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Maifest was good this year. I was very concerned about the weather forecast on Saturday, because it included sleet. The day started cloudy, but around noon the clouds broke, and it became very nice and sunny. We had a fair amount of people down here at the brewery. For some reason, I always expect oktoberfest size crowds, but they never seem to show up. But it was better than last year, and almost as good as two years ago.

There is plenty of Maifest left! Its such a good beer this year, don’t miss out on it. It really just does not get the attention that it deserves. Its definately one of those beers that the beer geek really appreciates, but the average consumer just doesn’t realize what it is that they are missing out on. Ahh I would like to explain, but maybe i’m too much of a beer geek?!

I spent the better part of the day with the Thirsty Homebrew Club in Iowa City. It was the American Homebrewers Association’s Big Brew day, and the brew this year was Double IPA. Naturally they had a few commecial examples of this “new” style for people to drink while we watched Susan Walsh, the club leader, brew up a batch outside of her house. One of the beers was the much lauded, but very hard to find, Dogfish head 120 minute IPA. It is an astounding 20% alcohol! I have to say, it was a very smooth, hoppy…. Port. It really is hard to call it beer! It brought back memories of similar beer I had at the Great Dane a few months ago.

A more normal selection was the Three Floyds “Dreadnaught” double IPA which was very hoppy and enjoyable. Also we had a Stone Ruination Ale, and some homebrew, including a “gruit” which is a traditional beer made with yarrow instead of hops. Kevin had brewed an excellent Beire De Gaurde (a belgian style) hopped with Sterling hops, I found it very intriguing. I love being exposed to new hops!

And so now it is Monday and we are back to brewing. Today we are brewing up a batch of wheat beer. Its wierd how normal brewing has become to me.

The Chef of Delgato’s, 41 E. 1st St, Riverside, Iowa stopped by today. I had a nice little chat, and showed him the brewery. He is a big fan of beer. I told him I didn’t know there was a good place to eat in Riverside (just south of Iowa City, also known as the future birthplace of Capt Kirk). Apparently they are serving some very good BBQ Ribs. I will have to get down there soon, i’m a big fan of interesting little restaurants!