CRAFTconditioned

When I originally thought up the concept for this blog, I was tackling the challenges of attempting to brew in a small, urban space. I wanted to share my research, experiments, and resolutions to benefit others struggling with similar limitations. But rather than research, compromise and whinge, I settled on a more assertive action plan. I moved.

A friend was looking for someone to share her row house. I was looking for a better home brewery. Did it meet my critera?

• Trade sketchy window units for central heating and air conditioning = better temperature control
• Trade closet for cellar = more storage for beer and brewing equipment
• Trade narrow kitchen with 30-year-old gas stove for wide kitchen with a  reliable model = safer, more convenient stove-top brewing
• Trade flights of stairs to get outside for brick patio with hose spigot just off the kitchen = space to use a propane burner for all-grain and larger batches.

Sounds right to me! And I fortunately met her criteria for a sane, financially-reliable, fun-loving housemate. Plus, I came with my own beer supply!

So, after two months in the new place, why haven’t I brewed anything yet? Motivated by an audience (you, readers!) I have started scheming. To further challenge myself, I outlined a few goals.

• Upgrade equipment to switch from extract to all-grain brewing. I now have the space and no excuses
• Increase my knowledge in one area with each batch, either through researching how something works, trying out new ingredients, conducting experiments, or practicing different techniques
• Teach a friend to homebrew. Brewing should be a social activity anyway
• Devise, experiment and refine the perfect red ale for enjoying soccer matches
• Brew more beer, at least tripling my brewing activity over the next year
• Enjoy more homebrew, preferably with friends

I’ll be referencing these, among other topics that interest me, in the coming months. Fellow brewers, how do you keep yourselves challenged?