Why go out and buy beer, when you can make your own?
Home-brewing in Shasta County just got easier, and a lot more fun. We’ve got a terrific new beer (and wine) supply store, California Brewing Co. on Parkview Avenue, and it has everything you need to get started in brewing, as well as experienced brewers on staff to answer all your questions.
As I predicted in my last article, we’ve started a home brew club. The Shasta Society of Brewers (SOBs) has been holding meetings now for four months, the first Sunday of every month. Whether an aspiring brewer, a novice, or veteran brewer, this club is a perfect way to meet fellow brewers. The goal of a club is to learn and develop the craft of brewing, and to have fun. We welcome all levels of brewers, including those who are curious about the craft. As Randy Mosher says, (Radical Brewing, 2004) “…it’s fun to hang with the beeries.”
Learning to brew beer is easy. You can start with a kit, or try an extract, partial mash or all-grain recipe. All you need is a heat source and water. I brewed in the kitchen for several months, using the stove and sink (cleaning up afterward to keep peace in the family). You will end up with 2 1/2 cases of beer for approximately $35, and there’s nothing more satisfying than popping the top on your very own home brew. If you’re like most home-brewers, you’ll soon be purchasing a freezer to convert to a tapper. Then you’ll find you need a bigger freezer so you can have more beers on tap. Oh, yes, it’s an evolving hobby. My new kegger has eight taps, and I converted the old kegger to a fermenter so I could brew lagers. Last year I started growing my own hops. I’m currently working on a design for a brew-tree (welded structure integrating brew equipment).
The fun never stops. If you’ve ever thought about brewing your own beer but haven’t taken that first step, please join us at a club meeting, and stop by California Brewing Co. You’ll get all the support you need, and form friendships with others who enjoy the craft of home-brewing.
By the way, this is not strictly a male hobby. (Historically, women brewed the beer while the men hunted). There are many female brewers in the world, and our club is no exception. My wife doesn’t brew but enjoys the club meetings for socialization and great beer tasting. Anyone interested in more information about The Shasta Society of Brewers (SOBs) may contact me, Don Williams, by e-mail at drwilliams51@charter.net, Steve at shastasob@sbcglobal.net, Jay at jaylwebster@sbcglobal.net, or just call the store at 243-BEER.
We look forward to sharing the joy of home-brewing with you.
Don Williams has been brewing beer for six years. He is a recognized beer judge and has taught brewing classes. As a member of The Shasta Society of Brewers (SOBs), he hopes to help promote interest in the craft of home-brewing. The California Brewing Co. is located at 1101 Parkview in Redding, directly across from the new library. Phone:243-BEER. It is open Wednesday through Sunday.
