So you think you can
brew?
-
By Matthew Horsley
Ever dreamt about owning your own Micro Brewery but felt you
didn’t have the time or money to invest in one? Ever wished you had beer on tap
in your own house or just simply want to impress some friends? Well look no further,
because all of this can be achieved with just a small outlay, a bit of patience
and very little effort!
A few months ago, I
decided to invest in a home brewing kit and I must say it is brilliant. Not
only is it great fun and extremely interesting, you can produce large amounts
of top quality beer and/or cider that is incredibly cheap and easy to make all within your own home!
There are a number of home brewing shops dotted around the
UK all selling top of the line kits ranging from starter packs to mashing
equipment and oak barrels. Being a total amateur when it comes to brewing, I
opted for a Micro Brewery Starter Kit from my local store (pictured). In this I got: a 5 gallon
(yes, 5 GALLON) fermenting bin, pressure barrel with CO2 injection capabilities
(oh yeh), large stirring spoon, hydrometer and trial jar, siphon tube,
sterilliser and an air lock. On top of this it included full instructions and
all the ingredients to make the excellent ‘Woodforde’s Wherry Bitter’! All of
this for just £65.85!
The process itself couldn't be easier, you simply mix the
ingredients together in boiling water, fill up with cool water, leave for 1-2
weeks, siphon into the barrel, add sugar, pressurise it and leave for 3-4
weeks. So in theory, in 4-5 weeks you can have a whole 40 pints ready to drink!
And yes, dressing up as a witch whilst stirring your bubbling brew is optional.

It has to be said, not everything you produce is going to be
winning awards, and there is a certain aspect of trial and error. However, with
some attention, careful planning and the right storage you can make a really
tasty beverage that is going to last you a while and save you a fortune in
the long run if you buy beer regularly from the supermarkets. And probably most
importantly of all, you have a bloody good time doing it!
So I implore you, give it a go and become the brewer you were born to be!
- Lakeland
-The Art of Brewing
Have you ever tried out a home brew kit? Did you dress up as a witch too? Did you explode your house? Let us know in the comments!
Have you ever tried out a home brew kit? Did you dress up as a witch too? Did you explode your house? Let us know in the comments!
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