Overall, my first homemade beer was a success. I had a chance to enjoy it with Mom and she was stoked. My issues: It was a bit cloudy and did not have a high alcohol level. I drank a lot when I got home and it took more than normal to feel a buzz.
Since then, I brewed my second batch which is an IPA, my favorite kind of beer currently. Basically all the same steps from before, aside for the recipe (IPA was $52). I don't have details of how it was done because I was so excited about doing it, I forgot to keep the a journal. Also, this time it was done at my house vs. my friends so the boil was different since my big ass pot extended over two burners.
Again, this beer making stuff is quite simple. However, a notable point is that somehow I managed to pitch my yeast before I took a gravity (special measurement necessary to determine alcohol content) so I have no freeken clue how potent this will be. I am hoping better than the first round. I look forward to drinking it on Thursday and this week intend on going to the store to get a new recipe and this time promise; seriously promise to read all directions and follow all steps.
PS - Check out the updated previous post to see what my my mothers day present looked like.
