Bubbly Mash

Well, we did it!  We made our first Mash yesterday! 

McGyver and his trusty friends plumbed in all the workings and things ran rather smoothly.  Just a few bumps here and there.  And mostly just things that will certainly get easier as we gain more experience with equipment and readings, etc...

But, for now, the mash is in the fermenter and it is bubbling away happily, on its way to being a nice beer for the still.  In just a few short days, Tom will be firing up the new stills for the first time and running out our first barrel of Bourbon! 

Recalling our visit to Kentucky and the Bourbon Trail, I feel like the "big boys" now that our cypress fermenter is filled with the live-action mash. 

Last night, the activating yeast sounded like rain.  This morning, it looks like something is breathing in there....blurbs of large bubbles send grains to the top of the mix while releasing the gases within.  The oatmeal-like mush thrusts and churns all on its own, while the heat from the tiny cells can warm your hand if you put it close to the surface. 

It's ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!  And we are thrilled!

Pictures will come when I can figure out why they won't post......And I did add some to our facebook page, so check there if you are interested!

Cheers!!!!!!