When I had the high stress job, brewing was my creative hands on outlet that I could take from the concept, design, production (including upgrades to the physical plant), packaging, and introduction to the consumer (the wife friends, and me).
Now that I have more time and less stress, I have to say it is all of the really great people that I have met over the years through the club and the AHA, and become good friends with over the years. I have been to 5 NHCs, and next year will be 6, as I can’t imagine missing one of those. Mainly to see people I know, and talk to new people.
I actually started after relocating across the country because it seemed like an interesting fact that I could use to break the ice with my new coworkers.
Now it’s just about seeing what other gadgets I can buy.
To me it’s pulling that tap on a fresh keg and finding out that what I made turned out well. It’s so rewarding to drink something REALLY good and think “Hey - I made this!”
I get about the same charge when I hit my target OG. Last weekend I made a Bavarian Weizen and I was shooting for an OG of 1.053. I hit 1.054. Great feeling!
As for “Rock Star Status”, it is great to share what you’ve made with others. The guys at work are always asking for another growler.
I’ll add to my prior post by saying “Personal Gratification”. We had a family & friends gathering last weekend. Some were new to homebrew & were pretty skeptical. After they saw the “regulars” fill their cups (yes plastic cups) a few times they thought what the heck. That keg of Vienna Lager & the remaining half keg of Schwarzbier disappeared long before the day was over. Cheers!!!
Inevitably for me, if I pull a pint and think,“Wow! That is fantastic!” The next pint will be the one
that blows the keg… ;D
I’m in it for the bragging rights. I love telling people I brew… I love sharing with my friends. The camaraderie,
the beer, the spending a ton to make my own gadget when just buying the new would suffice, the process…
All of it!
Except for the cleaning… Cant stand it…I predominantly brew fall-spring and winter cleaning sucks when it is -10*F.
There is not enough hot toddies sometimes…
Drinking it is pretty damn enjoyable, but mostly because recipe formulation is what I enjoy most and when a recipe works out, that is my favorite part. The process is nice, but sometimes gets a bit daunting to me.
I’m going to echo most of the above posters. Except the cleaning part. In it for the beer. Not in it to replicate something one can buy at the store. I make my own beer the way I wants it. :-*
And brewing is exciting and challenging and one never stops learning. It’s a pastime to be passionate about. Plus I’ve been blessed to meet great folks who’ve passed on their knowledge to me and in turn I get to pass on my experiences to others.
Though it’s impossible to separate any one thing about the hobby as my favorite . . Like everyone else, I love it all. . except the clean-up. I loathe that part.
Dumping and cleaning the mash tun is the WORST thing about home brewing!
[quote]Dumping and cleaning the mash tun is the WORST thing about home brewing!
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Word. If people ask to come brew with me so they can learn something, they always get that job as part of the price. If they just come over to drink, they get to help me lift it. On a positive side, the best thing about doing a double batch and splitting it with someone is that cleanup takes half the time.
I’m pretty sure that’s the “new guy” job at a brewery, like dishwasher at a restaurant.
When I first decided I wanted to brew, I did it beacuse it wasdifferent, and would make me stand out. I have always been the type that does the odd things. Had a pet iguna, etc…
After the novelty of being a brewer wore off, pretty much after my first or second AG, I got into the actual brewing. It’s so relaxing. The smell of the mash, the roar of the burner, the first gravity sample. I love it all. Building my kegerator, and fermenttion cooler, wort chiller, mash tun. No days, I find that I just love making beer, and don’t do it to just to say I brew. In fact. I really don’t even tell people. Fact is, when I meet someone new, I normally don’t have a chance to tell them even if I wanted to, because Holly, or one of my buddies that knows me has already let the cat out of the bag.
And one of the greatest things about brwewing is the people I’ve met, and friends i’ve made. I would have never in my life guessed that brewing would open the door to such a great bunch of guys.
It started off as a way to drink different beer styles that were hard to find or were only available at import prices.
It has evolved to where brewday is what I enjoy the most. Even the most hectic, stressfull brewday where everything goes FUBAR is still a peacfull, relaxing day to me. The DIY aspect of the hobby really appeals to me too - tinkering and building new brew equipment is fun for me too - none of my equipment is pretty, but its all functional.
Having friends tell me how good my beer is an looking forward to my next batch feels pretty good too. Oh, and I still enjoy drinking the odd pint or three.
I love sharing with my friends. The camaraderie,