'Merica!

On this great day that is Independence Day, I'm reviewing a truly patriotic beer, an dry-hopped American IPA. I'm reviewing a beer that is very special to me because it is a beer that I made. It's my first home brew, and it's called Amateur Hour IPA.*

I have to admit, when the BrewsTraveller and I were brewing this beer we made a few mistakes (okay, we made A LOT of mistakes). I'm not sure why we made so many mistakes; maybe it was because it was our first attempt, maybe it was because we drank too many beers during the brewing process, or maybe it had something to do with the fact that we spent more time debating different names than actually reading the recipe. Whatever the reason, the fact is that we made so many mistakes during the brewing process, that after capping the last bottle and storing it out-of-site (to sit for the three weeks necessary for the priming sugars to properly bottle ferment and carbonate our beer) we both had serious doubts as to whether or not the final product would even be drinkable. After cracking a bottle (okay, more than a few bottles--you gotta do your QC right?) I am happy to report that against all odds, our first batch was a success!

Here's the rundown,
Color: Light, hazy, copper color

Head: Rich, thick, creamy, off-white head

Aroma: Hop-heavy (we used three different kinds of hops), and sharp, with pine aromas and a hint of green apple.

A.B.V.: Only God knows (one of our many mistakes involved eliminating any possibility of properly gauging the alcohol content. Using my acute powers of perceptions I'd have to guess it around 6 per cent. And if you're curious, the science behind said 'acute powers of perception' roughly translates to "well, I've had a few and I feel a little buzz, but not a big buzz...")

Okay, so subjectively speaking, it's not great, but after making it from scratch makes I feel it taste far better than if I had purchased it in a store. I can't wait to brew my next batch!

I hope you're enjoying a brew of your own today, whether it be home-brewed, craft-brewed, or hell, even mass-brewed. Whatever you're drinking, raise a glass, and cheers to the Red, the White, and the Brew!

-Prost!

D.Lux

*When it came to naming our beer, the only thing that Sully and I ever agreed on was that we should wait until we taste it before we make our final decision on the name. Since I'm writing this now and he's four thousand miles away in Spain, I'll take the liberty of going with the name that I liked best. :)