As in any process beginner brewers must start with the basics of Home Beer Making. A typical beer batch is anywhere from 3 to 5 gallons and can be completed in as little as one weeks time depending on the type of brew. Once you become proficient at the process you can have several batches ready for consumption at once. Imagine the bragging rights!

Step 1. Brewing the wort

This process can be done entirely from scratch on your stovetop but it’s much easier as a beginner to buy a pre-hopped malt. This is much cleaner and minimizes contamination factors. Which ever way you decide to go you will have the base stock for your future brew. At this point it is a good idea to taste your stock (be sure to sterilize your utensils). You may be able to predict your end result as it will carry many of the same qualities.

Step 2. Fermenting the Wort

Transfer the wort into your chosen fermenter. You can buy all the components seperately and make your own, but it is much easier to purchase a kit. There are several great kits available today like The Beer Machine Co. and Mr. Beer they’re both very good. The fermenter must have a lid to prevent mold spores and air borne bacteria from contaminating your brew as well as a pressure release valve for the accumulating gasses.

Step 3 Bottling your beer!

After about a week in the fermenter your batch will be ready for the next step as the sugars and yeast have done thier job (producing the alchohol). hint…more sugar in the wort means a higher alchohol content, just don’t overdue it. If you decide to bottle it, a siphon is necessary in order to minimize oxygen exposure. when you transfer the wort, add a small amount of sugar to each bottle and cap it. At this time the yeast produces carbon dioxide which gives beer it’s fizz and produces a nice foamy head when poured. A week or two later you will be enjoying your first batch of your very own frosty brew.

It really is a very simple process and with a little experience you could be a qualified brewer. Who know’s? maybe this will be your first step to becoming a brewmaster. Talk about a dream job!

If you decide you want to Brew Beer at Home from scratch, follow these easy steps

1. Soak malted barley in hot water to release the malt sugars

2. Boil the malt sugar solution with hops to add seasoning and flavor

3. Let the solution cool and add yeast to begin the fermentation process

4. Let the yeast ferment the sugars and release the co2 and ethyl alcohol

5. Bottle the beer with a little extra sugar to add carbonation

So go and make your first batch. Have fun and drink responsibly

Cheers,

Brian