HomeBrew for the Holidays

Monday, December 19, 2011

Although I do buy a few presents, what really gives the holidays meaning for me is to take the time to make most of the presents I give. I must admit that at some point, maybe around 22 or 23, I think that a few people in my family were wondering when I was going to graduate from my little art projects I would use a gifts and make something a little more substantial. Lucky for me, and for them I suppose, this was right around the time that I learned the joys of home brewing.

I was first schooled in home brewing by a housemate who was born in Oregon, the land of craft beer and home brews. But as of late, as you can see from all of the amazing micro breweries that stock our beer distributors’ shelves, Philadelphia is giving Oregon a run for its money as the beer mecca of the US. Although my housemate never lost her Oregon pride, she was impressed by how many people home brewed in Philly. In my first year of brewing beer, after getting my glass carboy, brew pot, and bottling equipment, I was brewing about 5 gallons of beer per month. And although I had some successes, there was that one terrible batch of Chipotle Stout where I went a little too heavy of the spice and light on the body.

Today I don’t find the time to brew much beer. And I must also admit that I still haven’t mastered the skill of making my own recipes and malts (I settle for internet standard recipes and malt extract). But every year around this time, I get out the old equipment and make a few cases of beer to give out to my friends. This year it’s the Winter CinnaBock. It’s become an annual tradition just like christmas cookies were for my grandmother when I was a kid. If you’re looking into getting into beer brewing, my recommendation would be to check out Barry’s HomeBrew Store at 1447 N. American St. in Kensington. Aside from the having all of the equipment you’ll need at pretty fair prices, they also cater to different levels of skill. As I said, I’m sadly still buying the prepackaged kits with all of the malt, grain, hops and yeast you’ll need for a brew. But they also have loose raw materials which reduce the cost of brewing even more and give you an even greater feeling of DIY accomplishment.
But whatever route you choose, brewing beer is a fun step in the handmade direction. I couldn’t imagine a christmas with out it. So if you haven’t gotten around to making a wishlist, or you can squeeze a few more things on there, ask for a home brew kit. Whoever gets it for you will surely thank you later.