Brewing Solo vs. Brewing with a partner(s)

[hbhudy]

I have a buddy that I used to brew with and share equipment with. As a result of a recent move this is not really a possibility for a regular brewing schedule, and therefore we now each have our own systems. Got to say we both like the freedom of not having to stress about the shared equipment. I have always loved the fluid nature of process for me and now I am ok with just saying WTF.. We are going 75-90 minutes on the mash because my kids want to run to the store.

 

[CoalCracker]

I enjoy brewing with my friend who is also a brewer. However I do occasionally enjoy the alone brew day. All depends on what I was dealing with the week before.

 

[KeyWestBrewing]

Ive been brewing with my girlfriend or a brew buddy. Helps having the extra hands around so I can focus more on mashing/fly sparging and my boil schedule. While they help me heat water, fight boil overs, scrub/clean/sanitize equipment , bottle and cap, ... whatever it is to prep the next step of the brew session.

 

[bleme]

Once my new rig is put together and I finalize my system,

Blasphemy!!!!

 

[BeerChef17]

I brew alone as of now. Just sit on the front porch and drink while watching my kettle. Trying to have some buddies come down for a session. Bit in the end its all my equipment. And my neighbour feeds me bottles for some homebrew in return

 

[H-ost]

it is really fun to have a friend or two join in and throw back a few in the process.

This happens regardless of who is there while I brew...

 

[demagxc]

I havnt had a chance to brew with a partner yet. I dont think my tiny apartment kitchen is big enough to fit my gear and another person (i have trouble stepping over my cat without incident!). I do love being able to turn up the music and kick back with a beer. Its my beer meditation.

 

[GodsStepBrother]

I usually like to brew alone as well, brewing is an art form and the good vibes must be sent via the mashing. But 1 out of 3 times a friend will come over and we brew together, usually have the smoker going at the same time. It is great fun, but like others I am creative when I brew by myself. I also have yet to find a friend who will stay for a 3 step decoction mash.

 

[Subsailor]

I am a lone brewer also. I have a couple of buddies that brew alone but we swap recipes and ideas and of course samples.

 

[BBL_Brewer]

I also have yet to find a friend who will stay for a 3 step decoction mash.

I've always found it curious that my friend never comes over to look at his fermenters until it's time to keg. How does he even know that fermentation took off? Oh, that's right. He's got me to babysit it. Occasionally I have to call him to come clean up a mess after one of his fermenters blows off.

 

[stratslinger]

I've brewed both alone and with friends and, to be honest, I'm not entirely sure which I prefer...

When I'm in the pilot's seat, it's kind of nice to be alone. That way I can focus on what's going on, not worry about missing a step because I was caught up in a conversation or whatever. But dang - if it's a 90 minute boil with only a single hop addition, that's a long time just sitting around by my lonesome. Unless you've got a good book handy...

It's also fun to make something of a social event of a brew day - but it can be a challenge to not get distracted and miss any steps along the way.

 

[BenS]

I brew alone. It's relaxing. I usually don't drink beer while brewing either. However, almost every Saturday, my buddy brews and 4-5 brewing friends all go to his house and have a merry time. How many drunk people does it take to successfully brew? 4. Most of the time. We did spill the boiling wort once. No one was hurt.

 

[spearko520]

chewbaca brews with han solo

 

[davidr2340]

All of my batches have been alone... Easier to focus, and it's more relaxing for me!

I have been over to Zen_Brew's house for one of his brew days though! Great conversation, and he didn't skip a beat in his process!!!

 

[biochemedic]

I brew alone. I've brewed with others in the past, but it just seems that one of the brewers dominates the process (in any group, sometimes it's me). In the end, it just feels like I (or the other guy) was along for the ride, but it wasn't really my (his) beer.

Brewing alone doesn't mean there can't be others around, BSing and drinking beer, it just means I'm the only brewer for that batch.

I will probably still brew with others occasionally, but 90% of my batches will be on my own.

Yeah...when I do brew with people over, it's a lot of fun, but it's still always my brew. I've brewed with my cousin-in-law a few times here and there, and when it's in his brewery, he takes charge, and it's still his beer in the end. Still fun though!

I've had the opportunity to turn a few people on to the process and gotten them started on their own obsession (the C-I-L included) and that's always very cool...

As much as I enjoy brewing with other brewers, or just a good buddy who is just hanging out, there's still nothing like getting up at 5:30, firing up the coffee pot, then the brew kettle, and mashing in as the first hints of dawn start to hit my deck...

 

[Stauffbier]

there's still nothing like getting up at 5:30, firing up the coffee pot, then the brew kettle, and mashing in as the first hints of dawn start to hit my deck...

This sums it up perfectly!

 

[passedpawn]

Yeah...when I do brew with people over, it's a lot of fun, but it's still always my brew. I've brewed with my cousin-in-law a few times here and there, and when it's in his brewery, he takes charge, and it's still his beer in the end. Still fun though!

I've had the opportunity to turn a few people on to the process and gotten them started on their own obsession (the C-I-L included) and that's always very cool...

As much as I enjoy brewing with other brewers, or just a good buddy who is just hanging out, there's still nothing like getting up at 5:30, firing up the coffee pot, then the brew kettle, and mashing in as the first hints of dawn start to hit my deck...

I could have typed that. I agree 100%. In fact, one of the reasons I don't invite others to come over and brew is because I'd have to get started much later than I like.

 

[avidhomebrewer]

I'd prefer to brew with others, but not too many around my area brew, so I'm stuck, for the most part, going at it solo. Probably better that way, more beer for me!

 

[SpottedDogBrewing]

I like the convenience to brew whenever I like by my self, but defiantly a partner makes everything so much easier! If I can plan a brew day to have someone help I would rather brew with someone.

 

[mitchcl640]

I have brewed alone, and I have brewed with a friend. My problem is I want to start a brewing company (small level) so I like to keep my recipes a secret. But fact of the matter is if I start a company then I will need someone who knows recipes in case of emergency that I would need to be absent. Having a second person tho might have great ideas to add to the mix.

 

[TimTrone]

I prefer to brew alone, but boy do I hate clean up

 

[homebrewmike]

I tend to brew alone, when I brew with others I get distracted and make mistakes. I brewed my first AG batch in about 7 months last month and it was just a peaceful day. Now when I bottle I can't get enough help!

 

[H-ost]

I tend to brew alone, when I brew with others I get distracted and make mistakes. I brewed my first AG batch in about 7 months last month and it was just a peaceful day. Now when I bottle I can't get enough help!

HAH! Last brewday I had someone over. During the mash the hour flew by before I realized it, then I looked at the recipe and saw it called for 90 min so it worked out well hehe

 

[Adacarda]

Brew days usually end with me secretly fist-pumping and saying to myself, "You did it again you SOB, you made beer." That would be awkward if someone else was there.

Haha this is great! I experience the same euphoria after I brew. I also think its pretty funny that people have been brewing for thousands of years and probably thought the same thing

 

[cannman]

The first two beers I brewed alone and at night. I had a bad day at work the last time. Started brewing at 8pm (started scrubbing bottles) and didn't finish until 2 pm+. It was an amazing experience. I was buzzed right about the 30 minute boil point and were I doing anything LESS important like laundry, I would have given in and went to bed. But no. It was beer vs. the human body. "I will brew this beer!". I will never be the same

The third time I brewed, I got the wife involved. I still played my pink floyd albums and even put on a little cardigans for her. She was amazed at the seeping of the grains and the wonderful aroma filling the room. She helped hold bags, tip buckets, stir, take hydro readings, and spray iodine everywhere . At the end of the brewday, she said "wow, it's not about drinking, hu?" shes the best.

Now that I have my feet wet, I want to wet other feet, like my old drinking buddy from college. But his experience will be more hands on and he can lug the gallons of liquid.

 

[homebrewmike]

The next time I do an AG batch, a friend has asked to help out as he is thinking about getting into AG himself. So I might change my mind about having a brew partner.

 

[Tizzomes]

I brew alone like most of the comments here.Two kids under two yrs old, I'm a night brewer when there asleep. Everyone I know loves the beer BUT aren't into homebrewing so I've found it nice to be able to relax in the garage a brew up a batch.

 

[rgontasz]

Every time I brew, I let friends know. Especially friends who at any time showed an interest in brewing. I enjoy teaching others how to brew and I've found that I have spread this great hobby throughout my work place like a virus! The best part is that now I have buddies to make bulk buys with and "nerd it up" about beer! Hooray!

 

[daksin]

I can't imagine brewing a single batch without my co-head brewer (and wife of two years) Sam. She keeps me organized, makes sure everything goes in at the proper moment, and makes sure my focus doesn't wander (even when cleaning). Brewing is a part of our marriage, and not just a business.

 

[mjdonnelly68]

For me, brewing is like sex - great with a partner, but sometimes it's easier and more satisfying to go solo. I know what I like.