guys.  I know, I’ve been TERRIBLE about updating lately.  But give me a break, it’s been the holidays, and I’m

a lot more lately (one is not related to

other, by the way).

But I promise to you, I’m going to do the official tasting of my Kekse Christmas Cookie Mild (which turned out to be more mild than cookie), the Au Lait! Cream Coffee Stout is carbing as I type this, and I still have examples of all those Pro Brews on the right to taste (one of them is quite possibly the best beer in America, another tastes like sour cream and onion chips, and not in a good way).

BUT LOOK AT THAT PICTURE!  Very unexpectedly, my in-laws in Hawaii ordered me that never-used, charred white oak barrel (5 gallon capacity) with MY LOGO ON IT!  HOW COOL IS THAT!  All because I casually mentioned wanting one on my Facebook a couple months back, jokingly saying someone should get it for me as a gift.  I never thought anyone would because they are VERY expensive!

I’m not entirely sure where they got it from, but she’s pretty.

Anyway, now I have to think of something to make to put in it.  I have a couple ideas, but I would love to hear yours…largely because you probably have more home brewing experience than I do.  So fire away!