From Fridge Scraps to a 10% Belgian Strong Ale
A few posts ago, I shared my experiment with leftover brewing ingredients, odds and ends from past batches that I didn’t want to waste. I threw them together to create a Belgian strong ale, and somehow, it worked. The result? A dangerously smooth 10% beer that hides its strength behind layers of flavor.
But I’ll admit, my opinion only goes so far. Every brewer thinks their own beer tastes great. To really know where I stand, I call in “The Harvey.”
Meet “The Harvey”
“The Harvey” has been a close friend of mine for more than half my life. We met in high school, forgot his first name a few times (yes you read that right), and eventually circled back like most lifelong friendships do. These days, he lives close enough to swing by, share a few beers, and give me the kind of honest feedback every homebrewer needs.
When it comes to beer, The Harvey doesn’t sugarcoat. His comments in the past have included gems like:
- “Too flat.”
- “Way too bitter.”
- “Didn’t age long enough.”
- “Foamy as shit.”
And honestly? That’s exactly what I want to hear. Constructive feedback is how you grow as a brewer, you can’t take it personally if you really want to improve. It’s easy to find someone who’ll say “It’s great!” (the same way your mom tells you you’re handsome). But that doesn’t help you level up your craft.
The Verdict on My Leftover Brew
This time, The Harvey couldn’t find a single thing wrong.
No complaints. No off-flavors. Just a smooth, malty, deceptively strong Belgian ale that hit all the right notes.
He did point out how the amber color really popped, and how the beer’s strength was obvious in its warming finish. It was the kind of feedback that makes all the failed batches, flat beers, and frustrating experiments worth it. I am especially proud that this beer shined without a path and just pure creativity and leftover brewing stuff
Naming the Brew: The Gilded Gargoyle
When I get positive feedback from my beer critic, that’s when a batch earns a name. This one? The Gilded Gargoyle.
I’ll be bottling it soon in a few bombers and tucking them away in the back of the basement fridge, the “bad day stash.” It’s the kind of beer that’s only going to get better with time, one I’ll crack open for special occasions or when I need a reminder that persistence pays off.
In the meantime, I’ll be taking my 10 oz Belgian beer glass and enjoying from the keg for now.
If you’re curious how I put some of this swag together check out my write up here. Give Your Homebrew Personality:1 Easy DIY Beer Labels and Swag on a Budget
Takeaway
Every homebrewer needs a “Harvey”, someone honest, unfiltered, and genuinely interested in helping you get better. Don’t chase flattery, chase feedback. That’s where real growth (and better beer) comes from.
Share in the comments who you trust to taste your latest homebrew, or what feedback helped you brew your best beer yet.
And if you want to try leftover brewing yourself, check out Part 1: Brewing with Leftovers to see how I got to this point or check out how my first all grain brewing batch came together which spawned from using leftover My First All-Grain Brewing Day With 4 Hard Lessons I Learned.
Until next time.
Cheers!
Leave a Reply