I wasn't sure if I was gonna make it this year and thankfully things have come together.

For beer I am bringing a dozen of each of the following.

Pumpkin Stout: I'm very proud of this one. Last time I attempted to brew one I went too heavy on the pie spices and ended up with a beer that tasted a bit too much like a Yankee Candle. This one is more subtle, and very sweet, with maple syrup used as the carbonating sugar. Made with one huge 20 pound Vermont organic pumpkin that was oven roasted before mashing in with the grains. Full bodied for sure. All home grown Cascade hops in this one.

London Porter: Very malt forward using Fuggles and home grown Cascade hops, roasted barley, and dark malts. A short high temperature mash results in a very sweet full bodied beer. English ale yeast contributes nicely to this one.

India Pale Ale: In the tradition of casked IPA this one has been maturing for the longest, and was fermented with oak to add character. Using East Kent pellets and fresh Cascade and Centenial hops, Burtonized water, and all pale grains this was my first attempt at an IPA since reading a whole book cover to cover on the IPA style. I would be very happy with this one if I have not since discovered myself capable if creating even better tasting hoppy beers.

Fresh Hop Pale Ale: Made with fresh Cascade and Centennial hops from the back yard, still alive and kicking as they went into the mash tun, kettle, fermenter, and the bottle. This ale epitomizes the smell of a fresh plucked hop crushed to the nose. I used hops in every stage of brewing, and it's such a lovely beer it breaks my heart every time I down one. If every beer I brew or drink for the rest of my life had to be the same, I'd stick with this one if I do say so myself. Indeed, as my stash diminishes I wonder with worry if I will ever produce a beer so lovely and hoppy as this one.