Barleywine is in Bottles!

So yesterday we decided to bottle the barleywine. It has been pissing down snow for days and frankly there was nothing better to do. All together we bottled 24- 22oz bottle and 6- 12oz bottles. Not bad. After trying the leftovers from the hydrometer reading I discovered it really does have some punch to it. My 22's will have to be shared I am thinking. Anyway, next step on to the Bock!

What a Mess!

This brew seems determined to make a mess! Of course the pictures don't show it but Death by Barleywine can certainly overflow a blow tube and bucket system. The local brewmaster was absent all day yesterday (turkey to be eaten and all) and by the time his assistant brewmaster got back to the house a huge puddle of brown ooze was waiting for her. This ooze had overflowed the blow-off bucket and was making a puddle in the tub it was proudly brewing in. This pretty much is the entire reason The Bathtub Brewery does it's brewing where it does. Too much worry about a big sticky mess. You should have seen the frustration the first time we had hop-break. Not good people, not good.

Here is the current look at Death by Barleywine. Looks pretty nasty and we are only 2 days in the primary fermentation process. All that crud has to sift itself out. No crud in our beer!

Where the magic happens.

The Bathtub Brewery was established in Sam and Eric's tub because there really is no other safe place to keep the equipment away from little people and four footed babies. We considered keeping it in Lucy's room but ultimately thought that might not look too good. Our other option was in the downstairs room but there is a lot of traffic and the tub seemed the best fit. Plus, if we do have an explosion/seepage issue then the drain is right there to take care of it. Of course it helps that our tub is rarely used and is not attached to our shower. The final benefit of the tub, perfect brewing temperature. When it is too cold (like in the garage) the fermentation will not occur so our bathroom and tub are kept at the optimal brewing temp. Stay posted for secondary fermentation and bottling! Riveting information people!

Death by Barleywine

Today we started our batch of Death by Barleywine. What better place to start the brew than in the front yard. Yes-siree-bob, that makes us about as hillbilly as they come in this part of Washington. We are using our new setup and loving it. Nothing like a little homebrewin' to usher in the holiday spirit. At this rate we will get to enjoy the brew sometime in March. This batch has a super long aging process so it is better to get it started now. Maybe the tasting will be for Eric's birthday. That would certainly make for a hoppin' party!

The best little brewmaster's apprentice EVER!

Coming soon: The explanation of why is it a bathtub brewery?!?

Rockin' Red Report

Tried the Rockin' Red last night. I found it a bit cinnamony and packed a big punch. It is growing on me though. I think I will have to try a few more before I completely make up my mind. It is certainly not your typical beer!

The Brew History

The Bathtub Brew has been in existence since March of 2008. The equipment was a 30th birthday present from Sam. Apparently I needed a hobby and she was tired of all the money I was spending on beer.



Sam got a great deal on used Scuttlebutt bottles from a batch that had gone bad. All of my supplies came from Homebrew Heaven as I like to call it "the promised land." The bast thing about Homebrew Heaven is that it is in Everett so it is super easy to just run by and get supplies when we need them.


Our first batch of beer was the West Coast Blonde, we have also brewed a batch of Beer (that is the name of it), British Pale Ale and Rockin' Red. The Rockin' Red is just now in bottles and will be inaugurated tonight. I will give you the recap in my next post. As for the reason behind the title, hang on, I will get to it soon. I wouldn't want to give away all my secrets on the first date.

Bring on the Dead Man's Brew

We just got ourselves a new turkey fryer/beer making pot! It was on sale for $44.99 and is going to be great! Of course it was missing some nuts that we are now trying to contact the company for but it should be great. Next up on the brewing agenda is some Death by Barley wine. Should be fun!

Enjoying the Brew

What better to do with some homebrew than share it with your friends! It also makes for a nice conversation piece.