One way we're keeping toasty (or should I say "toasted"?) this winter involves emptying pint glasses. Not just any beer will do—OK, just about any beer will do in a pinch! But we're particularly enjoying our own home brews as Bill learns more with each batch he cooks up.
Brew days are long, aromatic affairs. Carefully, Bill stirs the malt mash as it heats, adding hops as the recipe calls for them. After cooling the wort, it goes into a bucket for fermentation.
A few days later, when the little device atop the bucket stops bubbling, Bill siphons the near-beer into another bucket for more bubbling. Then it's time for bottling and...waiting, waiting, waiting.
I play taste-tester and occasional assistant in this fascinating process. As I sip one of Bill's creations now, I'm thinking about how brewing fits so well into this new way of living we're moving towards:
1. It's educational: We know what goes into what we drink.
2. It's practical: We are—or at least Bill is—learning a new homesteading skill.
3. It's humbling: We have a heightened appreciation for ale artisans.
4. It's communal: We like to chat with people who drink and/or produce craft beer.
5. It's entertaining: Living on the side of a mountain, it's a good idea to find things that amuse.
6. It's affordable: After an initial $100 equipment investment, 5-gallon batches cost about $40.
In about four weeks, the latest brew (an Irish stout) will be ready to uncap and pour. If you happen to be in the area, your bottle awaits.
Brew days are long, aromatic affairs. Carefully, Bill stirs the malt mash as it heats, adding hops as the recipe calls for them. After cooling the wort, it goes into a bucket for fermentation.
A few days later, when the little device atop the bucket stops bubbling, Bill siphons the near-beer into another bucket for more bubbling. Then it's time for bottling and...waiting, waiting, waiting.
I play taste-tester and occasional assistant in this fascinating process. As I sip one of Bill's creations now, I'm thinking about how brewing fits so well into this new way of living we're moving towards:
1. It's educational: We know what goes into what we drink.
2. It's practical: We are—or at least Bill is—learning a new homesteading skill.
3. It's humbling: We have a heightened appreciation for ale artisans.
4. It's communal: We like to chat with people who drink and/or produce craft beer.
5. It's entertaining: Living on the side of a mountain, it's a good idea to find things that amuse.
6. It's affordable: After an initial $100 equipment investment, 5-gallon batches cost about $40.
In about four weeks, the latest brew (an Irish stout) will be ready to uncap and pour. If you happen to be in the area, your bottle awaits.