It's March - time to start a Marzen/Oktoberfest!

Made 6.25 gallons (at 80% brewhouse efficiency!) this afternoon. I was shooting for 6 gallons at 1.052 and ended up with 6.25 at 1.057. By the time I added my half gallon starter (I didn't feel like waiting for it to settle out), I had 6.75 gallons at 1.056. The basement is just a bit too warm. So I've got it in the garage (about 35) with a brew belt and blanket to hold it at 50. Will have to keep a close eye on it to make sure it stays around 50-53.

While I was waiting for the mash, boil and chill I also prepped and kegged/bottled my Black Pearl Porter from a month ago. I know - not the best timing, I need to work on that. I had about 5.25 gallons so I bottled a six pack and kegged the rest.

Spring (fall) is coming, so now we have to wait and see what happens with the Chilean grapes. I'm itching to get last year's wines bottled to make room for some more. I'm thinking around 10-12 gallons each of Pinot Noir and Cabernet, and 5-6 gallons of Merlot and maybe a Pinot Grigio.