So much beer, so little time

**CaptKiRkLeS** · 10-22-2009, 12:15 PM

As I continue my research into home brewing I began to realize that 5 gallons of beer is a lot. Now I love beer, I wish I could drink it everyday but that is not possible. Most of my friends are not into craft beers (Heineken is adventurous for them) and my brother is one of the few people that enjoy the finer beers in life. What am I to do with all that beer? I know I can keep it for a few months but no one wants to drink the same beer for months at a time, there are just too many different styles out there that need some love. Of course I am willing to give some away, especially if it comes out good but it's still a lot. What does everyone here do with there beer?

Paulasaurus · 10-22-2009, 12:20 PM

I've now completed 15 - 5 gallon batches and 5 gallons no longer seems like enough

Regardless of how it turns out you'll drink it much faster than you thought you would. And sticking a 6 pack away in a cellar for a later date never hurts.

sp1365 · 10-22-2009, 12:38 PM

I run into that same problem. I don't drink a lot and neither does my girlfriend. I would rather enjoy 1-2 beers than needlessly chug down 10. Unfortunately I am in college so all of my friends just want their cheap 30-pack of Natty Light and anything else has "too much flavor" (one of them told me he didn't like standard Budweiser for this fact.) Thus 5 gallons seemed excessive. My solution was to just do 2.5 gallon batches. Less beer to drink, but it also means I get to brew more often and try more styles.

JesseRC · 10-22-2009, 12:41 PM

In six months you will be laughing at yourselves for even posting this thread

sp1365 · 10-22-2009, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JesseRC

In six months you will be laughing at yourselves for even posting this thread

Sadly, probably not. In six months I will be in an even smaller apartment with even less room for brewing.

Firstnten · 10-22-2009, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptKiRkLeS

As I continue my research into home brewing I began to realize that 5 gallons of beer is a lot. Now I love beer, I wish I could drink it everyday but that is not possible. Most of my friends are not into craft beers (Heineken is adventurous for them) and my brother is one of the few people that enjoy the finer beers in life. What am I to do with all that beer? I know I can keep it for a few months but no one wants to drink the same beer for months at a time, there are just too many different styles out there that need some love. Of course I am willing to give some away, especially if it comes out good but it's still a lot. What does everyone here do with there beer?

5 gallons is about 2.5 cases. Maybe my friends and I

are alkies but I have sadly gone thought 2 kegs in one weekend of football. With four guys.

Firstnten · 10-22-2009, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sp1365

I run into that same problem. I don't drink a lot and neither does my girlfriend. I would rather enjoy 1-2 beers than needlessly chug down 10. Unfortunately I am in college so all of my friends just want their cheap 30-pack of Natty Light and anything else has "too much flavor" (one of them told me he didn't like standard Budweiser for this fact.) Thus 5 gallons seemed excessive. My solution was to just do 2.5 gallon batches. Less beer to drink, but it also means I get to brew more often and try more styles.

Let me get the straight you're in college and you can't get rid of your beer!?!?!!?!?

What college do you goto?

Budwiser has too much "flavor"....ROTFLMAO...

Too bad I live in NJ I could gladly bring beer raiders to your home and help you out. I was pretty pi$$Ed that my first batch of Octoberfest went in one weekend.....After that I was like you guys need to chip in here or something gave them the moorebeer and AHS website and told them I'll brew up what they want only thing is now you spend the coin....

**CaptKiRkLeS** · 10-22-2009, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sp1365

Unfortunately I am in college so all of my friends just want their cheap 30-pack of Natty Light and anything else has "too much flavor" (one of them told me he didn't like standard Budweiser for this fact.) Thus 5 gallons seemed excessive. My solution was to just do 2.5 gallon batches. Less beer to drink, but it also means I get to brew more often and try more styles.

they will drink natty light but snub their noses to your home brew? Man, in college, free beer is free beer natty light of craft brew. These kids need to be taught a lesson.

As for the 2.5 gal. batches....I like that idea. Do you cut your kits in half or do you make your own?

**david_42** · 10-22-2009, 01:13 PM

Join a homebrewing club and take the extras to meetings. It will be consumed.

JesseRC · 10-22-2009, 01:16 PM

Well, I would believe that after a few months of brewing, you will develop tastes, likes and dislikes. You will refine your recipes, and someday you will find a recipe that you must have as your house ale because you love it so much. At this point, I can bet money that the BMC beer at the local store won't satisfy your beer thirst.

So my reasoning is that most homebrewers have a goal to build up their pipeline. I hate not having homebrew because I have to settle for that crap at the store. Building up your pipeline with different brews means you have more variety to choose from . This also means that once you have your stock pile, you dont have to brew as often or can take a break, which makes sense for a college student.

I dont drink a lot, and a lot of my friends dont like craft beers or homebrew. But I drink 1 pint a day and a few on the weekend. That kills 5g easily in less than a month.