It is with a sad, heavy heart that I must announce that a dear friend is no longer with us. The last bottle of my first batch of beer was consumed this evening at a friend's Super Bowl party. My India Pale Ale left to accolades and several "I'll have another one, if you don't mind"s.

I'm actually quite happy that it was as successful as it was. I have a friend who has brewed 2 batches already, neither very successful.

I was a little worried about the brew I did yesterday as this morning there wasn't much activity. But by lunch time, the air lock has not stopped bubbling yet. There is a lot of activity going on in there, and that's definitely a good thing.

At the party, my friend's brother-in-law said he was inspired to start brewing himself. Ladies & Gentlemen, we have a convert!

I'm working on the photo essay of the brew right now and hope to have it up by the time I go to bed.