I heard that the Shasta Society of Brewers (Shasta SOB) was holding a get-together and demonstration across the street from the library in Redding recently. I met some enthusiastic SOBs. They meet once a month to exchange ideas, and taste one another’s brews.
Here we see Don from Lake California “sparging” his grain. He built this custom designed equipment to meet his needs as a home brewer.
JD from Redding is brewing a stout, similar to Guiness. Here we see him perform a crucial and scientific test. Is it beer yet? No.
Another SOB member is Alan from Vintner’s Cellar in Redding (222-WINE) He demonstrated some of the key differences between making wine and brewing beer, notably the lack of flame. Where’s the fun in that? He handed out some coupons for his store, where you can make your own wine. They have a wide array of wines you can make yourself and bottle there. A welcome gift idea.
The event was held next to Redding’s stylish new Homebrew Store, California Brewing Company. (530) 243 BEER.
It’s really clean and bright inside, with all sorts of interesting gear and ingredients. It’s quite different than what I expected.
Brew store proprietors Jay and Michelle Webster run the shop. They are open weekends, but closed on Monday and Tuesday. They say “If you can wash your hands, boil water, and wait, then you can brew beer.” I’m not sure I can wait, but the rest sounds do-able. Somewhere between the infectious enthusiasm of the SOBs, and Jay and Michelle’s terrific attitude about the craft, I find myself intoxicated with the idea of brewing my own beer.
I bought a kit for an India Pale Ale (IPA), intending to change the acronym into Igo Pale Ale with some additional Cascade Hops.
Mmm, beer. I will keep A News Cafe informed of my experience as a neo-brewmeister. Next week: Let’s get this started!
Skip Murphy and his daughter, Erin, are Redding area Realtors with Coldwell Banker. Skip’s blog is at ReallyRedding.com
