Another milestone for FiftyFifty Brewing occurs today at 2pm. The first kegs of Mainfesto Pale Ale are being picked up by our distributor NorCal Beverage of Loomis, CA. These kegs are headed to Tahoe City, CA. To a bar know as Jakes. It's a great day to as I can't think of a greater thing than being able to enjoy a FiftyFifty brew on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe!!!<br /><br />Keep an eye out as we acquire more handles on the California side of the lake.<br /><br />Cheers!<br /><br />ToddTodd Ashmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820922232170674868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127566495675334043.post-22404074918995079622009-04-08T09:39:00.000-07:002009-04-08T09:51:47.596-07:00Rockslide IPA...and Foggy GoggleDear IPA Fans-<br /><br />Rumors have been flying about the IPA <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">situation</span> at the brewery recently. Kyle and I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">persevere</span> to craft the ultimate IPA and sometimes it takes us to interesting places. Our latest endeavor the EXP IPA takes us to new heights and this brew is a really, really great IPA. Alas, it isn't <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Rockslide</span> is it...! A new batch of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Rockslide</span> is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">currently</span> in the #2 slot in the brew schedule so it should be in the tank no later than 4/17/09. Ready for drinking about 14-15 days after that.<br /><br />With the success of Landslide and the very positive response from the EXP IPA we're exploring new (to us) hop products that can deliver a hop wallop of unprecedented measure! These beers of course will have to take a back seat to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Rockslide</span> and to quash any rumors of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Rockslide's</span> demise as completely unfounded B.S. ...<br /><br />Foggy Goggle will be back in production soon too. New batches of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Trifecta</span> and Concentrated Evil also will be on the brewing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">agenda</span>...<br /><br />More news from the brewery soon...<br /><br />Cheers!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Brewmaster</span> ToddTodd Ashmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820922232170674868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127566495675334043.post-66984036111178001952009-03-19T08:21:00.000-07:002009-03-19T09:58:53.532-07:00Imperial Eclipse Stout earns a Silver Medal Down UnderThe Australian International Beer Awards had it's awards ceremony yesterday in Melbourne. The Eclipse was entered in the Hybrid Beer category and the Wood Aged subcategory.<br />Eclipse was awarded a Silver Medal.<br /><br />Look for more bottles and draft of this wonderful beer soon. Only at the brewery!<br /><br />Cheers!<br /><br />ToddTodd Ashmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820922232170674868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127566495675334043.post-76809510737549041672009-03-07T17:27:00.000-08:002009-03-07T17:41:20.907-08:00Belgian 'duo' on tap Saturday 3/7/09Some of you have been waiting a while for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tripel</span> to come back and I'm happy to say that it is! Drunk Monk Abbey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Dubbel</span> is on as well. This brew is a bit different from the last <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Dubbel</span> we brewed, and in my humble opinion...right on the money! Here is the 'sell sheet' for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Dubbel</span>.<br /><br />Our Abbey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Dubbel</span> makes it's return well over a year since the last batch. The 2009 version is lighter in color appearing a clear brown with slight reddish hues, is stronger at about 9.8%<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ABV</span> and has a wonderful clean but distinctively Belgian flavor profile.<br /><br />Kin to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Trifecta</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Tripel</span> the Abbey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Dubbel</span> is brewed to with Belgian yeasts, fermented at a higher temperature than our other house ales. The benefit of the warmer fermentation temperature is that is creates more yeast derived flavors. The best way to describe these flavors is by the rather spicy aromas and flavors contained in this beer. We used a rather unique sugar in this beer known as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Panusta</span> which comes from the Philippines. It is a combination of Cane and Palm sugar which has been slightly caramelized and then packaged for use. Though it's contribution is not immediately apparent it's flavor has melded into the overall flavor profile well. The flavors best to describe the beer are notes of chocolate, mild malt, hints of cinnamon candy, faint banana and alcohol warmth. This is a great beer for any grilled beef, pork and poultry. Also with pasta and fish. A great sipping beer as well.<br /><br />What makes it a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Dubbel</span>... In the Monastic brewing traditions of Belgium the brothers of Trappist Abbeys brewed beers for themselves called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Singels</span> or simples, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Dubbels</span> were brewed for customers outside the Abbey walls and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Tripels</span> were brewed for special occasions. Our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Dubbel</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Tripel</span> are brewed to emulate those brewed by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Westmalle</span> Abbey near Antwerp, Belgium.<br /><br />Cheers!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Brewmaster</span> ToddTodd Ashmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820922232170674868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127566495675334043.post-33362809282855469972009-03-04T12:23:00.000-08:002009-03-04T12:31:26.815-08:00Oregons Brewers Festival 2009Yes! FiftyFifty Brewing will be pouring Manifesto Pale Ale at this years edition of the Oregon Brewers Festival. Held at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Downtown Portland, OR.<br /><br />I always get excited about the OBF because it's just the biggest festival on the year's calendar.<br />With upwards of 70,000 people attending over the four day event our little brewery gets a lot of exposure...and that's a good thing!!! Of course Portland is the epicenter of the Pacific Northwest brewing scene, so there is a lot of beer to be consumed. There is also a really good 'foodie' scene as well. It goes without saying that it's scenically beautiful as well so I always look forward to heading up there for the event.<br /><br />We're sending Manifesto Pale Ale to 'represent' our flagship beer and 'sort of' show them how it's done here in the mountains... Fun stuff!<br /><br />If you want to hang out with me in Portland it's July 23-26. <br /><br />Cheers!<br /><br />ToddTodd Ashmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820922232170674868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127566495675334043.post-5577070055755721672009-02-18T10:06:00.000-08:002009-02-18T10:14:40.053-08:00Imperial Eclipse Stout.............OK, I've got to brag a little bit...right? This weekend Imperial Eclipse Stout pours in Boulder, CO at the Boulder Strong Ale Festival and in Boston, MA at the Extreme Beer Festival's Night of the Barrels. Pretty cool stuff for a tiny little brewery in Truckee wouldn't you say? I'm sure we'll 'hold our own' against much bigger names in the business.<br /><br />The bottles are back... Kyle and I are bottling again...by hand. Our bottler has proven to be a formidable foe and for now it has won.... We'll get after it again once we've <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">whittled</span> down the current work load... We've got about 20 cases of Eclipse to go for this round. Of course the warm aged stuff is a whole other animal...<br /><br />The bottle numbering fairy needs to drop by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">brewhouse</span> and then the bottles can go on sale.<br /><br />Cheers!<br /><br />ToddTodd Ashmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820922232170674868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127566495675334043.post-7357677943759051862009-02-11T23:34:00.000-08:002009-02-11T23:45:35.624-08:00100 batches of beer, 100 batches of beer...Sometime in April 2007 the first batch of beer brewed at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">FiftyFifty</span> made it's way through the 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">HL</span>(8.5bbl) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">brewhouse</span> and now is nothing more than a faint memory. Tomorrow, the 12<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> of February 2009 Kyle and I will brew the 100<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span> batch of beer. That accounts for roughly 850 beer barrels which are 31 gallons each. I won't go into the math but it's a lot of beer over our bar at the brewpub. Sure some goes out to parties and events but most of it is sold at the pub. It's a pretty neat milestone for me as a brewer as I've only hit this mark at one other brewery.<br /><br />Which beer you ask? It's Manifesto Pale Ale our 'pride and joy' and it's one of the most popular beers at the brewery.<br /><br />We'll probably have a small celebration amongst the brewing staff and toast our efforts so far.<br />Of course we'll be toasting to the next hundred brews and beyond as well...<br /><br />Cheers!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Brewmaster</span> ToddTodd Ashmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820922232170674868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127566495675334043.post-34332953989287420482009-02-07T08:38:00.000-08:002009-02-07T08:59:12.365-08:00SF Beer Week and other stuffToday well actually yesterday kicked off SF Beer Week. There's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">lot's</span> of info to be gleaned from <a href="http://www.sfbeerweek.org/">www.sfbeerweek.org</a> Lot's of small events and a few big ones. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">FiftyFifty</span> is participating today in the Bistro's Double IPA festival. The Bistro is a humble beer bar in Hayward, they've been carving a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">niche</span> for themselves for a while and have a good following. This event sort of kicks off SF Beer Week so they've expecting about 500 people today.<br /><br />Why SF Beer Week? I want to chime in on this just to serve up my perspective. Though the craft beer <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Renaissance</span> started in the SF Bay Area and is known for such, there are people 'out there' that believe places such as Portland, OR, Seattle, WA or San Diego, CA <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">deserve</span> the title of might deserve the 'beer mecca' title. I'm not going to argue this point as there isn't much of one in my opinion. All these places have their merits but San Francisco and the adjoining Bay Area just have too much to offer to compare anywhere else...<br /><br />Brewery Updates!!!<br /><br />The bottler is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">challenging</span> us a bit but should be in a more cooperative mood soon. Kyle, Andy and to a lesser extent myself have all given it a go. We're <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">getting</span> there but someone needs to bring us the magic wand and make it better/work... We'll be packaging soon so continue to watch this space.<br /><br />Beer wise...<br /><br />Landslide Double IPA has proved to be a hit. The return of Abbey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Dubbel</span> is almost here, as well as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Rockslide</span>, a new batch of Porter and more.<br /><br />New Seasonal.. About this time last year or so we released 'Honey Rye' this year we wanted to take this beer in a slightly different direction. We are looking at substituting the Honey with Agave Nectar. The yet to be named beer should be refreshing, easy drinking and a great way to welcome spring!<br /><br />All for now!<br /><br />ToddTodd Ashmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820922232170674868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127566495675334043.post-51688327203436983602009-01-14T21:39:00.000-08:002009-01-14T22:06:02.800-08:00What 2009 has in store for us...First of all Happy New Year... Yes, we've been busy, distracted, and just all around getting things in order for what's looking like a great year for the brewery. Where to start... The owners at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">FiftyFifty</span> have enlisted a renowned Sushi Chef and have started the soon to open 'Drunken Monkey' Sushi, tapas and sake. I've seen the menu and it looks great, and the space is looking really good too. We'll be serving some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">FiftyFifty</span> brews there as well as Japanese beers and course several sakes. The Drunken Monkey is located in the Rock just a few steps from the brewery.<br /><br />Brewery wise there are many things in the works. The 2008 Imperial <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Eclispe</span> Stout has already sold out of it's first bottling. There's more of course and we will be announcing the release date of the remainder of the bottles soon. We'll have the 2007 and 2008 version on tap as well...keep an eye on this space. <br /><br />So far this year we've brewed a new Abbey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Dubbel</span> which promises to be a welcome return to the tap line up. The Abbey should be on tap by the end of January. We also made our first foray into brewing 'Double' IPA. We've been kicking around names for this beer and nothing is set yet but it will be '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">uber</span>' <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">hoppy</span>. Kyle and I had a heck of a time brewing this one as the amount of hop material in the kettle was making for some anxious moments when we were transferring from kettle to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">fermenter</span>. Long story short the beer is happily fermenting and we're looking for this to be ready in the first week of February. Our new beer storage cooler is here and that means we're getting closer to distributing. Our draft Manifesto Pale Ale will soon be in select better beer locations. I'll be sure to keep that information updated here. Lastly, our 'bottling machine' is in transit and that means before long we'll have a few of our brands available in 22oz bottles. They will be for sale at the brewery and in the future at select retail outlets.<br /><br />To close I just wanted to thank all of our friends and guests of the brewery. 2008 was a great year for the brewery and we couldn't do it without you guys! Our beer outlook is good for 2009 and I have a feeling the Imperial Eclipse Stout is going to bring us a lot of attention as the 2008 vintage is stellar and we are getting asked for it from folks across the country. Pretty amazing stuff!<br /><br />Cheers!<br /><br />Todd <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ashman</span>Todd Ashmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820922232170674868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127566495675334043.post-31182055525452099542008-12-29T16:47:00.000-08:002008-12-29T17:04:48.725-08:00Those new tanks....Here are the promised fermenter installation pictures....<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8vpAUJHThaawhuvNVpJP2LsjpicX0Amntf4d2NnDnZ3d_u4GSTmavuIz3EaG_Sf6hAHdmptoYCmdKqzuVYJPFbsZDx2BW9mv5COZ2Btjw9qzM5es_oNMEy7NU-co6BSFW_VSZ_MGqck/s1600-h/DSC00103.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285380461336941266" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8vpAUJHThaawhuvNVpJP2LsjpicX0Amntf4d2NnDnZ3d_u4GSTmavuIz3EaG_Sf6hAHdmptoYCmdKqzuVYJPFbsZDx2BW9mv5COZ2Btjw9qzM5es_oNMEy7NU-co6BSFW_VSZ_MGqck/s320/DSC00103.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />New tanks installed...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0q8vTlB4rcPCGhy6jDx1iUX2q1vTeY9eZZ0Cpmx6iyBqzxbA_Z7aqR7lqKnHkDRXvIJ7yjhpz8HAEgs3F8fP5w9PEvxIuG49TTyt13VSILvGxb5AXLxC_S4zf8UkkcwKoDNvBjOpqsI/s1600-h/DSC00100.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285380450664205186" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0q8vTlB4rcPCGhy6jDx1iUX2q1vTeY9eZZ0Cpmx6iyBqzxbA_Z7aqR7lqKnHkDRXvIJ7yjhpz8HAEgs3F8fP5w9PEvxIuG49TTyt13VSILvGxb5AXLxC_S4zf8UkkcwKoDNvBjOpqsI/s320/DSC00100.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Trying to get another big tank into the brewery...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8txtqPF69NnaqCwF4iU-ihZzDu70UDUvgll_Cgs6342Snh43nRacdwAQ1_3E6mFuIuEpacq-MqFBnoSVGZQxFktf0JC4nWlfoFcWE_KMA3d3MgqHIALkBGJoDlQtbDIr6kxLm2CBV8A/s1600-h/DSC00099.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285380442392513298" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8txtqPF69NnaqCwF4iU-ihZzDu70UDUvgll_Cgs6342Snh43nRacdwAQ1_3E6mFuIuEpacq-MqFBnoSVGZQxFktf0JC4nWlfoFcWE_KMA3d3MgqHIALkBGJoDlQtbDIr6kxLm2CBV8A/s320/DSC00099.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The 20bbl fermenter is finally home...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQOqKDJHrKD_Cha6q4wtTDknXiK0q55FOBsIcfIWSn8tRH2xIpX6yBwGNQ4u16Zm6B2U3Ii-HpinHDXqVTgxLh4agizobD43s_fH77jQwHYLsLqKZxTZoAa9u-Rd42nW0updG_9kbSDU/s1600-h/DSC00094.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285380437172365058" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQOqKDJHrKD_Cha6q4wtTDknXiK0q55FOBsIcfIWSn8tRH2xIpX6yBwGNQ4u16Zm6B2U3Ii-HpinHDXqVTgxLh4agizobD43s_fH77jQwHYLsLqKZxTZoAa9u-Rd42nW0updG_9kbSDU/s320/DSC00094.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It's a group effort...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeqHEOtDl_0uxPGLqa0dtgOBEHYzkVUu9ce8CQ1Eweb1n-B-SdDh9dCPBOqcVp_fLWybtATFfeDCycSoJnREKA4S4PMg7T2x3FurXT7bzk2in4m8EJC5qMo2P12FZXvVMivBNDGMpl2Q/s1600-h/DSC00096.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285380435490659122" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeqHEOtDl_0uxPGLqa0dtgOBEHYzkVUu9ce8CQ1Eweb1n-B-SdDh9dCPBOqcVp_fLWybtATFfeDCycSoJnREKA4S4PMg7T2x3FurXT7bzk2in4m8EJC5qMo2P12FZXvVMivBNDGMpl2Q/s320/DSC00096.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />PUSH!!!Todd Ashmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820922232170674868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127566495675334043.post-15428248052621975262008-12-18T09:19:00.000-08:002008-12-18T09:20:44.852-08:00Collaborative Evil in the Press<a href="http://chicagoist.com/2008/12/17/chicagoists_beer_of_the_week_collab.php">http://chicagoist.com/2008/12/17/chicagoists_beer_of_the_week_collab.php</a>Todd Ashmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820922232170674868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127566495675334043.post-71321388967882417422008-12-15T10:40:00.000-08:002008-12-15T10:45:01.891-08:00Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...Yes, it's snowing here in Truckee. The skiiers will be here soon.<br /><br />Monday 12/15/2008. If Kyle and I can get out of the driveway today we plan on bottling up some of the Imperial Eclipse Stout. How nice would it be to have a bottle under the Christmas tree? Enjoying in front of a warm fire, watching it snow?<br /><br />Keep an eye out at the brewery they'll be there soon...<br /><br />ToddTodd Ashmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820922232170674868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127566495675334043.post-64641760016060590002008-12-10T04:35:00.000-08:002008-12-10T04:53:27.498-08:00The busy season nears...and other stuffI'm back from Germany. It was a great trip and yes I'll probably go back but most likely in the summer when the days are longer and drinking is done outside versus inside. Probably most significant is beer is still very reasonable in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Bamberg</span> vicinity. Around $2.25 a half liter for world class beer... Thanks for the well wishes and "I missed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">you's</span>". Nice to get those for sure...<br /><br />All of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">fermenters</span> have been filled, Imperial Eclipse Stout is getting closer to a tap and a quick glance at a calendar all lead up to the fact we're getting close to Christmas and New Years. <br /><br />Our first double batch of Manifesto will be appearing soon. It will be the same Manifesto you've always known but we're making about 600 gallons at a time now. Gotta keep up with the demand... Yes, Eclipse is on the move. Kyle and I transferred about 50 gallons from one of the barrels. First taste was pretty darn yummy too. We're carbonating the beer slowly and plan on bottling up about 10-12 cases for Christmas week. There is a lot more to be bottled but we're waiting for our bottling machine to do the lions share. These first cases will be done one at a time by hand.<br /><br />We have Foggy Goggle and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Trifecta</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Tripel</span> waiting for tap lines so we haven't forgotten you Belgian fans. These beers will be up soon. Once we start seeing the Christmas time visitors I feel these beers will be up soon.<br /><br />Kyle and Alicia did some brewing while I was enjoying Germany. A batch of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Rockslide</span> and Base Camp. Thanks guys!<br /><br />We had some Concentrated Evil and BART down in San Diego for the Pizza Port- Carlsbad Strong Ale Festival. Heard kind words about our beers down there so maybe SD isn't such a bad place after all... All kidding aside it's nice to have our beer down there for events like that.<br /><br />Cheers!<br /><br />ToddTodd Ashmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820922232170674868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127566495675334043.post-22421905181036669512008-12-02T02:45:00.000-08:002008-12-02T03:12:46.861-08:00Germany, a beer tourists dreamland<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQa74H3TKck166m7tLMbutVBeHF5y9Bf6o1GOgR5HlN5wKXyTLex6dO0fnqc_93Ffvgr0HBV8a1BJpVPQ9kSV4cHf5WuQFiFyST-wXLWfCawsEifNOMbeNVsK9pGp4UlpERar1N_gKYg/s1600-h/2008_1031pixmisc0029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275148386196499986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQa74H3TKck166m7tLMbutVBeHF5y9Bf6o1GOgR5HlN5wKXyTLex6dO0fnqc_93Ffvgr0HBV8a1BJpVPQ9kSV4cHf5WuQFiFyST-wXLWfCawsEifNOMbeNVsK9pGp4UlpERar1N_gKYg/s320/2008_1031pixmisc0029.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vKLLQnaCei4S5_cYqM2YcJdFR9toJCYPoSozV5aleqcsLjZuoIZgUNTC3RWcokIKm1B9Uvv_7xMgnlC9YNhxGGDpxL7CgdN5R4LQjvFedtFKA-ADc-PjMaDmxQ_ydvlP1LHkJbdRcgs/s1600-h/2008_1031pixmisc0025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275148381331372866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vKLLQnaCei4S5_cYqM2YcJdFR9toJCYPoSozV5aleqcsLjZuoIZgUNTC3RWcokIKm1B9Uvv_7xMgnlC9YNhxGGDpxL7CgdN5R4LQjvFedtFKA-ADc-PjMaDmxQ_ydvlP1LHkJbdRcgs/s320/2008_1031pixmisc0025.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3XtYFq5TtAdPS9nEbxOeLpw_YxbNlRK4kuM0qB1WdQoNP8yROgeSYign8PgmcGG4Ysu4ceP_No28d__QuRGZAO_6EexgLY8SbhcifIxsHnnDHlSKPTezmfPFVEwicNudiDMkAZ-XNHI/s1600-h/2008_1031pixmisc0019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275148375953733458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3XtYFq5TtAdPS9nEbxOeLpw_YxbNlRK4kuM0qB1WdQoNP8yROgeSYign8PgmcGG4Ysu4ceP_No28d__QuRGZAO_6EexgLY8SbhcifIxsHnnDHlSKPTezmfPFVEwicNudiDMkAZ-XNHI/s320/2008_1031pixmisc0019.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS196IlmdbEmoyC79lgHohyvdKF8WPn9wnNJrEqZghRBiqF1irrxl3f4xAzpvkJYm5Kfi5iW09nGT6tISJdziVd9HjPR9Xs-nyKJ83yuE79gYB7Im0T8QOZxLD8gTl1qnlOWuM1V-2qs0/s1600-h/2008_1031pixmisc0017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275148371714308738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS196IlmdbEmoyC79lgHohyvdKF8WPn9wnNJrEqZghRBiqF1irrxl3f4xAzpvkJYm5Kfi5iW09nGT6tISJdziVd9HjPR9Xs-nyKJ83yuE79gYB7Im0T8QOZxLD8gTl1qnlOWuM1V-2qs0/s320/2008_1031pixmisc0017.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBYnTCL0csDeUnBq4beX-kpPt5VHXvuy9KaA7He1igiVLO0xBneDobb2P0u8m5VkYxegAx45cu46tRCF7YpnvW2JOqRr12SVe3KnTjMveGBNFBohIfkUHgpuCV9AnCtoU126VCwnpcFE/s1600-h/2008_1031pixmisc0004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275148365354954802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBYnTCL0csDeUnBq4beX-kpPt5VHXvuy9KaA7He1igiVLO0xBneDobb2P0u8m5VkYxegAx45cu46tRCF7YpnvW2JOqRr12SVe3KnTjMveGBNFBohIfkUHgpuCV9AnCtoU126VCwnpcFE/s320/2008_1031pixmisc0004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXa3umg6ddommljVubRPNzzRt0izotWsbA_o6Ti9_8lpB5hTXI6cnGtuXgQuX0n-e5ljQ7JJjUbu57mYlKD0E2b47Xy4q0DQPS-6TEvEPWkqG0l-Yojt4idG3X0rxpOpc_em-YnPnJuc/s1600-h/2008_1031pixmisc0011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275145142493554626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcXa3umg6ddommljVubRPNzzRt0izotWsbA_o6Ti9_8lpB5hTXI6cnGtuXgQuX0n-e5ljQ7JJjUbu57mYlKD0E2b47Xy4q0DQPS-6TEvEPWkqG0l-Yojt4idG3X0rxpOpc_em-YnPnJuc/s320/2008_1031pixmisc0011.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I had to think quite a bit about the title, but one thing is certain if you are trying to save money things are cheap here. Well, except for gasoline life is reasonably cheap here. Maybe it is this small part of Germany(Oberfranken) but hotels, food, and beer are all inexpensive.<br /><br />I'm having a good time though the days are very short and I'm usually calling it early than to brave the very narrow roads at night. My GPS took me on some one car width roads yesterday while it was snowing heavily. Talk about not knowing where to go! Everything is flat and white...not something you want to do after a few beers!<br /><br />For your enjoyment a few pixs so far...</div></div></div></div></div></div>Todd Ashmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820922232170674868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127566495675334043.post-21868247811490286582008-11-21T08:56:00.000-08:002008-11-21T09:22:31.529-08:00What's been happening here??Well, we've been pretty busy here at the brewery as of late. We had a fair amount of down time and that was because we had the new tanks installed. I'll post some pictures of that here so you can see what we had to do to get that taken care of. In a few words though it meant removing four of our five <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">fermenters</span>. We shoe horned in the two new tanks and brought back three of existing tanks. One was sold to English Ales in Marina, CA and I hope that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">fermenter</span> serves it's new owners as well as it did us. I'd like to give a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">shoutout</span> to the guys at Silver State Stainless who did a great job on the tanks and helping us get everything in order...<br /><br />The glycol cooling is getting hooked back up to the tanks and we have been brewing to get everything full and ready for the skiing season. We've got Foggy Goggle, Donner Party Porter, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Trifecta</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Tripel</span> and a double batch of Manifesto all in the tanks. With Base Camp and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Rockslide</span> on deck. Our barrel aged Imperial Stout also known as Imperial Eclipse Stout will be moved into kegs and our new Bright tank soon. Each barrel has to be tasted to determine if it's kegged or sent to the bright tank for bottling. The process should take a few days as this liquid gold needs to be handled gently. Bottles should be available around Christmas but watch this space as that date is still a moving target.<br /><br />When we brewed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Trifecta</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Tripel</span> we had a guest brewer, Brandon Wright from Silver Peak Brewing in Reno came by to witness the magic Kyle and I perform. I'm not really sure Brandon got the full effect but as brewers we all do things differently basically as we all learned a certain way to do things... Brandon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">helped</span> out quite a bit and he also took <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">lot's</span> of notes so I imagine he's either telling <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">lot's</span> of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">FiftyFifty</span> jokes now or he learned a few new tricks...maybe both!!<br /><br />On November 20<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">th</span> we acquired 40 kegs to help us further our expansion plans. These are 50 liter kegs and they are in good shape. We've got to clean them up and mark them as ours with our neon orange keg tape. The 20<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">th</span> was also Kyle's 40 something birthday...apparently he's not saying exactly so you may have to pry it out of him...<br /><br />To close this posting I just wanted to say "did you know I was going to Germany?"...more of a bad running joke than anything. I head out for my annual trip to Bavaria. I go for the Christmas markets, beer research and r&r. I'll try to post from afar and let you all know how tough life is from over there.<br /><br />Cheers!<br /><br />Todd <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Ashman</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Brewmaster</span>Todd Ashmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820922232170674868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127566495675334043.post-73135881281887272402008-10-28T13:31:00.000-07:002008-10-28T13:32:58.554-07:00Brewery goings on...Well, there's not a whole lot going on brewing wise. We've drawn three of our fermenters down to empty in anticipation of our new tanks coming...tomorrow! I'll be sure to take some pictures so you can see what happened...Beer wise there is a new batch of IPA...called CCIPA . It's made with Cascade and Columbus hops. It's very pale in color but still packs a hop wallop. Come by and check it out... <br /><br />Cheers! <br /><br />ToddTodd Ashmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14820922232170674868noreply@blogger.com2