Ok. Why do you really want to home brew? To be snobbier than your buddies that drink fancy microbrews with abandon? To create the perfect elixir to satisfy that inner craving for the perfect brew? Because you’re just plain bored and need a new hobby?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are ready to try your hand at home brewing. I have friends that fit each of these categories and have definitely benefited from their inner drive. Heck, I’ve even tried myself quite a few years ago with a Mr. Beer Kit and a giant mess in my kitchen that smelled like a brewery for a month or so (good thing I was living on my own, back then). It didn’t turn out too badly, but it certainly wasn’t the microbrew or even macrobrew I was hoping for.

Getting into the craft requires as much or as little time and patience as you want to put into it. Making the perfect beer takes time and patience, and the more you do it, the better you become (most of the time). Fancy equipment like wort chillers can definitely help a more seasoned brewer, but starting out slowly will yield more consistent beer along the line.

Reading Charlie Papazian’s book The Complete Joy of Home Brewing is a must. READ IT! READ IT! READ IT! This book is a wealth of information and is written in a manner that is very readable and informative. So go my friends, and experiment! Take small steps and prosper in your new craft! Just remember though, if all goes poorly, there are still plenty of beers out there that you haven’t tried yet.

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