Homemade Beer Making Equipment
Homemade beer is easy to make and an inexpensive hobby enjoyed by people around the world. Hundreds of Internet sites and homebrew shops sell equipment and it can be overwhelming to the homebrew newcomer. The essentials are simple and can brew an excellent beer. Many items can be found already in the home, while others can be discovered in hardware stores and supermarkets. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
History
-
Historians speculate beer was being made as early as ancient Mesopotamia. American beer has its roots in European tradition and the equipment to make beer has changed little in 4,500 years.
Significance
-
The quality of equipment the brewer is using can be the difference between a ordinary beer and a savored one.
-
Equipment
-
A primary fermenting vessel, usually a 5-gallon bucket, is essential. Other pieces of equipment, such as empty bottles, plastic tubing, a large pot and a hydrometer, are needed throughout the brewing process.
Function
-
A hydrometer measures the density of liquids relative to that of water. This is known as specific gravity. Hydrometers enable the brewer to measure alcohol content and regulate the brewing process.
Types
-
Glass carboys are best for primary fermentation. They are easier to clean and give the brewer the ability to see the brew becoming beer.
Size
-
Most homemade beer is made in 5-gallon batches. Ingredient kits purchased in homebrew stores or on the internet are normally for 5 gallons of beer, which equates to 2 1/2 cases.
Potential
-
With a little know-how and some household materials, homemade beer can be made for pennies on the dollar and give the brewer the satisfaction of creating his own brew.
-
