Yes, I'm Still Alive

It's been quite a while since my last post, and that may give some insight as to how busy domestic life can be. Between the kids and their activities and remodeling the house, there's not a lot of time left over. Fortunately, almost all of our current remodeling projects are completed and with the kids at Camp Grandma, I finally had a free day to brew. My first Saison, and at 90% efficiency and 14 pounds of grain for a 5 gallon batch, this one may top out over 9%. Details to follow.

Updated 1/7/14: So the grand unveiling of this beer was planned for my 30-year high school reunion on September 14th. A friend from high school, Brooks Smith, designed the label art, and another, Peter Eipers, suggested the name, Saison de la Perle. After spending most of the evening at the reunion, we headed back to Brooks' place in the wee hours and popped a few open. For only having been in the bottle about a month, it was pretty good, but having since tasted it after more aging, it got DAMN good. I'll have to remember that either this style or strength beer needs some maturation. I'll have to slot this guy on the calendar and have the time to rest it for the next brew, and ship some to both Downers Grove and Alabama.