Beer is My Poison » Home Brewing

Putting together a glossary of beer terms

steve — Wed, 20 May 2009 15:46:55 +0000

As I’ve mentioned, I’m no beer expert, but I’m learning more and more every single day. Between sampling as many beers as possible and getting started with home brewing, there are lots of terms coming in and out. So I’ve decided to put together a beer glossary, mostly to help me keep track of the many beer terms I need to know.

Check out the start of the beer glossary.

The home brewer’s bible: The New Complete Joy to Home Brewing

steve — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:48:07 +0000

So I’ve started reading this book, The New Complete Joy of Home Brewing, claimed by several reliable sources that this is the book to read when it comes to getting started with home brewing.

I’ve read the first few chapters, and so far at least one message is abundantly clear:

Relax. Don’t worry. Have a homebrew!

This message does help me relax about it, as there’s a lot of information to absorb about brewing, and at times, it can seem somewhat intimidating. However, I’m not too worried about it, as I won’t be discouraged if my first few batches aren’t the greatest.

But it seems that a beginner can start with a brew kit, which is basically a mix of ingredients in which all the work has pretty much been done. Simply boil some water, add some powders, ferment, bottle, wait, and drink.

This type of brewing doesn’t seem all too daunting, but at the same time, I feel like it’s just a bit of a cop-out. Sure, I have no problem using pre-malted barley, but going with a full-on kit makes it feel more like I’m making Kool Aid. I’d rather not make Kool Beer…

Regardless, I’m digging this book. It’s written very well, it’s readable enough to sit and chill with like a fiction book, and it’s pretty comprehensive. The attitude is nice and light, also, and I’ve adopted Charlie’s mantra.

So check it out if you’re getting started with home brewing. If you know of any other books that are great resources for the beginner, please recommend some in the comments below!

And as always (in the words of Charlie), Relax. Don’t worry. Have a homebrew!

I’m not a home brewer… quite yet

steve — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:13:52 +0000

I’m about to enter the wonderfully inviting world of home brewing. It’s something I’ve been wanting to get into for quite some time, but where to start?

First, I did a bit of research. I’ve read through several sites on home brewing, materials, ingredients, and I think I’ve got enough of an idea to make my first batch. I’d like to brew a nice witbier, but I’m just gonna go with a standard old pale ale; supposedly it’s a great first time brew, as it’s not too hard to mess up.

I’m sure my batch won’t be the greatest, but I’ll drink it anyway. Unless, of course, it’s just awful. But as long as it’s carbonated, I’ll drink it.

For my first brew, I’m gonna follow this nice beginner’s guide over on Brew Your Own. This article gives enough info for me to at least take a stab at home brewing, even if I do foul it up something awful.

I’ve got a pretty good collection of beer bottles, and I’ll be cleaning them out this or next weekend. Crossed fingers!