Making your craft beer may sound exciting, but there’s a lot you need to learn to create that perfect brew. If you’re just starting, here are 8 things you should know first before you start with your home brewing.
1. Use the Proper Tools
Using glass fermenters instead of plastic fermenters will allow your brew to reduce oxidation while it’s fermenting. You can also opt for solar-powered kettles if you’re planning to reduce electricity costs. You can also look into buying larger pots if you’re planning to do this long-term. You’ll also need chillers and vessels.
2. Understand the Science Behind Brewing
Brewing is equal part science and art. You’ll need to understand the processes involved before you can make your customized flavors. There are plenty of resources online that can help you understand all you need to know about brewing beer. You can also join forums, read blogs, or even watch videos that focus on how to brew beer.
3. Gather the Ingredients You Need
It’s always best to start when you have everything you need. Make sure that the ingredients are fresh and have high quality. Make sure to store them properly as well.
4. Sanitize and Sterilize
You can only be successful with your brew if they weren’t contaminated. So to avoid contamination while you’re fermenting, you should prepare everything you need before brewing. The most critical part of the process is when the wort is being cooled down. During this period, the yeast has not yet started with the fermenting stage. You will need to seal it properly during this time to keep bacteria away.
5. Boil Your Wort Well
Boiling wort should take from an hour to an hour and a half. This helps the proteins and tannins to coagulate from the grains. It will also make the hops release bitter oils. During this time, any unwanted compound will be vaporized. Solar kettles can be helpful since they won’t cost a lot of electricity.
6. Cool It Quickly Before Storing
As mentioned before, the yeast has not yet fermented during this stage. Since you need to avoid bacterial contamination, you will need to store it quickly. However, you can’t store it unless it has been properly cooled. The most effective way is to have it cooled in a chiller.
7. Maintain the Optimal Temperature
When fermenting the brew, you need to store it in a controlled environment. Make sure the space where you’ll put it in is not too hot or damp. You can also attach a thermometer to keep things in check.
8. Always Record your Results
It’s easier for you to find out where you went wrong or what you need to change if you have data. Doing so will also mean you won’t have to guess what you did to be able to remake that brew. Write down not only the ingredients but also how much time you boiled it. You should also log the outcome every time.
Conclusion
Crafting your beer is a mix between art and science. Although it takes a lot of patience and practice, learning everything you need to know before you start should help you lessen your mistakes.