Brew your own beer?

[The Balanced Man]

Add me to the list of people who have had friends that did it.

x 2.

Had a buddy that tried it years ago and it really sucked so I had no desire to try it myself. I did get a bottle from a guy in the company who makes his own beer and it was really good. He wanted the bottle back.

Yea, I think that is pretty common. The bottles cost $$$. My Cousin always asked for his back too when he brewed.

[scottaa1]

Add me to the list of people who have had friends that did it.

x 2.

Had a buddy that tried it years ago and it really sucked so I had no desire to try it myself. I did get a bottle from a guy in the company who makes his own beer and it was really good. He wanted the bottle back.

Yea, I think that is pretty common. The bottles cost $$$. My Cousin always asked for his back too when he brewed.

people who do canning ask the same thing. I don't mind bringing the jar/lid back if it means I'll get more goodies in the future.

[Omaha Red Sox]

Just thought it was a bit odd, wondering how many people drank out of the bottle before me. No worse than a glass at a restaurant I suppose.

[The Balanced Man]

Just thought it was a bit odd, wondering how many people drank out of the bottle before me. No worse than a glass at a restaurant I suppose.

Probably more sanitary with the bottle. There are special sterilization techniques that are generally done, because bacteria comepletly ruins brewing beer.

Thats right, I've seen those 20/20 specials

[treat24]

Just thought it was a bit odd, wondering how many people drank out of the bottle before me. No worse than a glass at a restaurant I suppose.

Probably more sanitary with the bottle. There are special sterilization techniques that are generally done, because bacteria comepletly ruins brewing beer.

Thats right, I've seen those 20/20 specials

or read my post on the first page

[Mookie4ever]

I've tried it twice, never with a brew-at-home kit, both times at a brew facility. I didn't like it the first time I tried it but decided to give it another shot at a different store - turned out even worse. My brother-in-law tried a brew-at-home kit and it was undrinkable.

[Heimholder]

Haven't been on the site for awhile but with the new season coming I've been doing some lurking and this caught my eye.

I got that exact kit for my birthday last fall and have put out 6-7 batches of 2 cases each, mostly Brewer's Best kits. I highly recommend it, to me it's been a fun hobby especially in the winter, and I like the taste of the beer if you follow the directions to the letter. I've even started creating my own recipes. It definitely has a unique taste - more hoppy and bitter than your typical commercial ale. But by now I'm to the point that I would drink mine over most commercial beers.

The time commitment isn't too bad either - count on a 3 hour slot with lots of waiting in between to boil and bucket the wort, then a week or 2 later maybe 2 hours to do the bottling. Set the oven timer for the first part and it's perfect to do with the game on. One of the worst "chores" would probably be all the sanitizing, but as mentioned, it is critical to keep bacteria out of it.

Also about reusing the bottles - it's not about the cost, as they are only 10 cents a piece. Really I think it's just a culture thing and a way to avoid the chore of peeling labels off reused commercial bottles. Trust me, they are far cleaner than the glasses you pull out of your cupboard.

And finally one of the funnest parts is giving it to people as unique inexpensive gifts or just for your buddies to try. I have several "miller lite-only" buddies who consider it a treat when I bring a 6-pack with me for a poker game.

[Nfl Fan]

I think I'll continue to get my beer the old fashioned way.

[beanoX3]

Stupid Canada....

[Cowboys 4 life]

I think I'll continue to get my beer the old fashioned way.

Thats funny. I saw someone bottling some of that Canadian beer in the urinal yesterday. He said he drinks American beer and it comes out Canadian.