Hello from Indiana

[derekbottorff]

Hello all!

My name is Derek Bottorff and I am the worlds newest brewer. I just ordered my first starter kit after doing months of research and window shopping. I am very excited to get started and I am sure I will have a million questions once I get started.

A little about me. I am the Director of Operations for a local animal shelter. I work a lot of hours each week, but when I do have free time I enjoy doing many different hobbies. I am very excited to add brewing to that list of hobbies.

I am always open for suggestions and I take criticism very well. So, if I am doing something wrong, please let me know!

I look forward to chatting with all of you.

 

[StLouBrew]

Hey Derek, and welcome to the forum and the world of home brewing. I've only been at this about 6 months and I have to say that this hobby as captured my attention and focused my interests way more than what I initially expected.

The great thing about this hobby is you can keep it as simple as you like or get very involved. You can keep expenditures to a minimum... or not. Regardless of your approach there is a wealth of great information on these forums and a bunch of people who are happy to share their expertise.

Welcome!!

 

[Homercidal]

Welcome! Interesting family name. Is it German or something?

There is a ton of information and lots of members ready to offer advice or opinions about anything and everything. Just ask!

 

[jwalker1140]

Hi Derek. Welcome to the forum! I grew up in Lafayette (real close to Brookston) before moving to Los Angeles about 22 years ago.

When I was a new brewer I spent most of my time focusing on recipes when I should have been more focused on:

1. Sanitation
2. Pitching plenty of healthy yeast
3. Controlling fermentation temps

If you can dial these in, pretty much any of the more popular recipes on this site or those listed by the major online retailers will give you enjoyable beer. Blow one or more of these and even the most award-winning recipe will leave you disappointed.

Happy brewing!

 

[derekbottorff]

Welcome! Interesting family name. Is it German or something?

Yes, it is in fact German.

Thank you all for the kind welcome! I can't wait to get started on my first batch. Fortunately, there seems to be a wealth of knowledge and experience on these forums so I feel confident that I can learn to make a great beer!

 

[masteraviator]

Greetings from another Hoosier. I was born in Lafayette and grew up in Medaryville. Joined the military 33 years ago and retired in Texas 4 years ago.

 

[ragertom]

Welcome from crown point in!

 

[BeerLoverHere]

Welcome! I'm from the Indy area. Props for being an animal lover

 

[PastorofMuppets]

Welcome from NW side indy.
welcome also to the greatest hobby in the world.

 

[derekbottorff]

For those of you that are in and around Indy, do you have any recommendations for a good home brew store in your area? I have nothing up here around me and I would like to make the trip to Indy just to take a look around a home brew shop or two.

 

[Yellowirenut]

Welcome from the NE corner of the state.

If you search its amazing how many GOOD breweries are operating in Indiana and more opening up!

 

[derekbottorff]

We have two great breweries in Lafayette, but unfortunately we don't have a single home brew store around here.

 

[PastorofMuppets]

For those of you that are in and around Indy, do you have any recommendations for a good home brew store in your area? I have nothing up here around me and I would like to make the trip to Indy just to take a look around a home brew shop or two.

www.greatfermentations.com

two locations in indy Northside and Avon

Top notch store with a wide selection and decent prices

 

[BeerLoverHere]

www.greatfermentations.com

two locations in indy Northside and Avon

Top notch store with a wide selection and decent prices

The Avon store is new so I haven't been there nor do I live on the west side, but the store @ 65th and Binford (NE of downtown Indy but within the 465 loop) is AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME. Customer service is unmatched. All workers are knowledgable and helpful. Starts from the top down. The owner, Anita, leads by this example and it obviously trickles down. I always bring at least one homebrew in each time for them to sample, get the constructive criticism, recommendations, etc. Also, if you ever call the store they can help trouble shoot/identify any issues you may have.

 

[JayG]

Welcome from another Lafayette guy! Just brewed my first homebrew myself on New Year's Day. Also I'll second the recommendation for Great Fermentations. It's where I got my brewing equipment and recipe kit from. They've been very friendly and helpful.

 

[Cyclman]

Welcome to the hobby, and the group, from CO.