A Brewful Holiday

When Monty told me that one of the side-effects of homebrewing was an always-ringing doorbell, I figured that had something to do with the relationships he had with his particular neighbors. But now that all of the fermenting & such is finished for Batch Bet, it's becoming clear that half the fun of making beer is sharing it at opportune moments.

I brought a six-pack of the freshly minted 2JB pumpkin ale to my parents' house for Thanksgiving, chilled it in their extra fridge and brought out the bottles for the cocktail/appetizer hour. I'd originally thought there'd be some mild interest from most of the gathered family, along with a smaller core of fans who'd want a bottle.



It only took a few minutes to realize that six bottles of 2JB wasn't going to cut it. Everyone wanted in on the action! So I distributed small portions in paper cups to everyone from my grandmother on down (saving meal-time bottles for my bro-in-law and me). Uncles, aunts, cousins, parents and sibs all agreed that it was a fine, thankful brew.





A couple of days later, the missus and me had a few friends along for a night of leftovers...and wouldn't you know there were requests all 'round for some 2JB. So out came more bottles and more happy drinkers.

(Oh, and btw: I thought it turned out great...a solid, clear beer with the right touch of the flavors we'd added in.)




So here we are on the last day of November, and I think I've got 4 bottles in the refrigerator and 4 or 5 more coming to me from Nahum's basement (I know he's been spreading the holiday cheer at his family & friend meals, too). And that's it - Batch Bet is nearly as gone as Batch Alef...which means next weekend we have to get the next brew rocking!