Getting Started

When a lot of people think about getting into Home Brewing they usually think it is going to be too hard or that it's going to come easy. There's really no answer to that. However, there is ONE thing that you must possess to ensure that each of your brew comes out tasty...and that is Passion. Like anything else, if you don't have a passion for what you are doing - you probably should find a different hobby (or job for that matter). It drives you to want to be better at what you do and modivates you to work at it. To fuel that passion, you of course have to have some equipment to get you started. Instead of me listing out each item, just go over and visit homebrewing.com. They have a great checklist along with a lot of helpful info for both beginner and advanced home brewers alike. Homebrew Checklist

Over the weekend I planted some more herbs. Basil and Coriander (aka Cilantro). Although they really don't sound like something you would find in a beer, you would be suprised by the flavors and aromas they can give off when using them for beer (not necessarily together). Basil can add a bitter, spicey flavor and a clean balsam scent to your beer when added towards the end of the boil. Coriander is used in a lot of seasonal holiday ales (one of my favorite types of beer). They have a sweet, clovelike flavor and is usually used in the beginning of the boil as a flavoring herb. 

The great thing about growing herbs for your beer is you can experiment and find out what works for certain beer types and what combinations you like best. If you end up not liking a particular one, you can always use the herbs for cooking meals instead. If and when you do decide to plant some, be sure to pick the plants up at a local nursery or farmers market. Not only will you help the local economy thrive but the plants will most likely do better when purchased locally becuase they have already adapted to the climate.

Remember, when you are brewing a new batch or planting out in the garden, be sure to pour yourself one of your favorite beers. Every sip you take is a reminder of why you work so hard and do what you do. For me, it actually seems like the beer actually tastes better and makes the process a little more fun. And yes, that is a purple gardening glove that is wrapped around that Russian River Blind Pig IPA! Cheers to good beer, fresh local ingredients and Hop Rhizomes!

Next up: Planting Cascade, Centennial, Williamete and Zeus Hop Rhizomes