More than one million Americans brew their own beer at home at least once a year, according to the American Home Brewers Association. They also estimate that nearly 90 percent of professional brewers got their start as home-brewers. Crafting your own beer is legal in 48 states (all except for Alabama and Mississippi), and even a first-time effort can yield tasty results.
Have you decided you’re ready to make your own beer, but you don’t know where to start? Tasty home-brewed beer isn’t difficult to make, but you do need the right tools before you begin. Below are just a few popular ways on how to brew to create your own beer at home.
- Use a kit. Home-brewing kits take much of the guesswork out of making your own brews. Such kits include all of the tools and equipment you’ll need to craft your brew: a book of recipes and instructions, and the necessary ingredients for the brew of your choice (such as pale ale, Irish stout, India Pale Ale, or a host of other brews).
- Start with Pale Ale. If you decide not to use a kit, it’s best to keep your first beer brewing effort simple. Starting with pale ale allows you to learn the process without the complications of extra ingredients. The only ingredients you’ll need to make pale ale are ale extract syrup, sugar, yeast, hops and water.
- Use a grain recipe. Although using extract syrup to make your beer is easy and affordable, don’t rule out using a grain recipe for your first brew. This technique of home brewing allows you to craft beer the same way George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison did more than 200 years ago. A grain recipe uses all natural ingredients, such as barley and wheat, in addition to yeast, hops, water, sugar and other flavorings.
So, what are you waiting for? Delicious home-crafted beer is within your grasp. Start creating your own home brews today.