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As some of you know, I was into hombrewing beer several years ago, but because of circumstances I lost most of my brewing equipment and haven't brewed a batch in about 6 years. Well, as luck would have it, the homebrew supply store I actually used to order via a mail order catelog is only a 30 minute drive: Bacchus and Barleycorn.

A couple of weekends ago, Tammy and I went and picked up some fresh equipment and some ingredients, but I've been waiting for some free time to actually brew the stuff. Well, guys, today was the day. My batch of "Nutcastle Brown Ale" is bubbling happily in it's fermenter. Now, this is no "Mr. Beer" kit (tried that, not horrible but not good either), this is the real thing. It's alot of work to get it all together, and takes several hours (just the brew day, this doesn't include the racking and bottling later on), but I have a great time doing it, and it makes me appreciate and enjoy the end product all the much better. Kinda how great barbecue is alot of work, and time consuming, but always seems to taste better if you actually cook the stuff.

Anyway, I'll give you guys a tasting review in a couple of months when it's all ready to drink (of course it'll be a raving review). I want to try to brew a batch about once a month, at least for a little while, until I have a nice little stockpile of brew. In case you're wondering, a "batch" makes around 60 12 oz. beers, give or take a few.

Cheers, L'Chaim, Slainte!