The home brewers speak

A spot to talk general homebrew
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KMcK
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The home brewers speak

Post by KMcK » Sat Mar 19, 2011 6:17 pm

We're all brewmasters in our own breweries, so why not get the same attention as the big guys in their Coast interviews? (See http://www.thecoast.ca/halifax/the-brew ... id=2344235.) Here's the template to follow (bonus points for creative answers and proper grammar):

Name,
title, location/brewery

Where did you learn to brew?

How did you start brewing?

How long have you been brewing?

Where else/with whom else have you brewed?

What’s your favourite style to brew?

What’s your favourite beer to drink (other than your own)?

Three words that describe your brewing style:

If you were going to collaborate with another brewer, who would it be and why?
Last edited by KMcK on Sat Mar 19, 2011 7:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.
McKeggerator:
  • no beer :(

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KMcK
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Re: The home brewers speak

Post by KMcK » Sat Mar 19, 2011 7:06 pm

Kyle McKenzie,
winner of the Golden Growler (2011), McKenzie Brewing

Where did you learn to brew?
My place, by myself. I acquired a brewing kit from Peter Duinker, who lent me Brewing for Dummies and offered guidance if I needed it. I jumped in by myself and when things went terribly wrong discovered that Peter had sequestered himself off grid in a cabin in a remote corner of rural Ontario to do some uninterrupted writing. The beer turned out alright in the end.

How did you start brewing?
I did a U-brew with friends back in the mid-nineties. It was moderately successful.

How long have you been brewing?
seven years

Where else/with whom else have you brewed?
I've brewed a lot with Susan, Ian, and Sean. I've recently also brewed with Tim, Brian, and Justin.

What’s your favourite style to brew?
IPAs, because I love smelling the hops.

What’s your favourite beer to drink (other than your own)?
Anything from Nash, Propeller Hefeweisen, Sea Level Blue Herron.
When I can get them, beers from Allagash, Southern Tier, and Dogfish Head.

Three words that describe your brewing style:
hope this works

If you were going to collaborate with another brewer, who would it be and why?
I'd like to brew with a Trappist Monk in a monastery. I like Belgian beers and those guys don't talk too much so we'd likely get along well.
I'd also say Alexander Keith just to see how he really brewed and what it actually tasted like.
McKeggerator:
  • no beer :(

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derek
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Re: The home brewers speak

Post by derek » Sat Mar 19, 2011 8:25 pm

Derek Broughton
Head brewer and bottle washer: Muskrat Brewery, Musquodoboit Harbour.

Where did you learn to brew?
Learn? Not yet...

How did you start brewing?
Back in the dawn of history, when it was still strictly illegal to make wine or beer in Canada, I bought a kit...

How long have you been brewing?
30-some years

Where else/with whom else have you brewed?
Toronto, Kitchener, & St. Thomas Ontario.

What’s your favourite style to brew?
English IPAs

What’s your favourite beer to drink (other than your own)?
I don't think I have a favorite. Locally, I'll buy anything Nash makes or Garrison Hopyard, Propeller IPA or Pumphouse SOB from the NSLC. Otherwise, as many different beers as possible. I spent 3 months once in Belgium, where the aim was to drink every possible different beer I could. I failed...

Three words that describe your brewing style:
Random, chaotic, confused.

If you were going to collaborate with another brewer, who would it be and why?
Well, I've already done a collaboration with Nash (Simcoe Smash), and I'd do that again any time. Unlike certain other local brewers recently quoted in the Coast, I'd happily collaborate with anybody.
Currently on tap: Nothing!
In keg: Still nothing.
In Primary: Doggone American Rye Pale Ale

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Re: The home brewers speak

Post by akr71 » Sat Mar 19, 2011 10:36 pm

Name,
Andy Robinson - Proprietor & Head Brewer, Crazy Grouse Brewery

Where did you learn to brew?
On my deck - Amherst NS. I read Charlie Papazian's books and lots of stuff on the web and took the plunge into all-grain brewing.

How did you start brewing?
In the mid 90's I did a U-brew in Kingston ON with my housemates. It was OK - would have been better if we had let it carb - we drank a case of it the first weekend it was bottled. About 5 years later, in Moncton my roommate asks if I'd like to brew beer - he had all the gear. We brewed a bunch of kits, drank a bunch of cheap beer, misread the instructions on a cider kit and made some bottle bombs. My wife and I bought our own gear and kept up the kit brewing for a while (off and on)

How long have you been brewing?
After about 10 years of kit brewing, I was getting pretty bored and couldn't find what I wanted to drink at the NSLC. I kept myself busy with a couple extract experiments and cider while building a mash tun and researching all-grain brewing. I've been all-grain brewing since 2009

Where else/with whom else have you brewed?
A couple buddies here in Amherst have split the cost and helped me brew a couple times, in exchange for half the batch

What’s your favourite style to brew?
West Coast IPA, stout

What’s your favourite beer to drink (other than your own)?
Nash's beers, Lagunitas, Propeller Pale Ale

Three words that describe your brewing style:
No-one's home - Brewday!

If you were going to collaborate with another brewer, who would it be and why?
Come on up to Amherst & get yer brew on!
Last edited by akr71 on Wed Apr 18, 2012 10:57 am, edited 1 time in total.
Andy
"Now son, you don't want to drink beer. That's for Daddies, and kids with fake IDs." - Homer J. Simpson

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Re: The home brewers speak

Post by LiverDance » Mon Mar 21, 2011 9:28 am

Name,
Head Brewer: 1029 Brewing (Spryfield); Assistant Brewer: EZMAC Brewery (Spryfield); Assistant Brewer: Broadholme Lane Brewery (Wedgewood)

Where did you learn to brew?
Read it on the Interwebz, try it on the battlefield. When I started I knew 0 people who brewed so I did a lot of reading on the net, tried everything I could, and learned from experience.

How did you start brewing?
I walked into Something's Brewing (now NG on Quinpool) and told the owner I wanted to make Keith's. After my first 2 black rock IPA batches tasted like cardboard I started using the NG extract recipes with steeping grains and kept trying to improve from there.

How long have you been brewing?
I've been brewing since Oct 2003 with a 2 year hiatus from 2005 to 2007. So around 5 1/2 years total.

Where else/with whom else have you brewed?
EZMAC Brewery, Broadholme Land Brewery and Garrison. Some people I've split brews with: Chalmers, Justin, Steve Trickett, Narin, Brews and Daniel Girard. We also have had a lot of guest brewers stop by like Kyle, BBrianBoogie, Jimmy, Garak to name a few from the forum.

What’s your favourite style to brew?
I think it would have to be English Bitters or Porters

What’s your favourite beer to drink (other than your own)?
My failsafe would be Hopyard.

Words that describe your brewing style:
It Wants to be Beer!

If you were going to collaborate with another brewer, who would it be and why?
I also like the idea of brewing with A.K, I'd love to know what that stuff is really meant to taste like. Other than that I like to collaborate with other home brewers, it always makes for a good day of brewing.
"Twenty years ago — a time, by the way, that hops such as Simcoe and Citra were already being developed, but weren’t about to find immediate popularity — there wasn’t a brewer on earth who would have gone to the annual Hop Growers of American convention and said, “I’m going to have a beer that we make 4,000 barrels of, one time a year. It flies off the shelf at damn near $20 a six-pack, and you know what it smells like? It smells like your cat ate your weed and then pissed in the Christmas tree.” - Bell’s Brewery Director of Operations John Mallet on the scent of their popular Hopslam.

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Re: The home brewers speak

Post by mr x » Mon Mar 21, 2011 10:44 am

Name
x. X when I'm feeling big. Evil Biscuit and Nightmare Brewing.

Where did you learn to brew?
Internet.

How did you start brewing?
FestaBrew kit. If you call that brewing. All grain after those two kits.

How long have you been brewing?

Since Labour Day, 2007

Where else/with whom else have you brewed?
I brew in HFX and NG. I think chalmers was over one day.

What’s your favourite style to brew?
Don't have one. Brew 'em all. Drink 'em all.

What’s your favourite beer to drink (other than your own)?
Nash's stuff is always the best in town, but I also really like the Stone AB and Ruination.

Three words that describe your brewing style:

Never the same.

If you were going to collaborate with another brewer, who would it be and why?
Nash. I need to learn how to cover up flaws with excessive hopping. :lol: :lol: :lol:
Last edited by mr x on Tue Mar 22, 2011 10:05 am, edited 3 times in total.
At Alexander Keith's we follow the recipes first developed by the great brewmaster to the absolute letter. :wtf:

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Re: The home brewers speak

Post by ratchet » Mon Mar 21, 2011 10:50 am

Ratchet,
Director of Product Testing, Odyssey Brewing (Halifax)

Where did you learn to brew?
Learned to Kit Brew from the side of a can
Learned to partial-mash from Mr. Google
Formal All-grain training from Spryfield Backyard College

How did you start brewing?
Introduced to kit brewing by a friend... unfortunately for my pocket-book, I got hooked.

How long have you been brewing?

~1 year, not counting my first few batches (which were fairly undrinkable)

Where else/with whom else have you brewed?
Colabirative brews with a few people, but for the most part It's a one-man show.

What’s your favourite style to brew?
Toss-up between Reds and IPA's

What’s your favourite beer to drink (other than your own)?
Nash's beers for out-of-house, Garrison's Black IPA or Mill Street's Tankhouse for home.

Three words that describe your brewing style:
Trial-and-error.

If you were going to collaborate with another brewer, who would it be and why?
At this point, I'm just trying to take in/learn as much as I can.... so pretty much anyone.

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derek
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Re: The home brewers speak

Post by derek » Mon Mar 21, 2011 11:43 am

mr x wrote:If you were going to collaborate with another brewer, who would it be and why?
Nash. I need to learn how to cover up flaws with excessive hopping. :lol: :lol: :lol:
LMAO
Currently on tap: Nothing!
In keg: Still nothing.
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Re: The home brewers speak

Post by derek » Mon Mar 21, 2011 11:48 am

ratchet wrote:Where did you learn to brew?
...
Formal All-grain training from Spryfield Backyard College
I believe that's what the emails I keep getting call "A Prestigious Non-accredited Institution"

The latest one I got says I can have a "Uinversity Dgeree. Bahcelors, Msaters or Msaters." Apparently they don't offer Dcotorates.
Currently on tap: Nothing!
In keg: Still nothing.
In Primary: Doggone American Rye Pale Ale

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Re: The home brewers speak

Post by BobbyOK » Mon Mar 21, 2011 12:30 pm

These replies are far more interesting. Both seriously and non-seriously. X, you've only been brewing since '07?

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mr x
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Re: The home brewers speak

Post by mr x » Mon Mar 21, 2011 12:49 pm

Yeah, that's the date. I had to look through my records to make sure.
At Alexander Keith's we follow the recipes first developed by the great brewmaster to the absolute letter. :wtf:

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Re: The home brewers speak

Post by andrewtrsmith » Mon Mar 21, 2011 1:18 pm

Andrew Smith

Head Brewer and lackie of Bumpy Lane Brewery, Lake Echo, Nova Scotia

Where did you learn to brew?
In my kitchen :) It's also where i continue to learn

How did you start brewing?
My wife bought me a starter kit for Christmas the year before we got married and said, learn quick, you're making the beer for the wedding. 8 Batches in 5 months will teach you a lot, quick!

How long have you been brewing?
going on 16 months

Where else/with whom else have you brewed?
My brother and a few of my buddies help out every once and a while.

What’s your favourite style to brew?
I haven't made my way through all the categories yet, but my favorite thus far was a Vanilla Porter that I made with homemade vanilla extract and a vanilla bean. I know its not that wild and crazy, but it was my first beer adding anything like that.

What’s your favourite beer to drink (other than your own)?
Innis Gunn Highland Cask Ale. Theres just something oddly delicious about it.

Three words that describe your brewing style:
Precise (i am an accountant after all), experimental (once I perfect a good base line), laid back (it's only beer, if something messes up, oh well, fix it next time)
and yes the precise and laid back can go hand in hand. Although i'm pretty precise with measurements and the like, if i'm missing something or spill something, make a note and forge ahead.

If you were going to collaborate with another brewer, who would it be and why?
No specific answer to this, but i'll always collaborate with someone doing something crazy flavour wise. I'm a foodie, so adding new flavours is always high on my priority list. Get a solid baseline beer that tastes great, and add something that compliments that flavour (not over powers it)
Sign's your not quite awake yet ... "Where the heck is RIS?"

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Re: The home brewers speak

Post by Tim Gregory » Mon Mar 21, 2011 9:23 pm

Tim Gregory - Head Yeast Feeder - Betty's Basement Brewery

Where did you learn to brew?
At home. Read a lot of Papazian early on, and stuff on the internet.

How did you start brewing?
I worked with a guy who made fairly good beer and wine and I thought it would be fun. Picked up cheap gear at a yard sale around 2002 and started doing kits (both beer and wine). Then I left town for 5 years or so and my gear collected dust in my parent's basement. Came back in 07 with a better appreciation for good beer, dusted off the gear and havn't looked back.

How long have you been brewing?
Got serious around 2008. Started all-grain in 09

Where else/with whom else have you brewed?
Occasionally I work with someone but usually fly solo.

What’s your favourite style to brew?
I've brewed more hopbombs than anything else, but whatever I like to drink I like to brew.

What’s your favourite beer to drink (other than your own)?
IPAs and Belgians I guess. I've really enjoyed the few weizenbocks I've tried. It's next on my to-brew list

Three words that describe your brewing style:
"Argh it burns!"

If you were going to collaborate with another brewer, who would it be and why?
No one specific. Anyone's welcome. Maybe someone who could teach me how to increase my efficiency.

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Re: The home brewers speak

Post by whisle pig » Mon Mar 21, 2011 10:31 pm

Name, Whisle pig

location/brewery

Crazy Mtn. Boy Kitchen Brewerry

Where did you learn to brew?

I haven't learned!

How did you start brewing?

Drug store cans !

How long have you been brewing?

Beer, 2007 wine, when 14 years old.

Where else/with whom else have you brewed?

Wortly, former co-owner of Yo-ho brewery, then I bought it!

What’s your favourite style to brew?

There's beer styles? I like beer! And I like to grow hops! :D

What’s your favourite beer to drink (other than your own)?

Sea level , Propeller IPA, Nash"s Brews when I make it to the city. I'm a Valley boy!

Three words that describe your brewing style:

creative, sometimes non-rational

If you were going to collaborate with another brewer, who would it be and why?

Anyone who can teach me better them I know now, good friends even if the beers not that good!!As long as it dosen't suck!
Crazymountainboybrewing

Fermenting:

Kegged/ Bottled: Kolsch#1/ Horton ridge Kolsch style Winter ale/RIS

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Re: The home brewers speak

Post by moxie » Mon Mar 21, 2011 11:13 pm

Name: Patrick

title, location/brewery: Patrick's Aleworks, North End Halifax.

Where did you learn to brew? I learned to brew in the kitchen of my Centretown apartment in Ottawa, ON.

How did you start brewing? As a University student, I tried a friend's homebrew, which was decent. The mad scientist and also the frugal/cheapass in me decided to give it a try. I got my first starter kit at Defalco's, and my equipment grew from there. I still use the original carboy that came with my starter kit.

How long have you been brewing? I started brewing with extracts in 2006, got into partial mash later, and ultimately switched to all-grain brewing late in 2009.

Where else/with whom else have you brewed? I have not really brewed with anybody else as of yet, although I would like to do that.

What’s your favourite style to brew? I don't really have a favourite style to brew... Maybe beers with lots of hop additions.

What’s your favourite beer to drink (other than your own)? This changes on a regular basis, but my current favourite is Cadillac Mountain Stout from Bar Harbor Brewing. I also really like Double Bastard, and Stone's Ruination IPA.

Three words that describe your brewing style: Exploring all styles.

If you were going to collaborate with another brewer, who would it be and why? It would be fun to collaborate with any and all BN'ers.

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Re: The home brewers speak

Post by John G » Tue Mar 22, 2011 9:22 am

Name,
title, location/brewery

John G
Head of product development, engineering, operations, sanitation, quality assurance and distribution, J&J Brewery, North End Location (pico brew location in TO now in operation)

Where did you learn to brew?
The staff at Something's Brewing got me started, Charlie Papazian lured me into brewing from recipes and going all-grain. The Brewing Network and the internet in general has been an invaluable resource lately - I think the internet has revolutionized the home brew community.

How did you start brewing?
From a can of Canadian light lager poured directly in the fermenter with lots of sugar. Turned out ok, but I quickly got the bug to make it real. It started off as a cheap source of beer, but has progressively become my most expensive hobby and passion.

How long have you been brewing?
Since 1992. Switched to partial mashing in 1996, then all grain in 2000.

Where else/with whom else have you brewed?
The other J of J&J Brewery and a few local brewnosers. Only ever brewed in Halifax.

What’s your favourite style to brew?
All of them. I don't think there is a beer style not worth brewing. Each one has its challenges to get it right.

What’s your favourite beer to drink (other than your own)?
Westmalle Tripel, or any Belgian ales really. Belgium is the Disney World of beers for me.

Three words that describe your brewing style:
Evolving, boundaryless, technical (hey, I'm a scientist, I can't help it).

If you were going to collaborate with another brewer, who would it be and why?
Any homebrewer. Commercial brewers mostly use standard equipment and processes and are constrained by economics (although their equipment looks nice and shiny :) ). Homebrewers make their own equipment and processes. Ingenuity rules the homebrew world. I love to see how other people have put together their brewing systems to make great beer. Homebrewers are a resourceful group of people and I learn everytime I brew with someone else.

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Re: The home brewers speak

Post by wortly » Tue Mar 22, 2011 10:52 pm

Double A brewery, currently in transition to be set up in an undisclosed location on PEI.

Where did you learn to brew?
Charlie Papazian, Ray Daniels, and 10 months on the microscope in grad school at dal which allowed me to listen to all of the brewing networks podcasts (jamil and sunday show). Plus I picked up a few tips from a curmudgeony old bastard down in the Valley.

How did you start brewing?
Did one extract in a can using borrowed gear for my first batch; after trying a couple, I gave the entire batch to someone as a "gift". I then switched to partial mash and eventually moved on to all-grain as budget, space, and gear allowed.

How long have you been brewing?
Since 2005

Where else/with whom else have you brewed?
I held a position as assistant crack whore, cassette tape flipper (primarily Jerry Jeff Walker, Jimmy Buffet, and Van Morrison), and mash tun shoveler for Sea Level Brewing Co. I have also brewed with Whistle Pig and a few other fellas who don't use the internet.

What’s your favourite style to brew?
Hoppy APA, smoked porter, Belgian pale (angry beer)

What’s your favourite beer to drink (other than your own)?
Blue Heron, Propeller Pale, Propeller pils

Three words that describe your brewing style:
Clus ter fuc.

If you were going to collaborate with another brewer, who would it be and why?
I'd like to see more collaborations between the breweries in the region. From what I have seen most of the brewmasters seem to act like children in a playground. There doesn't seem to be any recognition of the fact that the more microbrews there are, the better business is going to be for everyone. The enemy is not the microbrew down the road, it's the megabrewery in your backyard. That being said, I wouldn't mind being part of an all-brewery collaboration to produce a totally Maritime beer just using shit from here.

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Re: The home brewers speak

Post by chalmers » Tue Mar 22, 2011 11:07 pm

Chris/Chalmers/CMac
Chief Bottle/Keg Washer, EZMAC Brewery

Where did you learn to brew?
Still learning! 99% of what I know is from LiverDance. Scary!

How did you start brewing?
2002 in Edmonton. My roomie and I bought a beer kit from Costco. A stout. It was pretty good. The second batch on that system ended up on my floor, with my thumb in the now-broken spigot hole, dressed only in a dressing gown.

How long have you been brewing?
2002: Can and kilo
2007 (Now in Halifax): 2litre pop bottle of pre-fab wort and a drop-in yeast pill (a step back, I had no gear)
2007?: Noble Grape "Noble White" beer, my first attempt at recreating my favourite beer (see below)
2009: Thanks to LiverDance, all-grain. Well, really, they do all the work, I just look pretty.
During my first "solo" all-grain batch, I still had to call in the Spryfield reinforcements. I couldn't figure out where all the water went when I mashed in 30L, but only had 12L drain out. I know a bit more now.

Where else/with whom else have you brewed?
LiverDance and with JT @ Broadholme, EZ, x (really, I just brought beer and watched)

What’s your favourite style to brew?
Tough question. IPAs are what we brew most often, because they are a favourite.

What’s your favourite beer to drink (other than your own)?
A trip to Germany in 2007 is what got me enjoying beer, as nothing around here appealed to me. Vogel Brau brewpub in Ettlingen, Germany. Their hefeweizen blew me away, and aboslutely love the style. Weihenstephaner Hefe is a favourite, as is the only time I've tried Dogfish Head 120min on tap. Sink the Bismarck was a highlight, too. When I am in the states and have access, I tend to gravitate towards Sierra Nevada, Stone, DFH, Cantillon.

Three words that describe your brewing style:
That goes ... where?!

If you were going to collaborate with another brewer, who would it be and why?
I'm a beer slut, I'll brew with anyone.

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Re: The home brewers speak

Post by derek » Wed Mar 23, 2011 10:31 am

wortly wrote:I'd like to see more collaborations between the breweries in the region. From what I have seen most of the brewmasters seem to act like children in a playground. There doesn't seem to be any recognition of the fact that the more microbrews there are, the better business is going to be for everyone. The enemy is not the microbrew down the road, it's the megabrewery in your backyard. That being said, I wouldn't mind being part of an all-brewery collaboration to produce a totally Maritime beer just using shit from here.
So true. I've been hanging around the NS wine industry for years now, and it's not at all like that. There is no bigger supporter of new NS wineries than Hans Jost - the man you might think stands to lose most from competition. One memorable evening in 2003, I was with a dozen or so growers, amateur winemakers, Jost and the folks from the then-new Petite Rivieres winery in a hotel room while they picked his brain. The winemakers are competitive, but supportive. They all know that nothing is better for business than having lots of people who like to drink local wines, and to get that you have to give them lots of good selection.

There's nothing wrong with telling the world you're the best brewery in the Maritimes, but there's no need - or business case - for saying that your competitor sucks.
Currently on tap: Nothing!
In keg: Still nothing.
In Primary: Doggone American Rye Pale Ale

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Re: The home brewers speak

Post by JEH » Wed Mar 23, 2011 3:50 pm

Jon Harris
Brewmaster, Armed-Ale Brewing Co.

Where did you learn to brew?
Learnt and still am learning by doing kits, using recipes, and reading a lot online.

How did you start brewing?
Started making wine in university because it was cheap booze. Tried a can kit but it was garbage. Kept up with the wine and eventually made a couple festa brew kits. Decided it was a hobby worth picking up, and now i am obsessed

How long have you been brewing?
A year and a few months

Where else/with whom else have you brewed?
One of my roommates helps sometimes, and a couple friends have helped. Other than that this is a one man operation.

What’s your favourite style to brew?
I'm too new to brewing to really have a favorite style yet. I really enjoy brewing hoppier beers so far, more because that's my preference to drink.

What’s your favourite beer to drink (other than your own)?
Propeller Bitter is my go to beer if its on tap. The locals micro brews are all pretty delicious. I will try new beers whenever possible.

Three words that describe your brewing style:
Learning as I go

If you were going to collaborate with another brewer, who would it be and why?
Anyone who knows more about brewing than me. That's most home brewers right now. Would love to brew with some guys to learn more about the art, as well as get some confidence to try my first all grain batch. Also, sitting in while a pro brewer does their thing would be pretty cool
Last edited by JEH on Wed Mar 23, 2011 10:53 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Serving:
-Strong Bitter
-Double Chocolate Espresso Stout
Fermenting/Conditioning:
-Robust Porter
-Raspberry Wheat
-American Pale Ale

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Re: The home brewers speak

Post by vgoreham » Wed Mar 23, 2011 9:48 pm

Vince Goreham (I know, my screen name is creative)
Bad Fog Brewery

Where did you learn to brew?
Internets - homebrewtalk. Books - Palmer, Papazian, Mosher, Zainashef, etc. I only wish someone had shown me.

How did you start brewing?
I went to a wedding in Quebec in August 2009 - the bride's father had made beer and I thought it was delicious. The afternoon we got back I went and bought a Festabrew and starter kit (from the brew shop on Main St. in Dartmouth - they won the toss because they sold Fox Hill cheese as well). 3 Noble Grape recipe/extracts later and I was (for better or worse) brewing all grain!

How long have you been brewing?
August 2009 - Festabrew
Fall 2009 - Extract and specialty grain
Winter 2010 - All grain, baby!

Where else/with whom else have you brewed?
Ah, I've had a few people 'help me brew' and I've collaborated with one friend who I got hooked on the hobby.

What’s your favourite style to brew?
I guess I've made more ESB and ordinary bitters than anything else - but I wouldn't say that's my favourite. I generally enjoy trying new things and sometimes sneaking some non-standard ingredients into my brews .

What’s your favourite beer to drink (other than your own)?
Oh, that's a loaded question. Locally, Garrison IPA got me into beer, but now I drink Garrison Hopyard or Propeller Bitter as my goto beer. Usually I try to buy the seasonal and local. Love the Hart and Thistle and Rogues Roost, as well.

Three words that describe your brewing style:
"It'll be okay."

If you were going to collaborate with another brewer, who would it be and why?
Anyone that can teach me something (that's any of you and most anyone!).
Last edited by vgoreham on Thu Mar 24, 2011 12:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: The home brewers speak

Post by Seanstoppable » Wed Mar 23, 2011 10:18 pm

Seanstoppable,
Guest Brewer - McKenzie Brewing. Head of R&D - Bionic Brewery

Where did you learn to brew?
Research on the internet. Some reading of Radical Brewing. Practical application in Kyle's Kitchen.

How did you start brewing?
I'd been thinking about it off and on for a while, but never got around to it. Then I met this group of homebrewers called the Brewnosers (maybe you have heard of them?). After hanging out with them for a bit, they started encouraging me to try my hand at brewing and I finally took the plunge.

How long have you been brewing?
Maybe 9 months?

Where else/with whom else have you brewed?
Just Kyle so far. I just finally got around to picking up my own equipment so I can start experimentation at home.

What’s your favourite style to brew?
I have been too busy trying different stuff to settle on a favorite to brew. I am planning a lot of belgian types in the upcoming year though.

What’s your favourite beer to drink (other than your own)?
I like a lot of the local stuff. Plenty of Propeller growlers and Tuesday nights at the Hart and Thistle. Lately, my go to brew has been Red Racer ESB.

Three words that describe your brewing style:
Ideas. Research. Experimentation.

If you were going to collaborate with another brewer, who would it be and why?[/quote]
I'd like to make it to one of the Spryfield brewing dynamo sessions at some point, because it sounds like a lot of fun. I would be up for doing something with anyone though.

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benwedge
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Re: The home brewers speak

Post by benwedge » Thu Mar 24, 2011 10:54 am

Ben Wedge
Brewmaster, Director of Procurement, Director of Quality Assurance, Director of Continuous Improvement, Eptek Brewery (Summerside, PEI/Halifax, NS)

Where did you learn to brew?
In my parents' kitchen. Everything I learned came from the side of the can or the internet. Hopefully acquiring a large pot & burner soon to expand to partial mash and all grain. Picked up a few tips on a chance plane ride sitting next to Don Harms over the Christmas break. He encouraged me to do some more reading & experimenting.

How did you start brewing?
My dad and grandfather used to do wine kits and I started corking bottles when I was 4 or 5. When I was 18 & just back from a year in Germany, I bought my own gear and a beer kit, it was okay, but not great. Did a few more, then last year set up shop in my apartment in Halifax, started brewing regularly (bi-monthly or so), heard about BN from BobbyOK last summer, started brewing monthly last fall, then really stepped it up after Christmas, doing almost a batch a week with the help of my friend Curtis.

How long have you been brewing?
Three and a half years. Unless wine kits with dad count too, which would make it 16-17 years.

Where else/with whom else have you brewed?
Always my parents' house or my apartment. I brewed with a former roomate last year (he got beer in exchange for helping wash and bottle). Now actively collaborating with Curtis.

What’s your favourite style to brew?
Ales. Mostly IPA. I like to keep a hefty stout around the house too.

What’s your favourite beer to drink (other than your own)?
Anything available locally. I usually fill my growler with whatever tickles my fancy on that particular day, I love mixing it up. I also enjoy the Lagunista Maximus IPA & any of the Trappiste beers. Basically I just like to assault my palate and change it up regularly.

Three words that describe your brewing style:
Frantic, reserved, fun.

If you were going to collaborate with another brewer, who would it be and why?
I really don't know. Probably Nash. Anyone with insight and could maybe help break me out of my brewing shell.
Brewing right now: whatever is going on tap at Stillwell in a few weeks.

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NASH
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Re: The home brewers speak

Post by NASH » Thu Mar 24, 2011 1:43 pm

derek wrote:
mr x wrote:If you were going to collaborate with another brewer, who would it be and why?
Nash. I need to learn how to cover up flaws with excessive hopping. :lol: :lol: :lol:
LMAO

Nice! I'll learn y'all! X)

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GAM
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Re: The home brewers speak

Post by GAM » Thu Jun 09, 2011 2:20 pm

Name,
Sandy MacNeil
title, location/brewery
Proprietor, Basinview Brewery, North End Halifax
Where did you learn to brew?
Kits with brother and some friends to AG with cobbled together gear
How did you start brewing?
I'm Cheap
How long have you been brewing?
+/- 20 years on and off
Where else/with whom else have you brewed?
Tom, Kev, Brian and others
What’s your favourite style to brew?
IPA, stout and mild
What’s your favourite beer to drink (other than your own)?
St Peters IPA or a local (Propeller, Garrison, Granit, Sea level, Rogues Roost, etc)
Three words that describe your brewing style:
OMF
If you were going to collaborate with another brewer, who would it be and why?
Hendrix (why not)

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