Getting back in the game!

[Rickysa]

Hi All!

I gave homebrewing a shot some 20 odd years ago...dismal failure ...every batch tasted like bananas...or worse. After listening to my bottles explode periodically during the night, I converted an old fridge and tired kegging my banana-beer...all foam, all the time.

Finally after a moment of clarity (and only mild encouragement by the wife), I gladly packed all of the stuff up and gladly passed it along...

Now I'm back.

A fella in town thought it might be pretty cool to investigate opening up a craft distillery...spent some time on it (regs and stuff) and visited one in operation...really sweet set-up, and looked like a bunch of fun...but really $$$ and wicked time-consuming for someone that already works full time...so we shelved the idea.

But...my curiosity was piqued. I wondered, "if folks have started making fancy stuff like I just saw for making booze, I wonder if things have changed in the home-brew arena?"

Two weeks later and I'm off and running..."Lost Brothers' Brewery" is under construction!!

Rick

 

[LBussy]

Welcome back!

I started brewing in '91 but stayed with it for white a while. I took a sabbatical for a few years and am newly returned. The issues you had are fixable, easily, so do read up, pick your target, and read some more. Ask questions if you get stuck and we'll get you something your wife won't roll her eyes at.

 

[Rickysa]

Thanks Lee,

I was so impressed w/ the distillery set-up that I wanted to find something similar (not a liquor drinker, but the process seemed like a bunch of fun). I got so frustrated early on, even just doing extract brewing, by not feeling in control of anything...cooking on the stove, trashing the kitchen, trying to keep birds from crapping in the wort as it cooled on the back porch, etc...

Then I saw some vids of folks mashing in coolers w/ a braided filter from plumbing supply (damn smart!!), managing temps, etc., and I figured, "man, it's come a long way!"

After spending a few days searching around and getting familiar w/ the new lingo (2-tier/3-tier/brutus/ and so on), I stumbled across the electric brewery and took the plunge!

ETA: Just noticed 5 other threads with this same title

 

[Homercidal]

Welcome! Yes, there is a TON more information available than when I first started and a LOT of good information on making beer every bit as good any any craft beer.

The right yeast, healthy yeast, and the proper amount of it is a good start for your banana troubles. And keeping fermentation temps in order. Then you are on the right track. It's pretty easy nowadays.

 

[Cyclman]

Welcome from CO! Homebrewing is now at its high point, no better time to get the toes wet again.