Dear HBT:
Earlier this month, I turned one-year-old as a brewer. I jumped into the hobby when the COVID panic started and my employer sent me home for telework. My first batch was one gallon of American Amber Ale, of which I quickly posted the inevitable "
IS IT FERMENTING?" first-batch thread. Thanks to
@RM-MN for being the first to answer my first post! That beer turned out fine, and I have learned so much from my HBT brothers and sisters since then: primarily RDWHAHB.
In that first year, I've brewed 16 batches (72 gallons) of beer, ranging from hefeweizens to milk stouts. I started with 1-gallon stovetop batches before quickly upgrading to 5-gallons using a converted water cooler MLT, outside propane burner, Spike kettle, starter stir-plate, and mini-fridge fermentation chamber. Soon, I hope to add a pump or two to my setup, and I want to start kegging down the road.
I've entered several competitions. I've placed 3rd with an IPA; 2nd with each of an amber, milk stout, and hefeweizen; and 1st with an all-Citra APA of my own design (which also took 2nd Best of Show). The feedback from the judges has been invaluable to my improvement as a brewer.
I've shared my beer with friends and family, and I've shared it in the
Fellowship of the Home Brew group. That is a great group of guys and gals that love making and sharing good homebrew. Right now, I'm working through some fantastic beers from
@DrGMG.
Whenever I have a brewing question, HBT is my first stop for information. Chances are that someone has already asked the same question. If not, someone else is sure to have the answer!
So, thanks to all you HBTers for being a big part of my first year as a homebrewer. Here's to many more years of homebrewing, with hopefully each batch better than the last! Have a beer tonight to celebrate with me!
Sincerely,
3 Dawg Night
