As a homebrewer and beer maker it’s one of the most fun of hobbys. There is nothing like taking raw grain, water and yeast and creating a great beer.

There is also Extract brewing if you don’t want to jump right in the fire. Cost ingredients has gone up because of hop shortages and malt prices as well. But the cost of brewing your own in comparision.

My examples are usually better than the beer I’ve tried to emulate.

Great homebrew is obtainable with work and careful planning. As with everything else, Patience and time must be respected. Don’t rush yourself, Learn everything you can learn and do it. Cheap ‘N Easy and as my friend Denny Conn would say. “Keep it pragmatic and simple”.

Speaking of Denny Conn his RYE PA and Alt Bier recipes are to die for. Be sure and check out an Alt Bier as well. Alt Bier is said to the German version of English Bitter.
I can see from experience how this is possible.

It is a very nice example of a bitter beer. But plenty of malt character and presence. Usually made with the glorious flavors of the Hallertau German hop. Very few commercial examples are available.

Speaking of English Bitter, It’s defiantly my favorite beer style by far. Of course living in the US there also aren’t many ways to taste this truly brilliant style of beer. This is also one of the truly easy styles to brew.

It usually only takes about 2 weeks to keg for you to enjoy this most flavorful beer. Nothing like the tastes of British 2-row malt. Mashing British styles in general is a great joy. Straight forward Single 60 minute Infusion mash all the way!

Grain is something else you should consider upon making any of these notable styles. From the sweet Carmel bitter Pale Ales to the dark robust porters. English beer I believe has a flavor for everyone.

For most English Bitters we want to go with the prized Marris Otter. I am also one to be very fond of Halcyon English malt. Marris Otter and Halcyon make one of the best English Bitters by far.
My personal favorite malster is Thomas Fawcett and sons. There malts are floor malted and unsurpassed for there excellent flavor. Some very notable British breweries use there malts. Bass and Guinesse being the most famous of these.

Hop variety’s are another great subject. With rising gas prices and hop shortages have really hurt the homebrewer.

The homebrewer had more choice of varieties before this whole mess. What used to cost $1.00 an ounce is now between $3-$4 dollars.

So the home brewer has had to be more crafty in his end ever to flavor his wort. So we’ve found hops that work well in our sweet worts. Remember that different hops should be choose very carefully to suit your beer style.

I’ve found there are some American and German hops that go very well in my beloved Bitter. But that also isn’t to surprising seeings how a lot of varieties are cross breed. You will find that when you buy more hops we pay less money for them.

So keep on Brewing!