Hello from Lansing, MI

[voltairus]

Hey everyone!

I've been big into beer for over a year now. My fiancee got me a Brewer's Best kit last year, but I didn't get around to brewing anything until November for my 24th birthday. It was a successful witbier similar to Hoegaarden. I find brewing to be very gratifying but extremely stressful. Everything that could go wrong for me on my first time, did. But it is also forgiving.

I'm about to start my second batch, a maple wheat ale, and I'm excited to play around with the ingredients a little. I'm happy to be part of this community so I can learn more about brewing and making quality beer to rival the breweries downtown.

 

[Homercidal]

Welcome! Brewing used to be stressful for me too. I was unsure if I was doing everything right, and whether I'd forget something and mess it all up.

Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it the more you practice. Maybe seek out a homebrew club nearby and brew with some others? I think just seeing some different ways of doing things can help understand how versatile the hobby can be, and helps you find the methods that work best for you. I'm pretty sure there are some homebrewers in the Lansing area.

If you want, you are welcome to come visit our club when the weather gets nice again. I'm sure we'll have a few homebrew get-togethers in the spring. It's a good time!

 

[mrgrimm101]

I too am from Lansing. I've been brewing for a couple years now and just recently made the jump to all grain. Whereabouts in Lansing are you? I'm on the west side by the mall.

 

[pointcity-homebrew]

Welcome from the south!

My advice for a new brewer is to get the process down. This will streamline your brew day. It was a full year before I even took gravity readings.

My first brew was a Big Sky Moose Drool clone and was chosen over the real deal by people whom drink it on a regular basis.

Stick around, ask questions, lots to be learned.

 

[Fedora]

Welcome aboard, volt.

 

[rekoob]

Welcome, I work with a guy from there. I think his family has a bar in town.
enjoy and keep us posted on how things go.

 

[voltairus]

Thanks everyone!

@MrGrimm101 I am in Holt and I shop at Capital City Homebrew supply downtown for my supplies since I work a few blocks away.

@Homercidal I definitely plan on joining a club soon. I guess I just got to get a better handle on things and I want to upgrade my gear. Desperately need a wort chiller because a sink full of ice isn't cutting it.

 

[mrgrimm101]

Thanks everyone!

@MrGrimm101 I am in Holt and I shop at Capital City Homebrew supply downtown for my supplies since I work a few blocks away.

@Homercidal I definitely plan on joining a club soon. I guess I just got to get a better handle on things and I want to upgrade my gear. Desperately need a wort chiller because a sink full of ice isn't cutting it.

That's great, I work in Dimondale near Holt. I shop at CCHB often. Jacob (the owner) is a great guy, he always gets my orders ready for me if I Facebook Message the store ahead of time.

Chillers are so key. I didn't use one for the first year or so of brewing, and ice baths in my sink were a pain in the ass.