I do live in a land of fantastic beer. Vermont has more breweries per capita than any other state in the USA and most of the product is top-notch. Is it worth making my own if I can easily pick up something better at the local store? The soda I recently made, on the other hand, was much better than anything I've ever bought and that was on the first try.
My wife is the one who has encouraged me to try brewing my own and is willing to invest in better gear. After all, she reasons, I really like beer - true. She suggests, however, that I should get away from the mixes and make them from scratch. I do have a couple books with recipes. I'll give the idea some thought.
My sister lives in Ohio, and they have made many varieties of beer. A lot of work, oh boy. But it is a hobby for all the family. You are right--maybe you should go out and make beer without mixes.
ReplyDeleteIf I continue, I imagine I will break away from the mixes. The process is basically the same, the added wrinkle for me is just going to the brew shop and picking out barley and hops myself.
DeleteI think we'll stick with experimenting with pizza.
ReplyDeleteThough we have talked about making our own cheese.
The more I think about it, the more I think I will probably stick to soda. It's an easy way to make everyone in the house happy.
DeleteMy husband wants to try brewing beer, but not sure he has the time to invest in it now. Something else to add to the "when we retire" list.
ReplyDeleteAh, retirement... only 16 years to go!
DeleteI have a friend of mine who makes beer. I have never tried it though. I am not a big fan of beer (with the exception of German beer...that is good stuff).
ReplyDeleteGerman beer... mmm...
DeleteThats awesome! I want to make my own bathtub gin.
ReplyDeleteThat does sound like fun. I'll probably do whiskey before gin but you never know.
DeleteAwesome that the soda you made was better than anything you have bought in stores. Beer is tricky- especially when you have so many great beers at the local stores. But, it could be fun to make a beer you really enjoy. Not sure if it would end up being cheaper or not... My friend's brother brewed his own beer and bottled and kegged it. He made them from scratch and made beer that suited his mood at different times of the year. When he moved to a smaller place he had to get rid of the equipment because he didn't have the space. Good luck with your endeavor. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
I did do the math on it at one point and making my own isn't really cost effective, at least not in the small batch size I am doing. But, at least once I get the hang of it, it could be fun.
DeleteInterestingly, both of the books I own divide up the recipes by time of year.
Congratulations on making your own beer. Now, I'd love to know how to make my own wine. There may be much better wines in the market but I think it would give me such a sense of accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteI know one can buy kits for wine. I would think buying the right grapes would be a challenge. I say go for it!
DeleteNowadays though I prefer short cooking videos over cookbooks. :D
ReplyDeleteYou, my friend, area visual learner. I like text.
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