Years ago, when I was back in high school, having a beer (among other things...) was considered a rite of passage. None of us knew enough to delineate the differences between a domestic lager and an imported stout but an appreciation for that cold unique taste has stayed with me through today.
With the advent of information technology, and the subsequent entrepreneurship that naturally followed, micro-breweries became chic and when they began to market their line, more and more people rediscovered their fascination with beer. Thus started the movement to home brewing.
I have to admit, I was one of many who jumped at the chance to make my own beer. Little did I know how uninformed I was. Sure, there were lots of "home brewing kits" out there and, if you followed their instructions completely, you generally ended up with something you tried to convince yourself (and others) was the "real mccoy". But it took a lot of effort and money to finally achieve a brew worthy of enjoying and sharing with others.
Lots of people out there will tell you that the water you use is the most important ingredient; others will say it's the yeast. Still others swear it's the hops. As somewhat of a veteran at this, I offer up this bit of advice....every ingredient is critical and every step (making and cooling the wort, fermentation, bottling) are of an equal priority. Just as some people will drink light beers while others swear by darker, fuller brews, so it is with yout won taste. If is appeals to you, it's quality. If not, try again.
And for those of you (or us, since I really love sampling others' fine work) who care to check out awesome microbrews from all over or don't have the time to go at it yourselves, check out www.americandiversions.com and click your way to true refreshment.
No comments:
Post a Comment