E69 Brewin' Til The Cows Come Home

Home Brew Rock Stars Podcast

“You can't share your magic with everyone. Your job is to live within your magic. And if other magical people find you, then let’s go and make a brew”. - Brian Tyree Henry

Happy New Year and Welcome back to HomeBrew RockStars Episode 69 part 1 - “Brewin till the cows come home”. It’s been a bit since our last show but we are all fired up for the 2021 year!

The guys Brent, Kent & Mike discuss what they currently have on tap & on deck on the home front and in the Bat Cave, sounds like they have been busy! Sears also wonders if he has truly damaged his Hippocampus region…

In this episode we chat with member on hiatus of the Forest City Brewers and now pro brewer Jon Lambert. Jon is the head brewer at Hairy Cow located in the town in Byron IL overlooking the scenic Rock River in Ogle Co. Hairy Cow just celebrated their 2nd anniversary! We discuss Jon and Hairy Cow’s journey through the hills and valleys of opening a brewpub/restaurant in a small community, their business plan adjustments along the way and Jon’s relationship with friend and business partners Todd McLester and Jim Orlando. Jon also touches on the local pro brewing community, local hops, Chicago area yeast producers Omega and distilleries that have their spirits proudly featured at the Hairy Cow full bar. The Hairy Cow is worth the drive down scenic route 2!

Jon brought a couple of beers to enjoy during our visit. The first is Dos Dookies (fun name!) a milk stout with an ABV of 6.4% and IBU of 25. It is a rich and full-bodied beer with strong chocolate and hints of roast. A perfect beer for the cold mid-western nights, “Life is brewtiful”. The second beer we sampled is Hairy Cow’s anniversary beer aptly named Artdus II, a winter lager with an ABV of 7.2% and 30 IBU. A very drinkable spiced Christmas lager brewed with ginger, orange peel, cinnamon, and local Miz Bee Haven honey. This brew will guarantee to make the Christmas season last a bit longer!

A big Happy New Year to our sponsors who we are glad to see are still hanging tough in these trying times. Keep up the good work gents! If you are looking for a great craft beer and some of the best vegan food in the state line? Try Pig Minds Brewing and check out the new addition that opened just recently, looks awesome guys! Seeking a hard to find commercial craft beer, wine or spirits to take home or as a gift? Stop in to Artale & Co, Anthony and Aaron have plenty of great ideas. When you are ready to brew up one of your favorite homebrew recipes or start a new indoor gardening project stop in to 815 Gardens and Brewing, Bob will be happy to help. And don't forget to swing by Urban Forest for some of the most creative craft beers anywhere!

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Prost! #drinkitup