Since Brewing has become all but an obsession of mine over the past year it should come as no surprise that when asked what I wanted for Christmas I brought up some 'Cool Gadget' or piece of brewing equipment that I really wanted.
Making the leap into All Grain has opened me up to books upon books of cool new brewing stuff that 'I Just Gotta Have!'. I know I usually list my new swag in my monthly status report but I just want to take the time to Brag. Yes Brag about my Swag.
My wife was Very Generous...Scratch that...I just realized that everything she bought me is to keep me outside and not brewing in her kitchen. Hmmmm...In any case it's still really cool. She got me an 8 foot folding table specifically for brewing and an EZ Up Tent so that I can brew outside no matter what the weather is like. She also got me a new scale for weighing hops and grains, an inline propane gauge so that I know how much is left in my tanks, and one of my favorites a wireless digital thermometer. This thing is Really Cool! I can drop the probe in the mash tun or boil kettle (once I get a thermowell) and just walk away from it. The temp is displayed on a digital screen about the size of a cell phone that you can carry with you. This way I can keep an eye of my mash temp while getting other things together for my brew day.
Also for Christmas I got a set of Carbonator caps so that I can bottle beers quickly off of my taps and make sure they are carbonated for parties or for club meetings.
I also got a few gift cards which I used to order the last of the gear I needed for my kegging system. Including a CO2 Distributor and handle anglers.
All in All it was a very Successful...I mean...Joyous Holiday Season. Filled with Fun Family and of course BEER!
Cheers, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!