So, I have decided to keep this small blog to track and document my personal adventures in learning and enjoying of the art and science of brewing my own beer. Last week, I just finish brewing my 10th batch. I started to think about why I love the idea of creating beer so much. What is it about beer, other then its obvious effects, that intrigues me and lures me in? Why do brewers and breweries fascinate me? How come I always peruse and investigate the same beer aisles, in the same beer stores, looking up and down for the small chance that something new will appear?
To me, beer goes hand in hand with seasons, sports, moods, music, locations, conversations, food, and friends. A fresh pumpkin beer on a crisp fall night...A smooth hop filled IPA with a great meal...A thick, milky stout sitting by the fireplace on a cold night. An ice cold shandy after mowing the lawn on a 95 degree day...A delicious session beer while huddled around cheap appetizers late at night. This is what craft beer is all about. Some of my favorite nights involve good friends, sharing good beers and ridiculous conversations. Us beer lovers are so lucky to live in America, in a time where craft beer is as big as ever. There is something for everyone. Every state seems to have a new breweries, festivals, and stores popping up all over the place. Does this mean we are a nation of raging alcoholics? I don't think so. I believe people are starting to see beer as an art, an expression of self or community, something unique that can be shared and appreciated with the masses. We are no longer have to be a nation controlled by Coors, Miller, and Bud. Big Beer has it's place, and that is fine. However, there are choices out there for everyone and anyone who wants something different, or unique. Choices that utilize quality ingredients, that include new flavors, that are made specifically for people to say to their friend, "Holy Shit! Try this!"
At first, learning to brew seems insanely intimidating. IBU's? What the hell is a hydrometer? Secondary what? Alpa who? Liquid malt this. Dry malt that. Malted this and that. It all seems so much harder to learn than to just run to the corner store and grab a six pack of something awesome. However, there are great resources out there. Books, forums, and people are there to break down the "mystery" behind beer. The first time I brewed with my buddy, I thought he was speaking some foreign Israeli drinking language. But as I sat and watched what was actually going on, I realized, "Hey, he is boiling a sticky liquid and adding little green hops in at certain times. Relax, you can handle this. " In the end , that batch came out a little funky due to temperature changes,(Seriously, who loses power for a week in October!?) but I was hooked. We soon brewed an IPA, my favorite brew type, and I haven't stopped thinking about brewing different batches since. The second that you realize that you(yes you) can make a great tasting beer, is the second that I believe most people will say to themselves, "Hey, I can do this!"
I find myself sitting and thinking about what I'd like to try and brew next. Everyday, I am learning something new about the process. For me, the best part about brewing is trying to construct something that not only do you love the taste of, but making something that involves you, your goals, and your preferences. That little foamy bottle is a liquid expression of yourself. And to me, that is what it is all about.
I hope with this blog to simply talk about beer; good beer, making beer; sharing recipes, etc. Let's get together and brew!
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