This past Easter weekend, my brother and I started another batch of homebrew. This was my second time assisting him, although he has done many batches in the past.
Needless to say… I’m hooked. It appears like this is going to be added to my ever-growing list of hobbies and things to do. The first time we got together, we brewed a belated Christmas beer… I’m not even sure exactly what it was you’d call it, but it had a lot of raspberry and a little vanilla and nutmeg in it, and I *think* it was kind of like a Pete’s Wicked Winter Ale (I could be far wrong on that one). I really enjoyed the process, and the results came out marvelous (so good in fact, that I managed to drink my portion way too fast).
This time, we made an Oktoberfest. It won’t be ready for a long time. But having done it once already, I’m more familiar with the process, and was better able to pay attention and understand exactly what is happening at each stage in the process.
I started reading Charlie Papazian’s “The New Joy of Home Brewing” (link) last night. I think I’m getting ready to get some starter equipment. Of course, my brother’s assistance will be helpful in getting started. Although it can be a one man job to make a batch of homebrew, there are a lot of steps where a second pair of hands are useful. It’s also nice to have another person around to enjoy the results!
