The Joy of Home Brewing

 Home brewing beer can be one of the most rewarding experiences in a beer lovers life. Making beer that actually tastes good is not only satisfying, but it will also bring you numerous friends who just want to hang out and drink your beer all day which is completely okay because then you get to brew again. Extract brewing is the easiest way to get started on the adventure of brewing your own beer right from your house. Extract is a syrupy, gooey, molasses like substance that is the base for your beers. Just add water, boil, then toss in a few hops maybe add some specialty grains and presto beer is made (I know I sound like a late night infomercial but it's true its that easy).

           Of course every hobby needs equipment and that place is your local home brew shop. Home brew shops are filled with knowledgeable people who love to talk about home brewing. No question is to stupid believe me I have asked some pretty stupid ones (I once asked if it was okay to pour boiling hot wart into a glass fermentor, turns out really hot water can crack glass). I personally go to Bader Beer and Wine supply for all of my questions and brewing supplies. I have been to a lot of home brew shops and they  rank number one because of their customer service, and when you are just starting out the last thing you want is someone who doesn't want to explain to you the ins and outs. For that reason I don't recommend Steinbart's, I have been in there several times and each time I have felt unwanted and even at times talked down to about brewing ideas. If you can't make it to Baders head over to The Home Brew Exchange they are a recently new shop and they offer good prices and a very helpful staff.  Also join a local Home Brew Club it's the fastest way to gain knowledge and free beer! That's right at club meetings there is often free home brew so if that's not incentive to join well then your bat &*$# crazy. Well get excited and start brewing next week I will be talking about a raspberry oatmeal stout I just finished so until then happy brewing.