For our very first batch, we researched different varieties of beer using the Midwest Brewers magazine. We weren't sure of the hoppiness, bitterness, color, head, or what we really liked or wanted in our own beer. Hey, we were newbies at this, and decisions take time :-} We finally decided to go with the Brewer's Best Kit: Classic English Pale Ale (known internally as Pale Jon's Ale) as brewmaster Jon was sick for this part of the journey. For water, we only use Buhl water.
For this first batch, we brewed in my kitchen (also the last time). We were very careful to not cause a big mess with a boil over however, we didn't realize that our JennAir electric stove couldn't take the heat from the large stainless kettle. The white paint got scorched and dulled a bit from the heat. My wife, although understanding of our dream to brew our own beer, minced no words explaining to me, her brother and brother-in-law that "her" kitchen was off limits!
You should always have a beer in hand when you are making beer! I know, our first beers were mainstream commercial but, we had beer! One of the great things that happened when we started this journey is that we began trying different craft beers each and every time we brewed. Different styles, flavors, colors, all of it. This is something that I had never considered before, tasting different beers. Man, I didn't know much about beer then, but I do now!
Here are the highlights of what we did.
June 9, 2007 - We made beer!!! Well actually, it's not really beer yet.
June 12, 2007 - Moved to secondary fermenter.
June 15, 2007 - Bottled
June 29, 2007 - Chill and serve!
For this first batch, we brewed in my kitchen (also the last time). We were very careful to not cause a big mess with a boil over however, we didn't realize that our JennAir electric stove couldn't take the heat from the large stainless kettle. The white paint got scorched and dulled a bit from the heat. My wife, although understanding of our dream to brew our own beer, minced no words explaining to me, her brother and brother-in-law that "her" kitchen was off limits!
You should always have a beer in hand when you are making beer! I know, our first beers were mainstream commercial but, we had beer! One of the great things that happened when we started this journey is that we began trying different craft beers each and every time we brewed. Different styles, flavors, colors, all of it. This is something that I had never considered before, tasting different beers. Man, I didn't know much about beer then, but I do now!
Here are the highlights of what we did.
June 9, 2007 - We made beer!!! Well actually, it's not really beer yet.
June 12, 2007 - Moved to secondary fermenter.
June 15, 2007 - Bottled
June 29, 2007 - Chill and serve!
