I’ve been thinking about putting up an RIS because I really like a big, malty beer. My problems are twofold however. First, I need to actually make my BIAB bag. Second, my pipeline is still a bit narrow for the level of consumption being engaged in.

I brewed what probably qualifies as a Blonde Ale that will makes its way to bottles next weekend. It was a slightly more voluminous brew than I had anticipated because my BIAB is not yet dialed in. I also used a three (five?) gallon paint strainer as my bag. I had to stretch the elastic to near its breaking point to fit it around the lip of my kettle. The smaller–roughly eight and a half pound–grain bill fit more snugly than I would have liked. To do a proper RIS, I’d need to double the bill so want a much larger bag. I’ve got the voile. I don’t have the nylon thread or the patience to sew this myself. This may change this weekend as I could be brewing if I had all the equipment.

The second problem is less of an impediment but more painful. I have maybe a rack of the Nutter left to get me through the three weeks until the McBee’s Blonde can be served. (McBee’s–a play on BMC–designed to appeal to several BMC drinkers in the neighborhood) While there is more of the McBee’s by volume, I think it will also go quickly. I try to farm out at least a sixer to folks who stop by to help out on Brew Day. I tend to offer one to anyone who stops by the house. There is a party coming up next weekend which should decimate any remaining stock. McBee’s will be ready just before St. Patrick’s Day and I imagine I’ll bring a bunch to the neighborhood party. There isn’t anything else in production at the moment.

And an RIS is easily a three month project to drinkability. Six to respectability. Twelve to reach its zenith.

I’d like to have two in the fridge before I take on something with that kind of lead time. On the other hand, if I put an RIS up now it will be peaking for the 2012 holiday season.

So this weekend I resolve to either sew my bag and/or do a smaller stout, either a dry or an oatmeal if LHBS has chocolate roast in stock. If they don’t then I guess make an online order and then wait until next week where it will be difficult to fit in a brew day.