If your only hobby is chukar hunting, chances are you’ve been bored these past several months. My guess, though, is that most of you have figured out what to do in the 8-month hell known as the “Off-Season” (isn’t “off” such a loaded word?). I know lots of chukar hunters fish during the summer, some mountain bike, scout for big game, work on their chess game or post-up or post-op moves, maybe do a little yard work or fix stuff you blame other people for breaking even though — let’s be honest — you screwed it up a long time ago and either forgot or were just too ashamed to admit it.
I’m either blessed with or a victim of my too many hobbies (it’s a sort of fluid state of being). These past several months, I’ve become pretty re-obsessed with a hobby I embarked on about 38 years ago when I did some basic math and realized I could circumvent the law and save money. Home brewing. It’s one of those things that can get out of control fast. I’m over that, although surprises wait around every corner. In this latest rupture, I’ve learned a lot of new stuff, including a new version of the same lesson I always seem to face: the rediscovery that I had no idea how much I never imagined I didn’t know.
Anyway, I thought I’d share a little of my off-season pursuit, especially since I conned Leslie into making a video of a recent brew day (my ulterior motive was to have some company in what is usually a pretty solitary endeavor). Enjoy the video!
P.S. If you like the bucking chukar logo, we hope to have hats and shirts by the beginning of chukar season…
Bob. I loved watching your brew day. That’s a heck of a cool setup. I have brewed a Italian Grape Ale, session Hazy, Rye Porter ( 1/2 with cocoa nibs), Saison, and a Wheatwine since the end of Chukar season. No where as sophisticated as you are that looks very cool. You’ve inspired me to get my own logo.
Thanks, Jeff. I love this setup, but look forward to the day when I control it instead of the other way around! You’re a far more daring brewer than I: Italian Grape Ale! Wow. I’m about to keg my rye IPA, and do my first blood orange IPA tomorrow, but have never tried much else, aside from some peat-smoked malt. I’m eager to try some “weirder” beers, but with 10 gallon batches, there’s more at stake. I’ve been thinking about getting a 2-gallon BIAB setup to try some more experimental things, but am feeling a bit over-equipped right now…
Right on, I’m a fellow home brewer as well. That’s a serious set up there! Now I’m inspired, I feel a brew day coming on as well. Put me down for one of those bucking chukar shirts as soon as they are ready. Cheers 🍻!
Thanks, John. Brew on!
XXL’s for us full-figured chukar hunter please! That shirt is sweet!
Ben, we’ve added your svelt-sized shirt to our list!
Impressive! What I have learned from this is that you are a far more interesting person than me! 😊. But, if I can put my name in for one of those shirts … I might elevate just a bit on the coolness meter. Size L. Thanks for sharing. Hope you have plans to hit the Missouri again this year. Take care!
Thanks for the kind words, Jim. I have to disagree with the comparison, though: anyone who can pilot a jet boat as skillfully as you up the gnarly twists and turns is plenty “interesting” (“insane” might be a better word!). We’ve found the vendor for the shirts, and appreciate your input. Next time you’re in the area, stop by for a pint!
Nice! I gave up on homebrewing a half a dozen years ago. Just too many irons in the fire. Besides, I like light beer 1/2 the year and dang if it isn’t hard to brew a good light lager.
Thanks, Adam. Yeah, my beers just seem to get stronger and stronger (my new system is way more efficient than before). I actually had a friend complain to me that my beers were too strong. Ha!