2torial #0726:
Learn2 Brew Your Own Beer

Something's brewing

Next time you're frustrated over the price of beer, or wishing your local market offered more of a variety, consider brewing your own. After an initial investment for equipment, the ingredients run less than buying beer, and with practice, you'll be able to create any style or flavor you desire. What's more, you don't even have to like a good brewski to get involved--if you enjoy cooking, beer making can be a fun activity to add to your repertoire. We'll get you started with a simple malt-extract ale.

Look in the phone book for a home brew supply store where you can purchase equipment and ingredients and get advice from experienced brewers. Libraries and bookstores offer publications about brewing, and typing "brewing" or "beer" into an Internet search engine will yield more information, including ways to obtain supplies via mail order. If you're looking for a community of brewers to join, find one by asking at your home brew store or by searching online.

Also, consider visiting a BOP (brew on premises) store, where you pay a fee to brew your own beer using their equipment and ingredients. Some even offer instruction. This way you can get some experience before you purchase your own supplies.

Finally, keep in mind that brewing beer is an art that takes practice. This 2torial provides the basics to get you started on your first batch, but it won't turn you into a brew master overnight.