January 2021 – Oswyn's Musings

Around Christmas, I started an experiment. I wanted to determine which yeast I wanted to use for my ciders. Or at least, know what to expect from those yeasts when I use them. Plus, I thought it would be a good tasting class to pass on that knowledge. I like doing that: I do the experiment so you don’t have to.

I have 11 kinds of yeast. Basically everything Fermentis makes plus, good ole EC-1118, and the Red Star line. I am using Old Orchard Frozen Apple Juice concentrate and making 1/2 gallon batches. Everything is the same except the yeast in each batch.

My hope is to have this done in time for next Chieftains. That should be easy. Why there? B3R (Barony of Three Rivers) has always greeted me kindly with my drinking/brewing classes and frankly, Chietains 2020 was my last event before lock down and COVID. So I think it makes sense to pick up where I left off.

Look for more about this as I make the ciders!

I recently applied for a badge and a household name. I then decided I should update my personal favors.
Previously, I used fused glass squares and I may continue to do so. I am especially interested in doing so because a few friends have chosen to wear said tokens as jewelry. I am so honored that they have done so. But as Oswyn Swann evolves, so should the things that represent him.

These are my new favor tokens. They are 1/8 dram (~1 ml) glass vials filled with my Pinot Noir vinegar. There is a tiny label and I just got the wax sticks to seal the cork.

One of the things I wanted to do with the favors is make sure to say who the thanks is from. I have made favors which I have sewn to my shoulder bag. I don’t remember who gave me most of them. I wanted to make sure they whomever remembers who it is from. Unfortunately, the recipient will have be creative to attach it to something but it is not impossible.

Month: January 2021

The Cider/Yeast Experiment

Making a Vinegrier – Part 6 Favors