2024 Falling Leaves Autumn Saison (Batch 362)

Well ... as I mentioned in 1519 Barker Exportbier (Batch 361), I've been pretty busy with my #GCCUSA, and not brewing much.

As a result, my current beer inventory is lower than it has been in awhile. Sunday, my wife (aka the SheppyBrew Beer Model) killed the keg of 2024 Hail Storm Summer Saison (batch 359).

And, so, my beer inventory was two not-so-full kegs.

Before V is for Village, Greenwood, Downhill Brewing, we stopped by our favorite Homebrew Shop, and picked up some malts.

I wasn't actually sure I'd brew this past weekend, but I did end up decide to fire up the Anvil Foundry and get a batch of my Autumn Seasonal Saison brewed:
 

Falling Leaves Autumn Saison

#GCCUSA Jerseys During the #1200MileSeptember

I'm getting towards the end of my Great Cycle Challenge. As I type this, I still have just over 200 miles, which is a pretty big distance to bike, but I've ridden over 1000 miles.

You can donate or follow along at my fundraising page at:

https://greatcyclechallenge.com/riders/EricShepard

Back in August, I posted photos of myself wearing GCC Jerseys 2016 -2024 minus 2016, which actually fits my wife much better. 

Over the last 8 days, I've been wearing these jerseys and taking selfies of myself again. I thought I'd post them here.

V is for Village, Greenwood, Downhill Brewing

It is hard to believe we're so close to the end of the 5th round of our A to Z Denver Breweries series of posts.

I posted A is for AC Golden Tank Room only a little over a year ago to begin round 5.

And ...

I posted U is for GUanella Pass Brewery just at the end of last month.

Of course, according to the Colorado Brewery Map & List, I didn't really have any local breweries that actually start with the letter "V", but if you've been following along, you know we don't let that interrupt the concept.

Big V. Little v. What begins with V?

V is for Village, Greenwood, Downhill Brewing

1519 Barker Exportbier (Batch 361)

I've been pretty busy with my #GCCUSA and have not brewed in awhile. My last brew day (before this one) was on August 4th.

This year, I'm actually tracking to finish the year with less than 90 gallons brewed, which would be the least amount since 2014.

Luckily, I have not been drinking a whole lot of homebrew compared to previous years either, and I am fine on my beer inventory.

But, I did kill a keg of Summer Lovin' fairly recently and thought I'd like to brew a beer to give me a little buffer.

So ... I got a yeast starter going a couple days ago, and I decided to brew a rare workday-brew-day yesterday.

1519 Barker Exportbier

#GCCUSA2024 Half-way Done

September is half over, and everything is going well with my Great Cycle Challenge.

You can donate or follow along at my fundraising page at:

https://greatcyclechallenge.com/riders/EricShepard

I've surpassed my Fundraising Goal, and I'm on track for finishing up the 1,200 miles I've pledged to ride over the month.

Bacon Wrapped Tenderloin

Sometime over the weekend, I picked up some pork tenderloins from my local Sam's Club.

According to a search I just did on this blog, I've never blogged about making pork tenderloin, but I think maybe at least one of my Sheppy's Blog: Pork Loin posts may have actually been tenderloin.

It honestly doesn't matter. The only difference between how I would cook the two is that the pork loin would probably cook just a bit longer.

Anyway ... Tuesday, I wrapped these tenderloins in bacon, applied some rub and cooked them up on the Weber Kettle.

Guuud stuff.

August #7100MilesIn2024 Progress

 I'm running way ahead of the pace I need to accomplish my 2024 Strava goals ... #7100MilesIn2024 and #11EverestsIn2024.

In fact, I'm on pace to blow away my new Strava elevation goal, 348,384 (which is 12 x 29,032 feet).

If I continue on my mileage pace, I should be able to get more than 7,200 miles.

 

My first #GCCUSA2024 Century Ride

On Tuesday, I accomplished my first Century Ride since the Triple Bypass Ride back in July.

Yep, 100 miles.

That's right ... On my bicycle.

Yep, in one day.

No, my butt is fine.

Nope, I'm not crazy.

Yes, I know you don't like to drive that far.

I have committed to riding 1200 miles over the course of September. 

I always try to get a good start over the first few days and the long Labor Day Weekend so that I'm not worrying about miles towards the end of the month when who knows what the weather will be like or what else might be going on.

By the time you read this, I will probably have gone on several GCC rides. If you'd like to follow along or make a donation ... follow the link:

https://greatcyclechallenge.com/Riders/EricShepard

Labor Day Weekend SUP

My wife (aka the SheppyBrew Beer Model) and I spent the weekend up in the Breckenridge / Frisco / Dillon area over the Labor Day weekend.

One of the things we like to do when we're up there is spend some time on Dillon Reservoir on personal watercraft.

Generally, we bring one or two kayaks (depends on whether the kids are with us or not) and my wife's paddle board.

But, this year, our bigger vehicle was in the shop when we headed up there, and we decided to take a vehicle that does not have a roof rack.

This vehicle is not ideal for bringing a kayak, and we decided that we would pick up another inflatable SUP for this weekend.

N.T.S Faux Pilsner

N.T.S. Faux Pilsner is an innovative take on the classic Pilsner style, brewed with a twist that sets it apart. This beer is designed to mimic the crisp, clean profile of a traditional Pilsner while utilizing the unique characteristics of Voss Kveik yeast.

Grain Bill: The foundation of this beer is built on Pilsner malt, providing a light, straw-colored base with a subtle malt sweetness.

Hops: Noble hops, specifically Tettnang and Saaz, are used to impart a delicate bitterness and a floral, spicy aroma that is quintessential to the Pilsner style.

Yeast: Fermented with Voss Kveik yeast, this beer showcases a unique lemony ester profile that complements the traditional Pilsner flavors while adding a refreshing twist.

Brewing Process: The mash schedule includes a single infusion at 152°F for 60 minutes, ensuring a fermentable wort that leads to a dry finish. The beer is then fermented at a higher temperature typical for Kveik yeast, which enhances the ester profile without compromising the clean character of the beer.

Stats:

• Original Gravity (OG): 1.045
• Final Gravity (FG): 1.010
• Bitterness (IBUs): 26
• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 4.8%
• Color (SRM): 3.6

U is for GUanella Pass Brewery

Here we are ... already up to "U" on round 5 of the A to Z Denver Breweries series of posts.

As I mentioned in T is for Tilray Beer Brands, Littleton, I had no idea what we'll do for a "U" brewery. U was tough for rounds 1 - 4. 

I've used U is for Ursula Brewery (which doesn't exist anymore), U is for oUter Range Brewing Company (which isn't in the Denver area), U is for Upslope Brewing Company (which isn't in the Denver area), and U is for BlUe SprUce Brewing Company.

I was really struggling to see anything for this round.

Luckily my intelligent (and beautiful) wife (aka, the SheppyBrew Beer Model) came up with a genius idea ...

U is for GUanella Pass Brewery

Recent BBQ Photos

I have not posted much about my BBQ adventures recently.

I've been posting about Brewing and local breweries and biking.

Just no BBQ.

I believe the last time I posted about BBQ was over a month ago with Pork Butt Burnt Ends.

Of course, I have been cooking BBQ between then and now.

I thought I'd share pictures from some of those cooks.

On Sunday, August 11, I cooked some spare ribs on the weber kettle.

2024 Tribute Day Photos

We're getting close!! In September, I'll be cycling 1,200 miles in September to help raise awareness and money to fight childhood cancer.

It is called the Great Cycle Challenge.

If you'd like to help out, head to my "Rider Page" at 

https://greatcyclechallenge.com/Riders/EricShepard

 

Hail Storm Summer Saison

Style: Saison

ABV: 5.8% 
IBU: 27
SRM: 4.3

Description:

Hail Storm Summer Saison is a refreshing and complex farmhouse ale that captures the essence of summer in every sip. Brewed by industrious gnomes in the majestic Colorado mountains, this saison pours a hazy golden hue with a frothy white head that lingers beautifully. The aroma is an enticing bouquet of fruity esters, with notes of ripe pear, banana, and a hint of spicy clove, courtesy of the French Saison yeast strain.

T is for Tilray Beer Brands, Littleton

Honestly, you'd think that we'd have plenty to choose from the letter "T" on our A to Z Denver Breweries series of posts.

And, yes, according to the Colorado Brewery Map & List there are quite a few Denver area breweries starting with the letter "T".

However, we've already used T is for TRVE Brewing Company, T is for Two22 Brew, T is for Tivoli Brewing Company, and T is for Tommyknocker Brewery, and most of the other "T" breweries on the Colorado Brewery Map & List are too far away for just a brewery visit.

There is another local brewery I could use, but honestly, I've never thought this brewery makes very good beer, and I didn't really want to subject myself to beer I don't like.

So ... I am taking a little "artistic license" here ...

T is for Tilray Beer Brands, Littleton

S is for Seedstock Brewing Company

Remember when in A to Z Denver Breweries Round 4, I wasn't sure if there would be a "Round 5"?

Shortly after that, I posted A is for AC Golden Tank Room to begin our Round 5.

That was about a year ago as I type this post.

Well ... obviously we have been actively continuing our A to Z Denver Breweries series of posts, and as you know if you follow along on this blog, just a couple of weeks ago, we checked "R" off the list with R is for Reverence Brewing Company.

Obviously, this means the letter "S" was up next and this past weekend we hit the S brewery ...

Big S. Little S. What begins with S?

S is for Seedstock Brewing Company

GCC Hero Jerseys

If you follow me at all on this blog and/or Facebook and/or Instagram, you know I've been doing the Great Cycle Challenge for several years now (since 2016). 

Not too long ago, I posted photos of myself wearing my GCC Jerseys 2016 -2024. By raising at least $500 anyone doing the challenge earns these each year.

Well, I wasn't wearing the 2016 jersey because it is too small and I gave it to my wife. In 2016, I had never owned a bike jersey before and didn't realize they are not just sized like tee-shirts.

Anyway, in addition to the "Regular" jerseys in GCC Jerseys 2016 -2024, I also own four "Hero" jerseys, which are earned by raising at least $2,500 in that year.

I also have earned an "All Star" jersey, which I got when I had raised a total of $10,000 over all years of the challenge.

N.T.S. Faux Pilsner (Batch 360)

It's been pretty hot here in the Denver area the past couple of weeks.

Really hot this past weekend.

You might have noticed (I've probably actually said that on this blog) that I've been attempting to brew all the "SheppyBrew Seasonals" in 2024. I only brewed 9 out of 12 of the 2022 Seasonals and 8 out of 12 of the 2023 Seasonals.

My "August" Seasonal actually uses Kveik yeast, and as you probably know if you're familiar with Kveik yeast at all, it loves fermenting at hot temperatures. 80's 90's even up into the 100's

Well, all yeast likes fermenting at hot temperatures, but Kveik yeasts actually make nice tasting beers when you ferment hot.

Since it was hot, and I wanted to brew a "Seasonal" that loves hot temperatures, Sunday was a great day to brew.

N.T.S. Faux Pilsner

GCC Jerseys 2016 -2024

So, if you follow me at all on this blog and/or Facebook and/or Instagram, you know I've been doing the Great Cycle Challenge for several years now (since 2016). 

Every year, I pledge to ride a number of miles through out the challenge month. (originally in June, but it has been September since 2020).

I get donations for this pledge to raise money for the Children's Cancer Research Fund. If you'd like to donate, you can do so on my Rider's Page.

Everyone who raises at least $500 gets a "Free GCC Jersey", and I have one for each year that I've done the challenge.

Recently, I've been riding with all these jerseys (except 2016, which is too small for me) and taking selfies. I thought I'd share what they all look like in a blog post.

So ... here we go:

July #7100MilesIn2024 Progress

Thanks in a large part to all the training I've been doing for the Triple Bypass Ride, I'm running way ahead of the pace I need to accomplish my 2024 Strava goals ... #7100MilesIn2024 and #11EverestsIn2024.

In fact, I'm on pace to blow away my new Strava elevation goal, 348,384 (which is 12 x 29,032 feet).

If I continue on my mileage pace, I should be able to get more than 7,200 miles.

I have my Great Cycle Challenge coming up in September, so I probably won't slow down any time soon.

I also extended my #MetricCenturyEveryMonth streak with a couple of rides (including my Triple Bypass Ride).

Since July of 2021, I've ridden at least one 100 km (62.2 miles) ride. This makes the streak 36 straight months.

I'm sure I'll extend the streak in August as well.