this is a big part of it for me. Being in a ‘civilized’ career and living in fairly ‘civilized’ areas of the world I have to find my connection with the human where and when I can. and having a hand, at an intimate level, with creating one of the things that gives us joy.
To me it’s setting aside a day that is mine to spend doing something I love to do. Drinking coffee, snacking on salted in the shell peanuts and an occasional cigar in order during the process. Look to the west and see the mountains (only when not obstructed by the steam of Jim’s brew kettle).
Oh and don’t forget the “Hot Scotchies” when draining the mash tun!
So, my answer is having a great way to spend a day!
There is a large amount of this for me as well. The gardening, the brewing, the canning, these are also things I just enjoy on an immediate level. I may not know what the end is going to be, but I can focus on the things I am doing in the moment. Doing something over a long period of time from start to finish with a few steps here and a few steps there… I think it is how immersed I can be in it in such a variety of ways that brings me pleasure.
The smell of the mash while drinking coffee. Rubbing the fresh hops in my hands. Friends and family enjoying it (or not). Good stuff.
I like that it fits into my way of doing things. My friends see as the guy who makes stuff. Wood working, beer, cheese, retaining walls, lighting setups, home roasted coffee, fixing their cars, band props and sometimes instrument repair, etc. It’s just kind of who I am.
Having a large number of people appreciate the beer is very satisfying too. I have successfully moved people from “crap, it’s homebrewer” to “hey! what’s on tap?” and that is really saying something for me.
That’s a mighty pretty picture Jim. In my case I live deep in a “holler” so it is about 7:00 till the sun finally makes it up over the mountain and peaks down at me through the trees. Same concept though. I’ll try to get a picture next time I’m brewing on my back deck.
Mine is that dubious trepidation some people have when you hand them a beer and say, “I made that.” Then the grin when they take a drink and ask for more.
I have always been a huge craft beer fan since before I was even legal to drink. Homebrewing has really elevated my knowledge and appreciation of beer to another level. I’ve taken the time to develop a decent palate over the years, but once I started brewing I finally understood what I’m tasting. It’s like when I started playing guitar back in high school. I was always into listening to music, but once you start playing you gain a much deeper connection and understanding.
The other thing I really love is the whole creative aspect. It’s really cool to be able to get an idea in your head and work out all the details to make it happen.
For me, it is pretty well summed up by the others… all of these sentiments are why I brew. This is pretty much how my wife and I live our life, and brewing beer fits in perfectly with the rest of it. Nothing beats sitting out on the porch, looking over the yard/gardens, and enjoying a great homebrew.
…On a side note, I think I may have to make a wall size poster of Jim’s view and tape it to the window of my brew room. Damn.
For me, it used to be working on recipes and tinkering with building my system - but now it’s the company of fellow Homebrewers. Honestly, I’ve met some of the best and most interesting people I know through homebrewing - especially those I’ve met through our local club and a few clubs from neighboring areas.
