Batch 73, Spring

This batch was made using what I had on hand, which wasn't much. It was a nice Spring day -- sun, then rain, then wind, then sun again.

10 gallon batch

18 lbs 2-row
1 lb 5 oz Crystal 10
1 lb 2 oz Oatmeal

Mash for 60 minutes at 148F.

3 oz Cascade, 60 min (6.6% AA)
2 oz Cascade, flameout

Wyeast 1272

OG: 1.055, actual 1.054
FG: 1.014, actual 1.016
IBU: 37
SRM: 5
ABV: 4.9%

April 3, transfered to kegs. More Spring weather today, sun, then clouds, now snow.

April 30, I added a vanilla bean to the second keg of this batch. The first keg was certainly drinkable, but sort of bland, at least compared to my usual hoppy brews. I thought the vanilla bean would add some interest, and in fact, it did. Now this beer tastes like cream soda! I'm sure the vanilla flavor will fade with time, but right now, it's fresh and tasty.

May 28, the first keg of this finally blew foam last night. I wish I had more. While it wasn't overly hoppy, it was easy to drink on a hot day. This is a good recipe, worth doing again. Like most of the other beers I've made, this one hit its flavor peak at around 2 months, so I probably should have held off on the vanilla bean. The vanilla has indeed faded in the second keg, and really, while it is an interesting flavor, I think I'd leave it out the next time.