If you’re hoping to one day create a beer for you and your friends to enjoy, the process has never been easier than it is today. However, many people who start homebrewing on their own don’t realize that there are a few pitfalls to watch out for. We’ll review a few beer brewing mistakes that homebrewers should know about before they begin so you can avoid them.
Brewing Too Much Right Away
If you’re just starting, you don’t want to waste a ton of money on something that you likely won’t get perfect immediately. It may be tempting to brew a huge batch of beer on your first try, but you increase the risk of something going wrong when you try this. Start with a smaller batch to understand the basics better before expanding to a larger operation.
Using Low-Quality Water
At its heart, beer is primarily water, so the kind of water that you use matters a lot. Tap water from your home likely contains many different minerals and particles that could hinder the brewing process. Your best bet early on is to use spring water or water that has been through a deionizing filter. Reverse osmosis filtered water is also a viable option.
Not Watching Fermentation Temperatures
As you begin fermentation, the temperature starts to come into play more than ever. A common brewing mistake that homebrewers can make is believing their temperatures to be at the proper levels but never checking again during fermentation. Temperatures can fluctuate as fermentation occurs, so you want to keep a close eye on the thermometer.
Including Poor Quality Hops
Hops are another essential ingredient in any beer. Whether you use a lot of them or just a little, they impart a lot of your beer’s flavor. The best hops to use are fresh, green, and have a vibrant smell to them. Using hops that have started to brown or that smell off is a quick way to ensure that your beer won’t taste particularly good.
Not Pitching Enough Yeast
It might be a yeast issue if you finish a batch and find that your beer isn’t tasting good. You need to ensure you’re pitching enough yeast, as homebrewers often won’t pitch enough to save money on buying more yeast. The easiest way to fix off-flavors in your beer is always to pitch the right amount of yeast.
Homebrewing can be extremely rewarding and fun, but the whole process is even more enjoyable when you have a product you can enjoy at the end of it. Be wary of these mistakes, and you should end up with something fantastic.