2013 The Year of Promise

haha valid point... a guy can dream can't he!?

 

Started brewing in late June and wanted to complete 20 batches in my first year. I have 7 batches left to brew by July to complete this goal. I have brewed all sorts of styles so far to go along with the seasons. I think I am going to concentrate on one style for awhile and try to get some solid recipes down that are worth duplicating. I also want to tighten up my process and cut a little time off brew day. I plan to purchase another kettle so I can start my 2nd batch while I chill my 1st. Also got my brother set up with some equipment for christmas so I want to help him get up and running. Good luck to everyone this year.

 

BIAB is an easy and cheap way to get started with AG. BIAB helps to get you used to the process of mashing before committing equitpment/space/money on AG. If you'd rather just jump into there are some nice Mash Tun plans on this site recently (in other threads).

 

► No big brew projects. Small is still beautiful.
► Not looking to buy any gear.

► Apply Bru'nWater recommendations to me well water...then track and analyze changes using 'statistical process control' techniques.
► Brew more batches of raspberry wheat.
► Comandeer more freezer space for hops.

 

Hope to get into kegging this year, at least my IPAs to get the freshest and hoppiest beer I can, as well as lagers so I can lager under pressure. I got a pump and new IC w/ whirlpool arm that will make for some great hoppy beers. I also hope to get a solera project started for more sours. Hoping to convert a 1/2 barrel keg into a fermenter for this.

 

I think a "yeast samples" forum would be suitable.

 

Pretty much all the upgrades I want to make either require equipment that would be a bitch to fit into my small third floor apartment, or I can't do. I already have four batches of various size going at once as it is. Kegging, definite temp control, sours, and outdoor brewing will have to wait, especially with a possible move at the end of the summer. Using up 10# of hops this year will be the challenge.

 

Hoping to start using full size (30-55 gal) Wine barrels for my Lambic. Right now the only issue is sourcing them. Other then that. Just hope to continue doing what I love the most. Brewing great Beer!

 

I've just started to brew, as in I put my first batch in the fermenter a week ago. So my goal is to develop a process and method of brewing that I am comfortable with and eventually design and tweak my own recipes. I would like to repeat a few of my original batches to see how my techniques have improved over the year. Overall, I'm very excited.

 

that's not a horrible idea at all! Thanks for that.

 

I often make 10 gallon batches, keg 5 gallons and bottle the other half. Bottled beer definitely stays around longer and makes better gifts. Also, it's interesting to drink side by side during the brief time that both versions are ready to drink and available.

For 2013, I want to:

Get a corker and start doing my Belgians right.
Replace my dead chest freezer so I can do lagers again.
Carve some dedicated brewing space out of my messy household (dreaming big here...).