Brew your own beer
Posted: 10/03/2008
How To ...
By Stephanie Mlot
News-Post Staff
Sitting back with a cold beer is an American pastime for many, but as the economy worsens, buying a six pack of brewskies may be cutting too deeply into some wallets.
For those patient enough, brewing your own beer is a growing trend and an easy hobby.
Keith Prentice, brewing instructor at The Flying Barrel in Downtown Frederick, gives you tips on the brewing process. You can visit Prentice at the store to learn the brewing process, or you can follow the steps in the comfort of your own home.
1. Pour 10 liters of fresh, cold water into a 10-gallon plastic pail.
2. In your largest pot, bring seven liters of water to a boil.
3. Add one can of malt extract. Stir and cook uncovered for 20 minutes.
4. Add sugar and stir to dissolve.
5. As soon as sugar is dissolved, pour contents into pail. Pour contents quickly, adding air to the mixture. The more air the yeast gets, the better.
6. Top with bottled drinking water or tap water until temperature is neutral. Test using a clean, sanitized thermometer. The pail should be a little more than half full.
7. Sprinkle in yeast and stir well. Cover with lid loosely. If covered too tightly, pail can explode from carbon dioxide gas that is produced.
8. Keep covered and avoid unnecessary opening. Beer will be ready to bottle in six to 10 days.
Home-brewed beer is great for holiday gifts, or just to keep stocked in your refrigerator.
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