white whales and wild yeast
on thursday the two APs and I headed over to meet up with ML at naja’s for russian river night.
- when we got there, it appeared that the entire city of LA suddenly HAD to have a taste of pliny the younger, russian river’s “white whale.” I’m not sure where they were last year at the IPA fest at naja’s, where PtY lasted all night on draft and there wasn’t a line to be found. looks like the craft brew explosion has finally made its way down (or up)…
- I got a kick out of watching the line for younger tickets outside while putting back temptation and consecration at the bar. when the night was drawing to a close I managed to grab a pour of the fabled nectar, which was much as I had remembered – a permeating hoppiness with a great malt balance and a full mouthfeel. worth the $8 pour? definitely. worth waiting in line for hours or buying off ebay from some fool who bottled a pint up in santa rosa? nope.
over the weekend I also managed to keg my cider.
- I blended the half-gallon batch from december (dry and somewhat vinous) with 2 gallons fermented in january (slightly sweet and tangy with great apple aroma). it should be perfect for the greek easter picnic in about a month.
- on the topic of cider, I also managed to score some bottles of isastegi sagardo, so expect a tasting update on that soon…
and finally, after reading pages of notes, experiments, and results, I finally decided to try my hand at wild yeast capturing.
- I made a small starter, lightly hopped it, and let it cool in three small jars on my outside balcony overnight (mid 40F temps). I covered the jars with paint straining material and took the jars in during the day.
- after a couple of days with no results, I poured the samples into my erlenmeyer flask and let it sit out during part of a cold morning (mid 50F temps) under my orange tree near some flowers. I took it back inside and when I checked on it this morning (24 hrs later), I finally spotted some yeast activity.
- I’m planning on giving it another week in its current solution, then stepping it up and washing it. with any luck, a truly local brew will be in the works soon!
Tags: cider, isastegi sagardo, naja's, pliny the younger, russian river, wild yeast capturing
