Homebrewing

[mjmeehan]

It is a subject that came up this weekend on another thread and maybe a hobby that others are into. (I'm wondering how many are out there).
So I ask, are there any other homebrewers here? Beer, wine, mead... whatever.
Maybe we could PM a few recipes back and forth, exchange ideas, or wonder if we really need another expensive hobby!?

[Tony_in_NYC]

Is home brewing expensive? What does one need to begin making beer? I already have a taste for the stuff and I am better at drinking than I am at playing guitar, but I still build those!

[deadedith]

Maybe a silly question - but, does it taste as good as the store bought good stuff?
DaveB

[tippie53]

My Dad used to make beer. I remember it to be very good but did have more of a kick than store bought. He started with a kit and worked up to his own recipes . It is a great hobby and better than lifting a mask when sprayin.

[deadedith]

What is the relationship between flavor and alochol level? I've tried the no alcohol beers and PLEASE!!!! they really suck.
But I love the taste and quenching power of a great tasting, cold, hoppy beer on a hot summer afternoon. So what determines the taste and texture and how is that related to the alcohol level?

Another hobby, good grief. :-)
DaveB

[Ken Hundley]

I used too, and need to get back into it. I started brewing beer, mostly kits. First batch was horrible, but I didn't have the heart to throw it out....It was a brown ale, like newcastle. 6 months later, I was broke one night (on of many) with no alcohol, and no money to buy it. I had worked hard all day, and really just felt like a beer. Then I remembered I had my brew, so I stuck one in the freezer, and 5 more in the fridge. Half hour later, I tasted one of the best damn beers I ever had. It aged. Now, when the recipe says its ready, I leave it at room temp in the bottle for one month before I even think of chillin it down again and drinkin it. Great hobby, and it is stronger than normal beer. How good it is depends on how sterile your rig is, and then on the recipe. Great idea to start this topic.

[darren]

It is a great hobby and better than lifting a mask when sprayin.

funniest thing I read all day!

[mjmeehan]

Ah, Ken! I think I was there that night! I sure had one just like it!! And you're absolutely right... Sterility to beer is like 1/32 measurements to luthiers... details, details, details.

Tony, the expensive is relative, I suppose... Look at what we're doing now! Without initial equipment buy in you're looking at about $50 average per 2.5 cases of 12oz. beers, more expensive than your average brew, but it's yours and you've made what you like. I'm a microbrew fan but my beers are still my favorites, and my friends too. If you have a local homebrew shop, and I'm sure you do, they can help you out.(and these folks know their stuff!). I would estimate the equipment buy in to be about $125(max) plus ingredients.

Dave, You can get great tasting brews with lower alcohol...and there are many different ways...but the real flavor comes from the grain and hops. NA brews are beer with the alcohol "filtered" out (they still contain some alcohol). Grains contribute to alcohol content but flavor too... hops add flavor, bitterness and aroma but no alcohol content. So,long answer short, if you can like a light colored beer with lots of hop character you're in business. Beyond that you've posed a very complex question!

[Ben-Had]

I used to do it when I was 16 because I couldn't buy the stuff. Gave it up when I turned 18 and legal (yes 18 was legal back then Tony!!)

Tim B

[bjmsteve]

What a coincidence! I just started brewing a few weeks ago. I did brew in my youth but did not have time to keep it up until recently.
I am up to testing my 2nd batch --an Irish stout. Very successful. My first --a Pale Ale was also very good. My guitar building was a bit on the back burner here in Brisbane with dreadfull humidity.
My advice to anyone interested is :-
1. Do a fair bit of research online and at your local supplier.
2. Check out the online forums where there is a plethora of information and people of experienc willing to share their Knowledge.
3. Do not be afraid to Ask questions on the forums. THe were all beginners once.
4. Get the essential equipement --fermenter, airlock, thermometer, racking cube or second fermenter, sanitizer, bottles/caps, aand hydrometer.
5. Start with a kit or full wort kit ( if available ) and carefully follow instructions
6. Progress to full grain ( scratch build ) if you wish. But there is nothing wrong with sticking with kits and letting the pros do some of the hard and tricky bits.


All sound familiar?