Hello from Atlanta!

vitalbrew · Aug 11, 2011

Hey everybody! I've been a long time lurker around here for about the last year and a half. I've found so much useful info including my latest happy coincidental find - Clarity-Ferm. I'm going to try it this weekend for the first time. But before I get more ahead of myself, here's my story...

I'm a girl, so please be nice.

My husband and I started brewing about a year and a half ago. We love beer, and I like cooking, and I'm a chemical engineer (well, I changed careers after 11 years, but I'm applying my old lab skills to a much better purpose now - making my own ethanol). We sorta jumped in after an impromptu visit to our LHBS where we bought a 5 gallon brew kit. We've done about 9 batches now including 2 for my friend's wedding. We're doing mini-mash or extract with steeping grains.

My husband is sensitive to gluten and gets really bad headaches, so I end up drinking most of the beer. I know, it's rough. Woe is me. :drunk:

But, now I'm really excited to try the Clarity-Ferm to knock out the gluten from a regular (as in not sorghum or other crap) brew for him. I generally choose the recipes, he takes care of the sanitization since he's a germaphobe, and we brew together. Anyway...

Thank you to everyone on here who has been sharing recipes, tips, expertise, etc. This forum is awesome because of all of you! You have already helped me a ton.

NuclearBrewer · Aug 12, 2011

Welcome to HBT! Even though you've lurked for more than a year (much like I've been doing, despite HAVING an account) you have an account now so I'll welcome you! Keep the good brews flowing!

vitalbrew · Aug 12, 2011

Thanks NB! Cheers!

Maxkling · Aug 12, 2011

Welcome, what brew store / stores you go to?

vitalbrew · Aug 13, 2011

Thanks Maxkling. Our main store is the Brew Depot in Alpharetta/Roswell. It's the closest to us, and they seem to have good prices, are helpful, and have great selection. We tried out Wine Craft in Sandy Springs, but they were pricey and a bit more limited. What stores around here are your favorite?

Maxkling · Aug 13, 2011

Since I'm just south of Atlanta, I go to Just Brew It in Fayetteville.

Great place, prices, and people. The owner is great help and he is always there.

vitalbrew · Aug 14, 2011

I'm just starting to realize how lucky we are to have even 1 much less 2 really good home brew stores in our area after talking with friends in other places. Went to Brew Depot yesterday and spent about a half hour talking with the owner about all kinds of stuff. He is such a nice guy and has won like 150 ribbons. On the spot he formulated a recipe for me that is a hybrid between a couple red ales I brought in. Hopefully we'll brew it tonight after the PGA championship.