Beer crafting is a great way to get to know the ingredients that go into your favorite brews, and it can also be a fun family activity. The home brewing community is very welcoming to newcomers, and there are many resources online that can help you get started.
First, you will need to gather your supplies and equipment. A good place to start is with a 5-gallon batch that you can use as your fermentation container. You will also need a brewing bucket, a bottling bucket, bottles and a bottle capper (that is a tool that crimps the caps on the beer bottles).
After you have your equipment and ingredients, you can begin brewing! It is important to follow the instructions in your brewing kit and to make sure you are using clean, sanitized equipment. It is best to start with a simple recipe, and as you become more confident, you can try out your own recipes.
If you want to add a little extra flavor to your beer, consider adding some herbs to the cooking malt. Some popular choices include sweet gale, yarrow, Labrador tea, juniper and nettle. Adding herbs to the wort during cooking and fermentation will result in a beer with less bitterness.
Craft breweries often work with local farmers to supply them with ingredients. This helps support the local economy and reduces the environmental impact of shipping ingredients long distances. In addition, working with local farmers can help brewers build relationships and create trusting business partnerships. Local ingredients can also bring unique flavors and aromas to a beer.
