Learn to Homebrew/Teach a Friend to Homebrew Day

[chalmers]

Hey guys and gals,
After a few weekends of having fellow Brewnosers (and friends) drop by while brewing, I thought it would be fun to organize a day of brewing, for brewers to get together with folks wanting to learn how to brew/get back into brewing, with the goal of sharing tips and tricks, drooling over folks' brewing setups in the hopes of improving our own, etc. A little bit of outreach to those in and out of the group interested in brewing.

What do people think of this? I know this is exactly the wrong time of year to be suggesting it (holidays, plus the weather), so maybe it could be put on the backburner for a few months, but would people be interested in this sort of thing? And I imagine some people's setups are more portable than others, so that could also put a damper on things...

Otherwise, maybe folks who brew regularly, and don't mind someone dropping by to shoot the shit and chat while brewing, perhaps they could post here. The rule is: people visiting should bring some of their homebrew they've tried to make, or something else for everyone to imbibe.

Cheers,

Chris

[mr x]

That's a good idea. Since my gear is in New Glasgow, I can't do much for brewing. But I can bring a pump and chiller for anybody to try. And maybe some other stuff I can't think of at the moment.

[KMcK]

Excellent idea. Count me in. Can I get continuing education credits for this?

[Jimmy]

It's a great idea. Definitely a good way to get some new people into all grain!

[benwedge]

I was going to post a similar message earlier this month - I'm trying to move up the complexity scale and was going to ask if I could "apprentice" with someone. My latest batch was a complete flop. As soon as January rolls around on I'm that 9-5 Monday to Friday thing known as the real world, so I'd be keen on coming out to learn.

As someone who is a hands-on learner and prefers to be able to ask questions and read manuals, this is something I'd love to participate in, so thanks for the suggestion of holding such an event.

[Seanstoppable]

I think it is a great idea (especially since I got started by brewing with experienced brewers).

National Homebrew day is apparently the first Saturday of May, which I think would be a good day to get together for this (or just in general), though I would be up for something sooner.

[RobD]

Great idea!!

I'm definitely interested in attending to learn! I hear over and over how easy all-grain is, and that people kick themselves (and each other) for not trying it earlier. It seems intimidating to try, but again, I've been told that when you learn to do it properly, it's not a big deal at all.

[chalmers]

I'm out of the province for the next 3 weekends and won't be brewing, do we have anyone brewing in the next little while that wouldn't mind some company? I know there were a few people on here who would like to watch/help/get in the way in the near future.

[Tim Gregory]

I'm brewing either this weekend or next (leaning heavily toward next). Kyle had already asked to tag along and I might be able to handle one or two more, but that's about all that would fit in the little kitchen where I do my brewing.

I'd totally be down with watching someone with a more elaborate setup than mine go to work so I could pick up some pointers and find out all the things I'm doing wrong.

[mr x]

For those with a webcam, it's not very hard to do a webcast as well via ustream.

[LiverDance]

It wouldn't be the same without the smell of mash, and hop additions in the air

[mr x]

Just burn a cup of extract on the stove.

[benwedge]

This thread hasn't been active for a while, but is anyone willing to host this weekend? I'm eager to see all-grain in action. I come armed with food, a desire to learn, and a willingness to help out.

[KMcK]

For those of you who missed the few posting about this (viewtopic.php?f=3&t=320&hilit=Harrison) I'm having a slow discussion with the Harrison Lewis Centre about them hosting us for a learn-to-brew weekend, possibly in July or September. When I get enough info from them, I'll bring the discussion back here. In the mean time we certainly should have a learn-to-brew day in Halifax.

[mr x]

Unfortunately, I brew in New Glasgow or you'd be more than welcome to come over.

[chalmers]

LiverDance and I might be brewing this weekend. If so, one of us will post up.
More importantly, I've got to get drinking! Got 7 finished beers, and 1 lagering. I've officially run out of room in my kegerator... Who's thirsty?

[chalmers]

LiverDance and I might be brewing this weekend. If so, one of us will post up.
More importantly, I've got to get drinking! Got 7 finished beers, and 1 lagering. I've officially run out of room in my kegerator... Who's thirsty?

LiverDance and I will be brewing Saturday morning, starting at 10am, probably going till 3ish. It will be at LD's 1029 Brewing, in Spryfield. Please email/direct message me for the details. No need to bring anything, BUT... if you have any homebrew you'd like to share, or maybe a snack, we wouldn't turn it away. That will save a pizza or McD's run during the boil.

[Jimmy]

Sooo...this never really took off, and I am guessing there are some kit/extract brewers looking to learn how to brew all grain. What do you think of a topic where new brewers looking to see an all grain brew process can post? Those who have an upcoming brew can invite them over to see the process if they would like.

I think a lot of people probably don't WANT to ask to come over and watch, but if offered the opportunity, would love to check it out.

I know watching Chalmers and Liverdance brew a couple batches really helped me out on my first brew day.

[bluenose]

Unfortunately, I brew in New Glasgow or you'd be more than welcome to come over.

New Glasgow eh? I'm in Woodburn, is this offer still open?

[Graham.C]

Sooo...this never really took off, and I am guessing there are some kit/extract brewers looking to learn how to brew all grain. What do you think of a topic where new brewers looking to see an all grain brew process can post? Those who have an upcoming brew can invite them over to see the process if they would like.

I think a lot of people probably don't WANT to ask to come over and watch, but if offered the opportunity, would love to check it out.

I know watching Chalmers and Liverdance brew a couple batches really helped me out on my first brew day.

That sounds like a good idea to me.

[Downs]

Didn't see this thread earlier but I would be into this for sure.

I'm an extract brewer and would love to just be able to watch and even lend a hand with an all grain brew.

[Dirt Chicken]

I'm looking to make the step up to all grain this year also, work has been more than full time and a friend is going to do a batch with me soon. But I'm down if anything is going down soon. I haven't been able to get to this stage because of work and lack of space, but now I have space (no garage though) and have been getting my equipment built up. If this is going to happen, just saying that I'm interested in learning while helping out.

[homebrewcrew]

I am in the same boat just started a month or two ago. But would love to do some all grain recipes, so like mentioned before if anything is going on let me know.

[akr71]

If you feel like getting in your car at 7am on a Saturday morning, the Sackville-Amherst Area Zymurgists (SAAZ) are doing a couple batches Saturday morning (Jan 20). Folks are more than welcome to sit in with us, however, I realize the distance pretty much makes it an un-vitation...

PM me for location details if you are crazy enough to spend 4 hours in your car to watch us brew.

[Graham.C]

If you feel like getting in your car at 7am on a Saturday morning, the Sackville-Amherst Area Zymurgists (SAAZ) are doing a couple batches Saturday morning (Jan 20). Folks are more than welcome to sit in with us, however, I realize the distance pretty much makes it an un-vitation...

PM me for location details if you are crazy enough to spend 4 hours in your car to watch us brew.