project: moonshiners

There's a good deal about this organic farm gig that doesn't quite match the fantasy. Weren't there supposed to be more hearty sing-a-longs in the fields? Picking of wildflowers on the dusky stroll home? A strapping young farm hand to rub one's charmingly filthy feet?

None of those have materialized yet, although like a true daughter of my mother, you can pry my rose-colored glasses from my cold, dead, charmingly filthy hands. One night this week, however, a certain fantasy did materalize: we spent the evening bottling a tasty, homemade IPA. It's a little fruity, not too bitter, and yes, this is a thinly disguised personal ad. Here's a short guide to a fantastical evening:

1. Dive into a dumpster (or let your intrepid roomie do so) and grab some bottles:

2. Wash those bottles better than you do yourself:

3. Drain the water in a pleasing array:

4. Boil some caps:

5. Enjoy the (flat) fruits of your labors:

6. Use a fancy machine to put on the lids:

7. Pat yourself on the back and wait two weeks for bubbles to bubble:

8. Listen to some reggae tunes to lighten your load: 

fantasy: fulfilled!