Monday, January 24, 2011

Top Home Brew Beer Information For Hobbyists

By Steve Pavilanis


Many people have begun to home brew beer. Because of this they may search for more information on what it is or how to make it. Making beer at home can seem intimidating at first but becomes easier as the method is developed and refined.

Some of the best reasons people start brewing at home is to have fun, learn a new hobby, save money over time, and customize their beer to fit their taste. The initial upfront cost of purchasing a kit and supplies will cost quite a bit but as they produce a few batches the cost evens out quickly. The opportunity to experiment with different recipes or processes is always fun.

An easy way to start the process is to purchase a brew kit. Some large department stores may keep some in stock but they can be found and purchased online. Since the quality of the items in the kit will vary it is important to look at reviews on line to purchase a good product.

Once the kit is received it will need to be set up somewhere in the home. Since the process takes some time to complete it is a good idea to have it in a low traffic area where it can sit. It is always a good idea to make sure that it is kept away from people or kids that may mess with the beer during the brewing and fermenting process.

Always make sure to properly sanitize the equipment used in the brewing process once the batch is complete. There are many different reasons for this both from a health and a quality of the beer standpoint. The sanitization process can be made easier with the right equipment so it is important to find items that will help the process be completed. Always read the manual in the kit to verify that all of its parts are cleaned and cared for in the proper way.

Another vital consideration is to always use fresh ingredients. Buying items to brew with in bulk is fine to help cut cost but make sure that everything is properly stored. Yeast has a date that it needs to be used by so always double check that date. Any hops that are not used should be refrigerated to be kept fresh for the next batch. Any other ingredients that will be used in the next batch should be stored according to the directions on the packaging.

Purchase a book that outlines the finer points of home brewing. In this book there will likely be some recipes to get someone started in the process. Continue to work on and develop different recipes based on the desired taste that is wanted. Keep notes of the changes that are made in the process so they can be used again the next time or tweaked a bit if needed.

Home brew beer is a great opportunity to have fun and create a new hobby. There are many different factors to consider when brewing but sanitation and fresh ingredients are two items to always be aware of. Have fun with the process and try different recipes out.




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