Hello fro NE Wisconsin

[khanti]

Hi! I've been lurking and posting a little for a few weeks and though it's time I introduce myself. I've been brewing for a few months now and am brewing batch #5 this weekend. I'm a computer guy by trade and the geek-factor in homebrewing is right up my alley. It's a ton of fun, addictive, and the end product is BEER! What could be better. I've also found two local clubs that are pretty active and have my pick of LHBSs within a couple hour's drive.

Back in college, 15+ years ago, I had some friends that brewed, and I thought it was a noble pursuit, but was never in one place long enough with the $ to get started. Now, years later, I saw a LHBS after moving here and thought, "why not?" and got started.

So far, I've brewed:

Brew: Cooper's IPA kit that came with my starter kit. (pre-hopped liquid extract)
Verdict: Pretty sweet, not very hoppy, but definitely drinkable

Brew: Brewer's Best IPA kit (liquid extract, specialty grains and pellet hops)
Verdict: Even better, dryer, hoppier, still far from perfect

Brew: Modified IPA recipe found on Beersmith (Hop Water)
Verdict: Tasted GREAT going into bottles, should be ready in about 10 days

Brew: My own extract IPA recipe. This one 's fermentation didn't take off. Think the vial of WL0001 was old. After 5 days, pitched two packets of Dry Nottingham and it finally got started. Transferred to secondary today and it smelled a little funky. May be infected, but time will tell...
Verdict: Too soon to tell but doesn't look good...

Brew: On deck for Sunday is an espresso porter

Thanks so much to everyone here for all I've learned to far and all I expect I will learn.

cheers!

-khanti

 

[Bernie Brewer]

Hey, we're pretty close! Welcome from the sticks near Fond du Lac!

Yep, there are some good LHBS's near you. There is Homebrew Market in Appleton, and a new one that just opened in Fond du Lac, called The Cellar. The owner of the Cellar is a graduate of brewing school and has worked in a brewery, so he knows his stuff.

 

[khanti]

@bernie
Yep, I've found the Homebrew Market and the NDC in Oshkosh as well as Point Brew Supply in Plover. I've also met with a couple of local clubs. the ALE (Appleton Libation Enthusiasts) club and the SOBs (Society of Oshkosh Brewers). I've found them all to be wonderful, inviting, knowledgeable folks.

I'm heading to the store in Fond Du Lac tomorrow. If it's the same store you spoke of, I met the owner briefly at an SOB meeting Thursday. Seems like a real nice guy!

Hopefully, I'll see you around!

-khanti

 

[DragonTail]

Welcome from down by the state line.

 

[Short Drive]

Welcome from Racine.