Home Brew #1

So yesterday I started my first home brew. After designing a Saison, loosely based on the amazing Brooklyn Sorachi Ace (I say loosely as we used Citra/Amarillo hops as we couldn't get hold of any Sorachi Ace hops) the brewing began. Aiming for around 35 IBU's and 6% abv (gravity was 1.058 so should be meeting the 6%) came out slightly darker than I hoped but maybe that will change as fermentation takes place.

There was more science involved that I originally thought, but found Brewers Friend IBU Calculator very helpful amongst others. I look forward to getting more comfortable with the process, and getting used to the different tastes I can get through differing hop addition times and malt basis.

It also goes without saying I am looking forward to trying this beer and to sharing it with my friends (if they are willing)

Here are some photo's from the day;

Splitting up the Citra and Amarillo (From right to Left: 60min, 30min, 15min, 2min) 

Draining the Wort (after 90 mins at 145F)

Hops boiling up nicely 

Run Away.

Full stream of Jamie XX's remixed Gil-Scott Heron album. Released on the 21st February, going to be one of the albums of the year for sure. Gil-Scott Heron is an inspiring artists in his own right, combine his mesmerizing voice with the unique producing style from Jamie XX and you have a recipe for success.

Check it:

Capital Punishment

Nice art from Dave Kinsey

Boardwalk Empire CGI

Awesome example of CGI. Cool to see how such a brilliant show is put together. Only caught the first two episodes after putting it off for a while due to prior commitments to The Wire Season 3. Awesome casting, especially Stephen Graham playing Al Capone, quality stuff!

Boardwalk Empire VFX Breakdowns of Season 1 from Brainstorm Digital on Vimeo.

First venture into home-brewing

So the ingredients are ordered and the date is set, Monday 14th February, Valentines Day. A day where chemistry is rife and temperatures rise. Fellow collaborator and veteran Toadie, Will Inman, and I, have decided on a Saison (Belgian Farmhouse Ale) with an American hop kick.

We have Maris Otter Malts and Pilsner Malts representing 'Team Malt', a vial of WLP550  Belgian Ale Yeast to look after the yeast side of things and Amarillo and Citra hops to give us what we expect to be a citrus/clove spiciness along with some huge hop character of the Amarillo.

As my first attempt at home-brewing I don't really know what to expect. I know I can't wait start brewing though and I will keep you updated every step of the way.

America vs. Sweden

Two meals. One from Sweden, one from America. I know I'd prefer the bacon nachos and Patron Guac, although the hygiene in the Swedish video is superior.





I guess we just have to put this one down to cultural differences and move on.

This is why I made this Blog

This is what I should be doing with my life. A re-edit of Shaun Pettit in 'The Way I See It' can be found here. This guy is absolutely ridiculous. There is nothing more to really say about it apart from ENJOY.


Go to skimovie.bnqt.com for more videos.