Why I'm A Homebrewer

There are many reasons to brew beer, sharing is just one of mine. It’s all well and good to pay someone else to make your beer for you, but there’s a certain pleasure in sharing anything you’ve made with people you care about. I love creating recipes, I love (of course) drinking beer, I even kind of enjoy cleaning bottles; but sharing my beer, sharing my knowledge and my passion for brewing, that’s the best part of brewing.

I got into the hobby when a good friend gave me a gift certificate to my friendly local homebrew store, which just happened to be Austin Homebrew Supply, and talked me into trying homebrewing. I dove in headfirst and bought a full set of brewing equipment, and brewed a 5 gallon batch of ginger beer the same day. Since then, I’ve gone from extract to all grain brewing, and from brewing kits to designing my own recipes. I’ve had some disasters...my youngest son once added cat food to a beer. The Little Friskies Tuna Porter will not make anyone’s “Best Beers” list! Every single batch makes me happy. I bring my beer to parties, give it as gifts at the holidays, and even brew special batches for friends that are coming in from out of town. I discovered I loved brewing so much that when I heard there was an opening at Austin Homebrew Supply, I immediately applied and got hired on the spot. In the years I’ve worked at AHS, I’ve enjoyed sharing my love of beer and brewing with every guest that enters the store, and any day I’m at work is a great day for me.

I have a pretty sweet gig. I get paid to talk about wine, beer and cheese all day long! I especially like working with guests that are just starting out. I enjoy sharing in their first rush of enthusiasm after finding a new hobby. Most of all I like finding out how their first batch finished and helping them with their next brew. Every day, I get to help introduce people to the best hobby in the world (in my opinion).

Homebrew reflections

Recent Articles

How to Make Hard Cider

How to Make Hard Cider

Compared to homebrewing beer, making hard cider at home is a much easier process. Since there’s no mash and no boil, it can be less labor intensive as well. Plus, you’ll be able to use the equipment you have on hand already, so why not give making hard cider a try?
How to Clean & Store an Oak Barrel

How to Clean & Store an Oak Barrel

It is advisable to avoid using barrels that have developed mold inside. When opting for barrels, investing in a new French or American oak barrel is a wise choice. Alternatively, if a used barrel is to be used, it should be thoroughly cleaned beforehand.
Aging Wine With Oak Chips

Aging Wine With Oak Chips

For centuries, the practice of aging red wines in oak casks has been recognized as far superior in enhancing their flavor and character compared to aging them solely in glass or plastic. French winemakers, who have employed this technique for generations, have produced wines of extraordinary complexity and taste as a result.