Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Local guiness to teach brewing class

I was reading the paper this morning and noticed the community college was offering a one day class on the basics of brewing and beer appreciation this weekend.

I thought, "Oh, that is interesting.  I wonder who is teaching it?"

It was me.

I had a mild heart attack when I realized I had agreed to teach something back in November and totally spaced it out.  Hmmmmm, that's odd.  I thought beer was supposed to make you smarter, not make you forget things.

In three days, I need to come up with brewing supplies and figure out what in the hell I am going to say.  It is possible the class will be canceled because of a lack of interest but I don't think it's something I can count on.

So let's pose this question:  What do you wish someone had told you about brewing before you brewed the first time?

For me it is a toss up between the importance of StarSan and temperature control.  I think I ruined more beers with poor sanitation but had more mediocre success by stressing my yeast out.

5 comments:

El presidente said...

Strain the trub when transferring to the primary. Beginner books say not to worry about it but it makes for cloudy beer!

Wowcoach said...

1.the proper tools make life a lot easier--wish I had a wort chiller for those first couple grain batches. 2. Temperature control how-tos. Lots about the need, there is less about how to for rookie type brewers.

Jorge - Brew Beer And Drink It said...

I put most of the emphasis on temperature control... it makes a world of a difference...

If a brewer isn't cleaning and sanitizing, then I don't know what the... ummm... they are doing...

Anonymous said...

So how'd it go?

Ryan said...

Hi Justin - just found your blog on the Complete List of Beer Blogs. Having a number to start off the name of your blog really helps in that regard!
Anyhow, I really like the way you thoroughly explain your way through your DIY projects. I don't think my amateur home brewing will ever get as far as your keg system, but some of my blogging/drinking buddies are more advanced than I am. Fresh hopping sounds like more my speed!