Ricochetbrew
Well-Known Member
I am a fairly new member to HBT but am amazed by the beginning brewer forum. I wished I would have known about it when I started brewing 8 years ago. I truly enjoy reading the questions posted and get a chuckle when I come across someone who made similar mistakes in their first brews as I did.
That being said I wanted to touch on two common mistakes new brewers make when starting out. I think even the seasoned brewers can agree that they either fell into one of these two categories or at least dabbled with them.
Before I launch into my theory I want to say that I am in no way targeting any single brewer on this thread. I am simply making an observation based upon reading numerous threads and my own experience/mistakes.
Here. Goes. New brewers, myself included typically make two major mistakes when they start brewing. These mistakes are trying to make incredibly high gravity beers right out of the gate and trying to get mad scientist in the Brew pot by creating crazy recipes or messing with adjuncts.
When I started brewing I wanted to make beer with a crazy high ABV. While this can be a fun way to impress your friends, without a sound understanding of what makes beer alcoholic your recipes will suffer. I added everything from honey to boiled corn sugar to my wort just trying to make high gravity beer. I didn't know anything about extracts or grain bills, and much less about brew house efficiency and the conversion of starches. This led to beers that I simply couldn't be proud of. Off flavors and odd mouthfeel was the signature of my first brews.
Secondly new brewers want to shoot right out of the gate playing mad scientists and creating crazy unique recipes without the basic principles of brewing mastered. Everyone wants to make a triple cherry upside down stout with a twist without the knowledge of how different ingredients effect the finished beer. I tried cinnamon, molasses, peach pulp, and some crazy stuff I am too embarrassed to mention in order to create the coolest new recipe around.
All of this to say I wish I would have had someone sit me down and say " hey stick to the basics dummy". I am not saying don't experiment or don't try to expand your recipes. All I am saying is take awhile when your starting out to learn the principles, read books talk to seasoned vet and most importantly brew. Build a foundation based on a sound understanding of brewing principles and take very detailed notes on your processes. This will lead to great beer that you can be proud to share with family a friends. There will be many future brews to create your masterpieces and when you perfect that triple cherry upside down stout with a twist I hope you will send one my way!
Good luck on future brews
Ryan.
That being said I wanted to touch on two common mistakes new brewers make when starting out. I think even the seasoned brewers can agree that they either fell into one of these two categories or at least dabbled with them.
Before I launch into my theory I want to say that I am in no way targeting any single brewer on this thread. I am simply making an observation based upon reading numerous threads and my own experience/mistakes.
Here. Goes. New brewers, myself included typically make two major mistakes when they start brewing. These mistakes are trying to make incredibly high gravity beers right out of the gate and trying to get mad scientist in the Brew pot by creating crazy recipes or messing with adjuncts.
When I started brewing I wanted to make beer with a crazy high ABV. While this can be a fun way to impress your friends, without a sound understanding of what makes beer alcoholic your recipes will suffer. I added everything from honey to boiled corn sugar to my wort just trying to make high gravity beer. I didn't know anything about extracts or grain bills, and much less about brew house efficiency and the conversion of starches. This led to beers that I simply couldn't be proud of. Off flavors and odd mouthfeel was the signature of my first brews.
Secondly new brewers want to shoot right out of the gate playing mad scientists and creating crazy unique recipes without the basic principles of brewing mastered. Everyone wants to make a triple cherry upside down stout with a twist without the knowledge of how different ingredients effect the finished beer. I tried cinnamon, molasses, peach pulp, and some crazy stuff I am too embarrassed to mention in order to create the coolest new recipe around.
All of this to say I wish I would have had someone sit me down and say " hey stick to the basics dummy". I am not saying don't experiment or don't try to expand your recipes. All I am saying is take awhile when your starting out to learn the principles, read books talk to seasoned vet and most importantly brew. Build a foundation based on a sound understanding of brewing principles and take very detailed notes on your processes. This will lead to great beer that you can be proud to share with family a friends. There will be many future brews to create your masterpieces and when you perfect that triple cherry upside down stout with a twist I hope you will send one my way!
Good luck on future brews
Ryan.
