Robert --

Kind of difficult to judge differences between sauerkraut here and that in Poland when I never have tried any of yours that I am aware of, although I do recall being able to buy a lot of products from Poland when I lived in Chicago. We used to laugh that Chicago was the largest Polish city in the world. I know that I have not seen any sauerkraut here available "doctored up" with meat or mushrooms. Most people here just heat sauerkraut up right out of the can and would never think of using in a recipe such as the one I posted. While I can eat sauerkraut either way, I do prefer my version.

As for introducing the gas produced into my beer -- I think I will just let that pass (the idea, of course -- what were you thinking -- LOL).

Robert --

The long awaited taste test will be on Saturday, August 20! I just finished boiling the next batch using the same recipe as I did with the first one. Full report on how it tastes will be posted.

P.S. I HOPE there will be some left after the taste test. Kinda hard to put down 24 22 ounce bottles in one sitting, although I think I remember trying that when I was much younger and a lot more foolish

Robert --

I actually hope to get to the point where I begin a new batch every two weeks or so. It depends on how my friends take to the brew. Since many of them aren't into premium import beers, it may last me longer than I anticipate, but that is the plan. I am already planning to try a different recipe next time. I think that I mentioned earlier that I prefer lager beers but avoided them because of the need to ferment at cooler temperatures than ales. I found out that the "steam" style beers (like the Anchor Steam brand) are brewed with a lager yeast at the higher temperatures, so I will be buying a couple recipe kits for a California Steam from Midwest Homebrewing and Winemaking Supplies next.

I sure will

I just updated my blog at http://ncbrewer.blogspot.com/ to show pictures of the glassware and bottle opener I "commissioned" for the event of the grand opening. Well, "commissioned" isn't probably the correct word -- bought is probably more appropriate, but they have the logo for Bell's Beer which seems correct for what I brew.

Robert --

You drink with the toe down. It is funny to see someone try to drink it toe up (especially when it is a 1 liter boot). The air will seek out the highest point and when it goes into the toe when it is on top, it will drench your face in beer if you aren't watching -- LOL. BTW -- I have found that they are defective. Every time I look at them, they seem to have less beer in them than the last time -- must be some kind of leak!