Today was truly the last day of winter...

for me, anyway. I know the calendar says it is March 20th, but for me it was today because I drank my last bottle of Scotch Ale. Since I have been brewing with Ken, the Scotch Ale has been our winter staple. It has a malty, slightly sweet flavor, with a note of burnt chocolate, that is perfect for holiday and winter drinking. I must say though that I've had more than enough winter this year, so I am looking forward to spring and summer, and some crisp, hopped-up lagers.

Update on beer and wine goings on.

My friend Ken and I finished an English bitters, which I have never drank before, home brewed or otherwise. The beer is light-brown in color, with an off-white head. The aroma is fruity, kind of banana-like. When the beer first hits the palate, it is slightly sweet with licorice notes, which then ends with a bitter bite on the back of the tongue (thus the name). I don't think I will have any trouble finishing the case. We just started a Czech pilsner; I'll let you know how that goes.

As for wine, I currently have two going; a sauvignon blanc and a merlot, both from fresh California juice. Both have gone through primary fermentation, with the merlot also undergoing malolactic fermentation. I am now in the process of finishing the wines. The sauv has been stopped, and is undergoing cold stabilization (the wife hates that because it takes up most of the space in our basement fridge). The merlot is currently going through a series of rackings; this one won't be ready to drink until next Xmas! Wine definitely takes patience...