The Waterfalls of Baños Ecuador Feed the Spa Pools
During a friendly game of Texas Hold ‘Em, I sat down stream to two Chicago expatriates, Tim and Jason. They had known each other for most of their lives and worked together at Baños, Ecuador’s only brewpub called Stray Dog Cervezeria (formerly La Cascada Brewery). Jason was the chef, Tim the brewmeister. After regaling them with our previous adventures in various wineries around the world and on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, we were invited by Tim to help prepare the grain for brewing Stray Dog’s signature Belgian Ale. Big fans of Belgian ales especially Trappist Beer, Neil and I jumped at the chance to measure grain, collect water from springs, and scrub bottles by hand.
Stray Dog Brewery Uses Malted Grains imported from Germany
Bottles soak overnight to remove labels and start the cleaning process
Rinse, Scrub, Repeat. 12oz. Bottles are a Commodity in Baños Ecuador
Brewmeister Tim collects water from the Banos Waterfall to start off the Belgian Beer
The Cascade Waters are Crisp with Almost a Carbonated Taste
Collecting Water at 10am at the Banos Waterfalls; Donations appreciated.
Virgen de Agua Santa Banos Ecuador
Hot Spring Pools in Banos Ecuador
Tim Preps the Next Batch of Belgian Ale for Stray Dog Brewery, Banos Ecuador
Grains for Beer are Hand Ground, 25 pounds total for one batch
Orange Peel and Hops Round out the Recipe for the Belgian Ale
Draining the Wort from the Mash, Tim Brews Beer (like this Belgian Ale) for the Stray Dog Three Times a Week
sending...
Hi Melissa:
Looks like you had a great time in Ecuador. I hope to get there in March.
You mention liking Belgian beer. If you’ve been to Belgium, you may like to take a look at my chocolate travel blog at diversionswithdoreen.wordpress.com/.
You’ll find me anywhere there’s good chocolate – which is why I’m heading to Ecuador!
Hi Doreen! There is a slight chance that I may be in Europe this July and into the fall. If so, i chocolate stop will definitely be in order. Any suggestions send them my way! I can do a chocolate tour with some Trappist to wash it down! Hope alls well! And thanks for stopping by!