It’s widely accepted that beer was invented by accident. Somewhere in the distant past, one of our ancestors left their store of grain in a wet place. Soon, a chance encounter with microscopic yeast began the fermentation process and the rest is history.
I mention this only because if a lackadaisical Neolithic farmer can make beer, you can too. What’s more, you can make beer that’s crisp, refreshing, and delicious, qualities his probably was not.
Perhaps you’ve heard brewing is complicated or expensive, or you have friends who poured time and energy into a few gallons of burbling brown liquid, only to be met with a mediocre brew. If you or a loved one fear the same fate, keep reading. We’ve got the tools and tips to beef up your beer brewing game.
Step One
Master Brewers understand their craft is an art and a science. Fortunately, even if you flunked out of chemistry and can’t draw a straight line with a ruler, the Premium Beer Making Kit from Craft a Brew has you covered. This kit has all of the essential equipment that will get your operation up and running, including a helpful guidebook and all the ingredients you’ll need for your first batch. Once you’ve caught the bug, their all-in-one Beer Making Recipe boxes will keep you coming back.
Step…Zero?
Okay, let’s say you don’t want to get your hands dirty at all. Maybe you just want incredibly fresh, perfectly-brewed beer at your fingertips at all times. You’re starting to make a lot of sense if I’m being honest.
Enter PicoBrew. Their Pico C Craft Beer Brewing Appliance is a true set-and-forget option for homebrewers. If you’ve ever used a “pod” to brew a cup of coffee, then you already have the idea behind this ingenious machine. Select a “PicoPak” recipe kit for your favorite style of beer, insert it into the machine, and walk away. In a few short hours, the brew is complete, and you’re ready to ferment.
Storage and Pour-age
So you’re starting to get the hang of things and your first batch is ready to be shared with friends and family. One day your name will be on every tap handle in the city, but for now, you just need a way to transport your beer to your buddy’s house. Make an impression with the Insulated Growler from DrinkTanks. These double-walled stainless steel growlers keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours and preserve carbonation better than conventional growlers. Include the Keg Cap System for a draft-style pouring experience.
Take a Proper Sip
While we’re on the subject of sharing, I hope you’re not planning to serve your beer in bottles. Any beer snob worth their suds will tell you that the aroma of beer accounts for a major portion of the overall taste. Make sure those rich hoppy notes have room to breathe with a set of Shatterproof Craft Beer Cups from B Cups. They’re available in a variety of shapes, customized to your favorite style of beer, and the heavy-gauge food-safe plastic ensures they’ll survive the trip.
Keep That Brew Cold…For Hours
Alright, fine, bottles ARE convenient when you’re on the move. I admit that a grab-and-go single serving of beer does have its place…and that place is inside an Insulated Beer Bottle Holder from BottleKeeper. These stainless steel koozies are lined with neoprene, which keeps your hands warm and dry, while your beer stays cool and refreshing for two full hours. The tethered cap even includes a built-in bottle opener.
Embrace the Lifestyle
Now that you’ve found your feet in the world of beer, there’s only one thing left to worry about as you hone your craft: scoring some style points.
The One-Handed Bottle Opener by GrabOpener is so satisfying to see in action that it’s almost a party trick in its own right. In a single swift motion, this clever little lever pops the top off your bottle and collects the cap with a powerful magnet. This all happens while leaving one hand free to receive the high-fives that are sure to follow. Maybe pick up two, since your friends will definitely be asking to borrow one.
Put Your Beer on the Map
On the subjects of caps, you might end up collecting a lot of them as you conduct “field research” into the many varieties and styles of beer the big-time breweries are producing. Show off your extensive range with a Beer Cap Trap from Torched Products. These laser-cut wooden maps secure bottle caps within a variety of shapes to fit your taste, including all 50 US states. Display one with pride wherever you brew—or drink—quality beer.
Beer’s Favorite Companion: Food
If you thought drinking your craft beer creations was satisfying, you should try eating them. Make your beverage a little more toothsome by baking it into the Artisan Brew Bread Mixes from SoberDough. These no-fuss bread mixes come in several great flavors, like Green Chili Cheddar and Cinnful Raisin. Put a personal touch on each loaf by mixing the batter with a beer of your choice, then bake. In less than one hour, you’ll have a warm delicious loaf of beer-flavored bread. It’s the perfect thing to snack on while you pop open another cold one.
The road to true brewing mastery is long, but we hope some of these finds will help you to stop and smell the hops along the way.