Starting to homebrew

I love beer. I really love really good beer. You might even consider me a beer snob. Or at least a beer geek.

And I’m a homebrewer. I brew really good beer (says me). And I really enjoy brewing.

In my beer exploration adventures, I’ve come to realize that not all beer geeks are homebrewers, and not all homebrewers are beer geeks. Both sides obviously revere good beer, but in different ways. And then there are those who overlap.

So, before I delve into homebrewing, do me a favor and take a poll. I want to see how much geeks and brewers overlap.

Take the poll. Then come back.

Welcome back.

Carboy of a Black Butte Porter clone

For those who already homebrew, feel free to continue reading. Because, you know, I write good.

Homebrewing is a great way to express your love of beer. Many people will tell you it’s cheaper than drinking beer, and that’s why you should homebrew. Honestly, I don’t think those people homebrew. Or, I just spend a lot on the hobby. I guess giving away all my beer all the time might make it cost more. Maybe it is cheap. Who knows.

The joy of homebrewing, for me, comes in creating something that I enjoy. It’s also something you can share with others, both in the creation process and in the final product. It’s a topic of discussion, and something to bond over.

Also, you’re making beer. Beer! How cool is that!?

The initial costs aren’t too extreme. You probably have some equipment at home already. Most people start off making extract batches based on a kit, which are much easier, much faster, and way harder to screw up. It’s a good way to learn the process without worrying about the science and art just yet. Think of Chem101 or something. They don’t teach you how to make cool things blow up until you know how to make them NOT blow up.

32 quart kettle full of wort

One thing you’re generally going to need that most equipment starter kits don’t contain is a kettle that can hold 3 gallons (12 quarts). A 5 gallon kettle is good, because you don’t want 3 gallons of your concoction boiling over a 3 gallon kettle. Equipment starter kits range from around $60 on up. I’ll link you to some online shops, but I highly suggest going to your local homebrew shop. The people there will be an invaluable resource in your homebrewing journey.

Most starter kits should have some or all of the following, with some differences here or there:

• Fermenting vessel (either a glass carboy, Better Bottle, or Ale Pail)
• Air lock / lid for fermenter
• Siphoning tube
• Bottle Capper
• Thermometer
• Hydrometer
• Bottle Filler
• Caps
• Instructions / Book

Some equipment starter  kits:

• Northern Brewer
• Midwest Supplies
• Austin Homebrew

Grains for my Rye Dry Stout

You’ll also need your first batch of ingredients. Definitely start with a kit for this as well. As you start to learn more, you can create your own recipes, but at the start, it’s best to use a kit. There are also a lot of resources online and in books that can help you find a clone of your favorite commercial beer. Maybe there’s a stout you really like, but it needs more chocolate? Find a clone recipe, increase the chocolate, and you’re good to go! All those sites I listed above have recipe kits as well. Again, your local homebrew shop will have all those things as well, and people to explain it all. A basic ingredient kit should run about $25-35. An over hopped imperial IPA all-grain might be closer to $60.

Eventually, you’ll need bottles to package that yummy beer you just made. You have a few options here. One, start saving bottles. This means you have to drink enough beer to save 48-60 bottles. Call some friends. Get on that.

You can also go to your local beer bar or brewery and ask for some bottles. They generally just throw them out, so you might as well put them to a good cause.

You should also get some books. The internet is a wonderful resource, but it’s nice to have a book in the kitchen as a quick reference. I wrote about a few books I have here. There are many more. They make great coffee table books too. “Hey, what are you reading?” “Oh, you know, how to homebrew. I make beer.” It’s a great conversation starter. That’s why I brew.

Kidding.

There are a lot of terms and names for things that won’t make sense at first. Search online or open one of those books you bought. Some things you’ll hear of include kettle, carboy, hydrometer, wort, krausen, sani, and a boatload more.

It’s very possible to brew on your own, but brewing with someone else is much more fun. Invite some people over! Share a previous batch you’ve made, or some good commercial beer if you haven’t made any of your own yet. The rule of thumb is that you must have a homebrew in hand while making homebrew. Don’t break the rule.

There are some great resources online for quick questions, discussion, recipes, etc. What’s your favorite beer? Let’s say it’s Young’s Double Chocolate Stout, just for fun. Google “Young’s Double Chocolate Stout clone recipe” and see what happens. Tons of results!

Here’s just a few resources to get you going. You’ll find more as you go:

• BrewAdvice.com
• HomebrewTalk
• Brew Your Own
• Homebrewer’s Association
• Basic Brewing

As you progress into full obsession, you’ll learn new techniques, acquire more equipment, and generally enjoy life that much better. It will truly become an amazing part of your life. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment here, and I’ll help where I can.

And as you’re sure to hear as you go:

Relax. Don’t Worry. Have a Homebrew.

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