Date: January-February 2007
Doughboy Draught
Digital and Plus Members OnlyAmerican Pilsners were bigger and hoppier in the past, right? Well, not always. In 1917 — near the end of World War I — Congress passed the Food and Fuel Control Act (also known as the Lever Act), which gave President Wilson the power to set prices on and direct the distribution of food and coal. Wilson shut distilleries, limited the amount of coal breweries could use and capped the alcohol percentage in beer to 2.75% by weight (about 3.4% by volume). Here is a classic American Pilsner an American infantryman (or doughboy) might have drank during training, before being shipped off to the trenches in Europe.
The Schizlitz
Digital and Plus Members OnlyThis is a beer formulated with some information I received about how Schlitz was brewed in 1975. I simplified this formulation by using flaked maize and specifiying that the beer be fermented at working strength, rather than using high gravity brewing.
Red, White and Brew Pilsner
Digital and Plus Members OnlyThis is a modern American Pilsner, though not an attempt to clone any particular brand.
Doughboy Draught
Digital and Plus Members OnlyLate WWI American-style Pilsner
Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company: Schlitz Gusto (circa 1960’s) clone
FREE1960’s-style American Pilsner, a clone of “The Beer That Made Milwaukee Famous”
Dixie Cup Boardwalk Belgian Quadrupel
Digital and Plus Members OnlyThis was the beer that was given to each of the attendees of this year’s Houston Foam Ranger’s Dixie Cup Homebrew Competition. The theme was Fredopoly, based on the board game Monopoly and in honor of our annual speaker and homebrew pioneer, Fred Eckhardt.
Mike’s “Devilish” Belgian Strong Golden Ale
Digital and Plus Members Only“You little devil, you!”
Salmon Creek Brewing Brother Larry’s Belgian clone
FREEIn 2012, Salmon Creek Brewing’s founders Ana and Larry Pratt sold their business. Today Old Ivy Brewery and Taproom stands in its place. Here is a recipe from Salmon Creek’s archives for their Belgian Dubbel.
Rhodan’s Back (Amber Acid Ale)
Digital and Plus Members OnlyAmber Acid Ale denotes a beer that ferments with many more microorganisms than traditional brewers yeast. It is considered a cousin of the Lambic.
DewBrew Flanders Red
Digital and Plus Members OnlyInspired by Rodenbach Grand Cru, New Belgium La Folie and Love, plus Pizza Port Le Woody. Formulated with help from professional brewers in America and Belgium that have experience with this style, this is an acid ale in all its glory.
West Flanders Red Ale
Digital and Plus Members OnlyA sour/acid ale recipe inspired by the brewers of the West Flanders region of Belgium. Brewers need to be patient for the proper acidity and character to develop in this beer.
Bottling Nitro Beers
Digital and Plus Members OnlyI have never shied away from taking pot shots at competitions. I brew beer to please myself and if by chance I get lucky and win a medal in a competition, great! If not, I don’t get too upset. The problem with competitions, in my opinion, is that their very nature forces beer to conform