Mardi Bock

Behold the Mardi Bock, a reverent libation steeped in the rich traditions of German brewing and the spiritual fervor of monks. Picture a deep, mahogany elixir cradled in a vessel, a testament to the dedication of those Teutonic artisans who, like monks in meditative silence, craft this masterpiece.

As you raise the stein to your lips, envision the solemn Lenten season, where German monks toil with monastic devotion to birth this robust Bock Lager. Mardi Bock emerges as the triumphant celebration, a resurrection of flavors after the somber fast, akin to the joyous bells ringing in Easter morn.

A Blonde, two Redheads, and a Brunette

I currently have 4 gorgeous SheppyBrew Beers on tap.

A Blonde. A couple of Red[heads]. A Black beer (brunette)

 

Alex's Golden Paradise Tangerine Wheat (Batch 353)

My wife (aka the SheppyBrew Beer Model) and I have been talking about what beer we should brew next.

If you follow along on this blog, you may have picked up that the Beer Model will "help" me brew a few batches of beer a year.

It's a fun husband/wife activity that we can share.

Generally we try to make a beer recipe that she is more likely to enjoy, and generally she picks something I've already brewed. If not, I'm the one who comes up with the recipe.

She's sort of been playing around with ChatGPT, though, and she had "Alex" (for some reason, she feels the need to give her ChatGPT a name) come up with a few Wheat Beer recipes.

Through some iterating and getting my input, she ended up with a recipe I could put into Beer Smith and onto SheppyBrew.com

Alex's Golden Paradise Tangerine Wheat

McShepardSons Irish Ale

 🍺 Introducing SheppyBrew Brewery's McShepardSons Irish Ale: A Legend in Every Sip! 🍀

Embark on a whimsical journey with our McShepardSons Irish Ale, where the enchanting collaboration between mischievous leprechauns and ingenious gnomes unfolds in every frothy drop. Nestled in the heart of the emerald hills, our brewery becomes a magical realm where folklore and flavor converge.

Legend has it that the renowned McShepardSons Irish Ale is the result of a spirited partnership between the lively leprechauns and the industrious gnomes. Under the shimmering moonlight, these mystical beings gathered at the SheppyBrew cauldron, bringing with them a trove of secret ingredients harvested from the enchanted forests and hidden meadows.

N is for 4 Noses - Park Hill

Well ... we're rolling along through the fifth round of the A to Z Breweries Series of Posts.

It was only about 7 months ago (August of 2023) that I posted A is for AC Golden Tank Room.

And ... we just posted M is for Monolith Brewing at the end of February.

I'm sure you can figure out what that means. It means it is time for an "N" brewery.

According to the Colorado Brewery Map & List, we have quite a few "N" breweries in the Denver area, but of course we've already used 4 of them.

Even so, we had a couple to choose from and ended up going to ...

N is for 4 Noses - Park Hill

New SheppyBrew Store Items

Well ... as you know if you read A.I. Generated SheppyBrew Logo, I used some A.I. tools to help me come up with a new SheppyBrew Logo.

Since then, I added some items to my SheppyBrew Zazzle Store with the logo on them.

I've bought a couple of glasses, a bottle opener, and some stickers with the new Logo on them.

My Zazzle Store has never sold much other than items I've bought myself, but who knows ... maybe someday someone will want SheppyBrew Swag.

In the meantime, I like the items that I've purchased. I think the logo looks real cool on swag. I've been decorating lots of things with the stickers. 

If you'd like to check out what is available ... go to 

SheppyBrew Stuff

The new items are:

• SheppyBrew Logo Stickers 
• SheppyBrew Logo Beer Glass
• SheppyBrew Logo Bottle Opener

Arctic Vortex Winter Saison

Embark on a winter expedition with the Arctic Vortex Winter Saison 2024, a black saison that weaves a tapestry of dark enchantment. Pouring an abyssal black, this brew captivates with a promise of fruity hops and a silky black malt experience.

Aromas of dark orchards unfold as the fruity hop profile takes center stage. Blackcurrant, plum, and a touch of dried cherry create an enticing bouquet that foreshadows the depth within.

Upon the first sip, the smooth black malt reveals itself without the weight of smokiness or espresso. Instead, it offers a canvas of dark chocolate and a nuanced roasted character, providing a foundation for the saison yeast to shine.

February #7100MilesIn2024 Progress

As you know if you read #7100MilesIn2024, this year I set my Strava mileage goal at 7,100 miles and the elevation goal at 319,500 feet (11 Everests).

I promised that I'd report on my progress.

I was behind my plan after January by 50 miles (see #7100MilesIn2024 Progress), but knew that I'd catch up.

After coming short in January, my plan was to hit 450 miles in February to bring me to 800 for the year. Actually, my February total was over 550 miles, so I made up that deficit and more.

I've also made up a deficit on my elevation goal (#11EverestsIn2024). After January, I had climbed 16,299 feet. In February, I climbed 29,429 feet, putting me at a total of 45,725 feet gained for the year. My target was to be at 36,000 feet by the end of February.

So, now I'm significantly over my target. Of course, it is still early in the year. Who knows how my body and bikes will hold up over the rest of 2024. But, so far, so good.

 

2024 McShepardSons Irish Ale (Batch 352) and Chicken

I was originally planning on brewing McShepardSons Irish Ale this past weekend, but my son had an Ultimate Tournament, and I would rather watch him play when I have the opportunity.

St. Patrick's Day is coming up, and I wanted the beer to be ready to drink by the 17th. 

So ... rather than delay the brew day, I brewed it earlier than originally planned. 

February 25th.

This is the 2nd time I've brewed this beer, and is the 4th batch of beer I've brewed this year. It is the 352nd batch of beer I've brewed all time.

If you're interested in seeing the recipe ...

McShepardSons Irish Ale

Said Strumpet Czech Pale Lager

Ah, the Said Strumpet Czech Pale Lager, a name that titillates the imagination and hints at a brew with a story as intriguing as its flavor profile. This beguiling libation transcends the ordinary, weaving a tale of Bohemian allure that captivates the discerning palates of beer aficionados.

As you raise the chalice of Said Strumpet to your lips, envision a seductive dance of Saaz hops, each aromatic note a whispered secret from the fields of Žatec. The golden elixir cascades with a grace that could rival the most alluring of courtesans, a visual symphony that foreshadows the sensory indulgence awaiting within.

M is for Monolith Brewing

If I'm counting correctly, as of L is for Locavore Beer Works, I've visited 116 breweries as part of the A to Z Breweries Series of Posts.

Amazingly, most of those have been in the Denver area.

Even more amazingly, there are still tons of breweries in the area left to visit. 

I started with A is for Alpine Dog Brewing Company way back in March of 2015, so I've been doing this for basically 9 years.

9 YEARS! Where has the time gone?!?

And here we are moving on to my newest brewery visit .... as I mentioned in L is for Locavore Beer Works, we had already visited it when L was posted.

M is for Monolith Brewing

L is for Locavore Beer Works

If you've been following along on the A to Z Breweries Series of Posts, you know we are well into our 5th round of breweries.

We started round 5 with a bike ride to A is for AC Golden Tank Room, and just around a week ago we posted K is for Kodiak Brewery Bar and Grill.

If you have not been following along, check out the other A to Z Breweries Series of Posts, and I'm confident you'll pick up on the concept.

So ... since we finished up K, obviously up next we needed an "L" brewery.

According to the Colorado Brewery Map & List, we actually had quite a few choices for "L" breweries, and last Friday, we picked one out ...

L is for Locavore Beer Works

Spare Rib Coil

So ... Spare Ribs are one of my favorite meals to smoke.

They are easy to find and comparatively inexpensive, and when done right, they are delicious.

Not too long ago, I was watching the BBQ Pit Boys YouTube Channel, and they were doing "St Louis Beer Can Split Ribs".

And then ... a few days after that video, I saw them doing "Crown Pork Ribs the King of Ribs".

When I make Spare Ribs, one issue I have is the amount of space they take up on the grill.

It isn't really a problem when the kids are away (like they are now), and even when they are here, 2 racks is more than enough to feed us all.

But two racks pretty much takes up my whole 26 inch Weber Kettle, and it is a little crowded. I don't have room for anything else.

K is for Kodiak Brewery Bar and Grill

If you follow this blog at all, you probably know that we are continuing along on our A to Z Breweries Series of Posts.

If you have not been following along, you probably don't care, but real quickly ...

The SheppyBrew Beer Model and I have been visiting (mostly) Denver Area breweries by going through the alphabet, and choosing a brewery that starts with the letter we're on.

We've been through the alphabet 4 times and are on round 5 right now.

Sometimes, we won't have a good option that starts with the letter we're on, so we have to take "artistic license".

We sort of had to cheat like this to get a letter "J" in J is For BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse, and now we're on the letter "K".

K is for Kodiak Brewery Bar and Grill

2024 Mardi Bock (Batch 351)

I brewed in the garage this past (Super Bowl) Sunday.

We got a decent amount of snow again on Saturday, and so the back patio (where I usually like to brew) was covered, and I took advantage of the slightly warmer garage for brew day.

This is my 3rd batch of 2024. It's my 351st batch all-time. This is the 69th time I've brewed in my Anvil Foundry.

After Sunday, I've actually brewed this recipe (with minor tweaks, I'm sure) 4 times.

The day this posts will be Shrove Tuesday, aka Mardi Grad, aka Fat Tuesday, aka the day before Lent, and so it is an appropriate time to brew the  seasonal beer ....

Mardi Bock

Snowy Chuck

We got a ridiculous amount of snow last Saturday, and we spent a rare weekend day completely at home.

I smoked a Chuck Roast, kegged my Said Strumpet Czech Pale Lager,  watched the Bradley Braves defeat the lowly Illinois State basketball team (if you can't go to school, go to state), and sampled this year's Arctic Vortex Winter Saison.

And shoveled tons and tons and tons of snow.

I probably did other things too, but those are the highlights.

I kegged the 2024 Arctic Vortex Winter Saison the weekend before, and although I had already sampled it a few times already, Saturday was the day that I poured a fully carbonated pint to drink "for reals".

#7100MilesIn2024 Progress

As you know if you read #7100MilesIn2024, This year, I set my Strava mileage goal at 7,100 miles and the elevation goal at 319,500 feet.

I promised that I'd report on my progress.

 

J is For BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse

Here we are continuing along on our A to Z Breweries Series of Posts.

When I posted I is for Sanitas Brewing II a couple weeks ago, I mentioned that "J" is going to be another challenge.

The Colorado Brewery Map & List has a fair number of  "J" breweries, but I used all the local ones in previous rounds.

I considered using Jake's Brew Bar, which is close to us, but that isn't a brewery. 

My wife (aka the SheppyBrew Beer Model) thought we could do "J is for Justice, Lady" (Lady Justice), which she has been to but I didn't go to.

Last weekend (as I type this, not as of when it gets posted), we happened to be in Phoenix watching my son play in an Ultimate Frisbee tournament, and we had a decent break for Lunch on the first day.

We ended up at a Phoenix Brewery / Restaurant ...

J is For BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse

French Press

I got a French Press Coffee maker for Christmas.

I drink a lot of coffee. Before the French Press, I only made my coffee with a Keurig machine. Usually with the Biodegradable K-Cups I mentioned quite a few years ago.

I wanted a French Press for a few reasons:

• I thought it would be convenient to take on trips ... maybe even camping.
• I wouldn't use so many k-cups, which are more expensive than I think they should be.
• It seemed like it would be a cool way to make coffee.
• You can froth milk for lattes (more on this in a later post).

Said Strumpet Czech Pale Lager (Batch 350)

If you read Roll-a-Style 1 ... 3A. Czech Pale Lager, or follow SheppyBrew on Facebook or Instagram, you knew this was coming ...

I brewed Said Strumpet Czech Pale Lager a couple of weekends ago.

This was my second brew of the year and my 350th batch of beer ever brewed. If I'm counting correctly, it is the 225th unique recipe I've ever brewed.

It is the first Roll-a-Style beer I've brewed in 2024, and will help satisfy my current BJCP Goal.

For whatever reason, my other two Czech-style lagers have names inspired by the Pirates of the Caribbean movies (Ello Poppet Czech Pilsner and Scallywag Czech Dark Lager).

So ... continuing on with the naming trend, I named this beer:

Said Strumpet Czech Pale Lager