My cousin Michael came over yesterday afternoon to help me break in my new Turkey Fryer beer brewing rig. On the agenda was an IPA I have named "Old Red Cat". Having done this in the past in a two gallon stock pot on a burner in the kitchen I have to say that there is nothing like working outside over a 7 gallon kettle with a propane burner. Anyone who has ever experienced a boil-over while brewing in their home knows what a stress reliever working outdoors on concrete is, and Monica can't complain about the smell.
And now, for the recipe.
Steep 1 lb of caramel malt in a grain bag in 2 1/2 gallons of water while it is heating, removing just before it comes to a boil (I dropped the bag into the primary with the other 2 1/2 gallons of water during the rest of the brewing process). Once the water is boiling add 4 lbs of light malt extract, 4 lbs of light dry malt extract. 1 oz of Columbus hop pellets and 1 oz of Brewers hops. Return to a boil and boil for 20 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon of Irish moss and insert your fancy new drop-in copper wort cooler, continue boiling for another 10 minutes. Add 2 oz Cascade hops boil for 10 more minutes, cut the heat and cool the wort (that chiller dropped 2 1/2 gallons for wort from 212 degrees to 70 degrees in a matter of minutes). Add the boiled wort to the primary with the other water (having removed the grain bag) straining it through a sanitized kitchen strainer. Pitch an activated packet of American Ale yeast and cover.
OG: 1.060
This batch was rapidly fermenting bright and early the next morning. I can hardly wait.
