Brewing the 2019 X-Mas Ale (Batch 242)

Well ... not too long ago I posted "What will I make .... X-Mas Ale 2019".

I brewed the base beer this past weekend, but I still have not decided what my 2019 X-Mas Ale will be.

The recipe I have on SheppyBrew.com, calls for White Chocolate Flavoring, but I'm not 100% sure that is the direction I want to go.

I don't have to decide until the primary fermentation is done.

We'll see.

This past Sunday was very windy. There was a strong wind warning in area. So, I brewed in the garage.

X-Mas Ale 2019

I got started around 6AM, which isn't that early for me, but was before the sun came up.

The mash temperature was right on.

Pre-boil volume was right on. I measured the pre-boil gravity a bit high, so I diluted.

The boil went fine, although, my OG was low. I even made sure my refractometer was calibrated and double checked the OG with a hydrometer.

Either I added too much water to dilute, or I misread the pre-boil gravity. Or ... my evaporation rate is way off.

The lower gravity is fine, but I wish I knew what was going on here.

As has become the normal, I chilled to below 100 with the hose. I chilled down to 60ish by recirculating ice water with a pump.

I had the yeast pitched before 11 and everything cleaned up before 11:30.

As I write this, the fermentation is bubbling away. I'm still thinking about what I'll add to this to make it an X-Mas Ale. Stay tuned.

I should be drinking this by Thanksgiving.

As always, you can keep an eye on the regular SheppyBrew Channels to see what is happening with beer and other things: SheppyBrew's Facebook Page; Sheppy's Twitter Feed;SheppyBrew's Instagram Page; and SheppyBrew's Website. Of course, don't forget to visit this blog often as well!

Go Blackhawks...