nasty_rabbit
Well-Known Member
I have recently returned to homebrewing after an 18 year hiatus. I started when the kids were small and then life got in the way, now they are grown and Im back. Many techniques have evolved in that period of time and I am trying to catch up. Two that stand out for me were to now use my 5 gallon carboy only for 3 gallon batches and not as a secondary and yeast are packaged in something other than foil. I have started back slow and simple to re-learn what has faded from memory so I consider myself a somewhat experienced noob. Now to my dilemma. A very good friend and neighbor is my brew partner and he has never brewed before. Together we have recently brewed about seven 5 gallon extract batches. Our methods are about the same but he feels the need to brew either beer that could be purchased cheaper (Blue Moon clones) or add fruits and spices (Lemon/Coriander) to recreate another style or raise the alcohol as high as possible. I have tried to ease into it with a simple Blond an American Pale Ale and an old recipe for a Crystal Honey Ale. I know that his desires are what most new brewers think is the right way to jump in head first but the problem is none of his beers have turned out well. Right now he has one batch that is just un-drinkable (I dont think we could even cook with it), two batches that have been bottle conditioning for more than 6 weeks with the hopes that next week they will be better, one in a primary that should be ready to bottle soon and he wants to try that batch again this week-end with out even tasting it. I have suggested to try a basic wheat and master that, then move on to more interesting endeavors but it doesnt seem to sink in. Please dont get me wrong Im not beating him up, my concern is that he will get discouraged and throw in the towel and all I want is for him to slow down and get the process under control. Any suggestions on how to accomplish this?