Anyway.
This post is intended to showcase basic do's and don'ts of home brewing, with some firsthand advise from a brewing newbie.
Some of this is applicable in other contexts and may seem like basic, common knowledge. And it is.
The always list.
1. Always have duct tape. Yeah, its a stereotype... but what real man doesn't have some on deck at all times? This guy.
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| two things every man needs - photo courtesy thinkgeek.com -I don't actually have one of these. |
2. Always have a backup. Of almost anything. Guitar strings, screws, bed sheets, contacts, etc.
Seriously. I learned this in grad school under one of my favorite professors, but sometimes we forget the most critical, basic concepts that we learn.
You know who else learned this the hard way? The Indianapolis Colts.
In my case, the lid to my primary fermenting bucket has a grommet where the airlock seals.
You know who else learned this the hard way? The Indianapolis Colts.
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| study all you want, gentlemen, but 5+7 doesn't equal 18 |
In my case, the lid to my primary fermenting bucket has a grommet where the airlock seals.
It is critical to keep this airtight to avoid bacteria. Thus, it is equally as critical to have a backup lid in case something breaks - or at the very least a backup grommet, in case some moron pops it out and straight into the brew... oops.
If you do not have said backup items, this will bring you back to 1, above.
If you do not follow 1 or 2, move on to step #3.
If you do not follow 1 or 2, move on to step #3.
3. Always have a plan - or at least think & act quickly. This will allow you some comfort in the event of a mistake. This will also help you make important decisions at a moment's notice. Here is an example of someone who did not follows steps 1&2.
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| no grommet? no problem... |
Some might say they are lucky if it works. But according to first-century Roman philosopher Seneca, "luck is where preparation meets opportunity."
Be prepared, in case an "opportunity" (read: a mistake) presents itself.
4. Have a network, friends, or a mentor. When you are in a bind, you don't understand something, or you are sick of reading blogs & forums with conflicting or incomprehensible information, ask a friend. Text, email, call, tweet, write on their wall... whatever it takes.
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| brewing a tasty batch with this gentleman (the towering, chugging one) this weekend. minds will be blown -- much like those of the onlookers at Hofbräuhaus Newport |
5. Stay positive. Failing sucks. But thinking you are going to fail before you do is even worse. Don't quit on yourself, because the only way to avoid failure is to never even try. That said... my brew is fermenting as we speak, and I sure hope I didnt fail!
Epic Fail Amber Ale -- The Boil
After the boil, place your brew kettle in an ice-filled sink to get it down to the 70 degree (F) range before pouring it into your sanitized primary fermenting bucket. Top it off with water and check your OG with your sanitized hydrometer.
Sprinkle in the yeast, stir it up, seal it tight, insert your airlock (without popping the grommet out), and let that baby ferment for a tasty brew!
*Updates to come on the turnout!
Epic Fail Amber Ale -- The Boil
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| get the water temp just right, then steep your grains (20-25 min) |
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| grains are done, now you have wort! bring it to a rolling boil |
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| stir in liquid malt extract |
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| stir in dry malt extract |
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| add bittering hops & keep that boil rolling |
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| add aroma hops after roughly an hour of boiling - boil for 5-10 more minutes |
After the boil, place your brew kettle in an ice-filled sink to get it down to the 70 degree (F) range before pouring it into your sanitized primary fermenting bucket. Top it off with water and check your OG with your sanitized hydrometer.
Sprinkle in the yeast, stir it up, seal it tight, insert your airlock (without popping the grommet out), and let that baby ferment for a tasty brew!
*Updates to come on the turnout!
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