Doc Robinson

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I brewed my first batch ever on October 10th. I did a partial mash on a Bell's Two Hearted ale. I didn't know what "dry hop" meant and added the "dry hops" as soon as I removed the wort from the heat. NOT OPTIMAL. I racked to my clearing tank after 7 days. I didn't take a hydrometer reading, the airlock bubbles were 3 minutes apart, and most likely I was past 75% attenuation. NOT OPTIMAL. Here's why if you care.

I conditioned my brew in the clearing tank for ONLY 5 days before kegging because I was impatient & excited. NOT OPTIMAL. There are a million posts why, so you can look those up.

What happened? My beer tastes AWESOME...that's what happened. Why? Because I am a beginner, and if you are reading this, you probably are too. If not, you are reading to see what I have to say and I'd like to know if you agree or disagree. Even if you have been drinking craft beer for years, you probably don't have the experience and the refined palate that comes with years of homebrewing to know the difference.

All the advice on this forum from amazing brewers and that you'll read in books like How to Brew has all us beginners freaking out about off-flavors and minor subtleties that might arise in our beers if we don't do this or if we don't do that. Frankly, I don't believe that at this level, we are even equipped to know the difference.

I'm not advocating repeating what I've done...in fact, I'm taking a stance against it. Follow expert advice, soak up knowledge, etc. However, if you do deviate for whatever reason, make mistakes, or start freaking out, just relax. Your beer won't be optimal. Who cares? It will still be awesome. Next time, just strive to make it more awesome.

Neurot

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Isn't this why people always say, "Relax Don't Worry, Have a Home Brew"?

Doc Robinson

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Yes, but reading through the hundreds of new beginner posts on a daily basis, seemingly nobody takes the famous quote to heart.

brrman

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Nothing was optimal on my 1st brew about 3 years ago. But hot damn it tasted good to me!

What part of Indy are you in, Doc??

__________________
* My Bar Build
8-Paws Brewing Co.
On tap:
.
.
Secondary:
Primary:
. Sycamore Porter (10g)
On Deck:
. Smokey the Rauchbier
. Heavenly Scourge Black IIPA
Kegged:

Being a perfectionist does not make one perfect.

Neurot

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I've yet to brew my first batch and my only hope is to get drunk.

Doc Robinson

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Fishers. You?

yorkbrew

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Hahaha I think what you mean is RDWHAHB!

My roommate and I have a saying about beer: The ancient Egyptians did it so it can't be that hard. I'm all about keeping it simple if it is producing good results. I caution you not to dismiss what other people might or might not be tasting with their palate. It is a subjective thing after all.

Kudos on the awesome beer!

PBTow

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You go on with your bad self! You giving me hope. I'm bottling my first batch next Tues. and I know I messed up but it's all good. I correct the things I did wrong on the next one.

Neurot

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Didn't they also build pyramids?

weirdboy

Recipes 

We're talking about the same civilization that built huge pyramids and the Sphinx with no modern machinery, right?