Hello from Sarasota, FL

[dgooden]

Greetings! My name is Dennis, a 34 year old computer programmer. I am new to both drinking beer and homebrewing. I never really like beer but about 6 months ago someone put a wheat beer in my hand and I was hooked. Since then, I've been sampling what I can when I can, but it's pretty overwhelming (all the different styles, etc)

Thanks to my girlfriend who did some great research, I got a good 5gal homebrew kit for my birthday. I just brewed my first batch the other day, it's in the fermenter now, bubbling away. It was a good experience (well aside from hanging out in 90+ degree weather over a boiling pot!). I'm attracted to the science and the DIY aspect.

This board has been an amazing resource so far, I look forward to being a part of it.

 

[dfc]

Welcome! I start on my first brew tomorrow.

 

[shanecb]

Welcome aboard! The DIY section is a fantastic place with a lot of interesting ideas.

 

[BeerJorge]

Welcome to the board... It's never too late to start drinking beer...

Maybe this will help you understand beer styles...

 

[cfritz]

Dennis, where did you get your homebrewing kit? I live in Sarasota and am thinking of buying a kit soon, but am not sure which to buy or from where.

 

[dgooden]

Dennis, where did you get your homebrewing kit? I live in Sarasota and am thinking of buying a kit soon, but am not sure which to buy or from where.

I got my kit online. Doing a search on these boards will get you much better recommendations on what kit to get and from where than I can give.

There is a homebrew store in Sarasota, called In The Spirits and they sell a decent kit at a competitive price with the online retailers. You also get the added bonus of being able to ask questions, etc. They are very friendly there, so definitely check them out as well.

 

[dgooden]

Welcome to the board... It's never too late to start drinking beer...

Maybe this will help you understand beer styles...

Thanks, that's a nice simple introduction to the different styles. I appreciate it!

 

[HBirdman]

I got my kit online. Doing a search on these boards will get you much better recommendations on what kit to get and from where than I can give.

There is a homebrew store in Sarasota, called In The Spirits and they sell a decent kit at a competitive price with the online retailers. You also get the added bonus of being able to ask questions, etc. They are very friendly there, so definitely check them out as well.

I'd also suggest going with your local guy. In tough economic times it is important to support your local businesses. Plus it'll help build your local homebrewing community.

My local guy was very helpful, let me pester him with questions and answered them all very patiently and gave me his cell number to call if I ran into a problem. I think he's half responsible for my first batch turning out.

 

[billymeter]

Greetings! My name is Dennis, a 34 year old computer programmer. I am new to both drinking beer and homebrewing. I never really like beer but about 6 months ago someone put a wheat beer in my hand and I was hooked. Since then, I've been sampling what I can when I can, but it's pretty overwhelming (all the different styles, etc)

Thanks to my girlfriend who did some great research, I got a good 5gal homebrew kit for my birthday. I just brewed my first batch the other day, it's in the fermenter now, bubbling away. It was a good experience (well aside from hanging out in 90+ degree weather over a boiling pot!). I'm attracted to the science and the DIY aspect.

This board has been an amazing resource so far, I look forward to being a part of it.

Welcome! Glad to have another in the area who homebrews. I've been brewing for a little over a year now and have about 15 batches under my belt, including three all grain batches.

In my opinion, I think the In the Spirits store isn't that great and mainly caters to the wine maker's needs, but it is better than nothing. There is Southern Brewing up in Tampa and also Beer and Winemakers Pantry in Pinellas Park.

If you have any questions or concerns about brewing in Florida, don't hesitate to ask. Maybe we can get together for a brew session one day.

Cheers

 

[dgooden]

Welcome! Glad to have another in the area who homebrews. I've been brewing for a little over a year now and have about 15 batches under my belt, including three all grain batches.

In my opinion, I think the In the Spirits store isn't that great and mainly caters to the wine maker's needs, but it is better than nothing. There is Southern Brewing up in Tampa and also Beer and Winemakers Pantry in Pinellas Park.

If you have any questions or concerns about brewing in Florida, don't hesitate to ask. Maybe we can get together for a brew session one day.

Cheers

Thanks for the welcome! It would be fun to have a brew session, I'd actually love to observe an AG batch.

 

[dgooden]

For anyone in the area, my girlfriend and I always hang out at the Cock & Bull pub in Sarasota (on Cattleman) every wednesday night from about 8:30pm-11pm. They have a ton of beer on draft, and excellent pizza. I'd love to see some folks from the forums there.

We are easy to spot, just look for the couple with the tattoo's!

Link to the pub

 

[cfritz]

Thanks everyone for the recommendations. I'll likely try the home brewing place here in Sarasota, or maybe St. Pete. A few years ago I had a Mr. Beer kit, but not much opportunity to brew my own style with that kit. As for beer bars, I like the Cock and Bull, but can hardly tolerate the smoke. Lately I go to World of Beer, and have visited the Kangaroo in Bradenton, as I work for Tropicana. I'm a hughe fan of craft brews and am excited to truly attempt to brew my own.

 

[dgooden]

Just so you know, the Cock and Bull has recently become non-smoking inside

 

[billymeter]

I've only been to Cock and Bull twice. I've been to World of Beer (WoB) on a number of occasions. Total Wine is right across the street from WoB too!

 

[dgooden]

I like WoB as well, but I've only been there twice. I've been to Total Wine a few more times than that - mix and match six packs are awesome.

 

[FlBrewer]

Welcome to the board! Good luck on your first batch!

 

[dgooden]

Welcome to the board! Good luck on your first batch!

Thank you! First batch is fermenting strong. Already bought another fermenter for my second batch, which I'll brew this weekend.

 

[sneek76]

Heey! Just stopping in to say hello to my fellow brewers of sarasota. I started in 08. took a little break in 09 now back @ it in 2010. done around 15-20 batches. all ales,( havent done lagers but will one day.) in the spirits is "ok" but if it was my shop I would have less of a mom and pops atmosphere and a more modern professional feel. I rather get ingredients, equipment, and kits from either austin homebrew or northern brewers. I also heard williams is very highly spoken of. very professional and fresh ingredients. from what I hear. well I toast this one to all you homebrewers in sarasota. cheers and stay cool!

 

[passedpawn]

Howdy ho from up north.

 

[sneek76]

dgooden its funny you say you hit up c&b wed round 830, my physical therapist goes the same night.evey other wed i think. hell you may even know him. small world. I am still a fan of the brewing company on gulf gate. just checking out all the brewing equipment is a big bonus for me.

 

[dgooden]

dgooden its funny you say you hit up c&b wed round 830, my physical therapist goes the same night.evey other wed i think. hell you may even know him. small world. I am still a fan of the brewing company on gulf gate. just checking out all the brewing equipment is a big bonus for me.

I love the brewing company as well. Good food, good beer. I am embarrassed to admit that I've never taken the tour.