For many years, I did my primary fermentations in a plastic, True Brew bucket,
and did my secondary fermentation is a glass carboy. Recently, I asked
myself, “You know, what would it be like if I did both my fermentations in a glass
carboy? How would it affect the taste of my brew?” I had a go with an IPA, and
sure enough, the taste seemed different, and much better. This IPA was crisp,
smooth, and a good session beer, and I attribute the flavor to fermenting in a
glass carboy.

Now, fermenting in a plastic fermentation vessel has its advantages. First, it’s
cheaper and easier to clean than a glass carboy. Buckets can be replaced
cheaply. It is a good way to start out as a homebrewer, and I would recommend
it to anyone who is interested in brewing beer.

But, if you are willing to invest a little money to create a good quality brew that
surpasses what you’ve been brewing, begin fermenting in glass. It makes a
huge difference in the quality of your beer, and it will change everything you
know about brewing. Cleaning may be hassle, trying to wash away the little
specks of yeast stuck to the glass. But, homebrew shops have plenty of tools
to make your glass carboy clean as a whistle. Shops also have carboy carriers
that make lifting carboys really easy, so it would be good to invest in one of those
too. Dropping a glass carboy full of your delicious brew would be a disaster
unthinkable.

Lastly, using a glass carboy allows you to see they mysterious wonder behind
fermentation. Looking at the bucket, you have to wonder, “What is going on in
there?” You’ll never have to ask that question again if you ferment with a glass
carboy. Take a quick peek, and see the glory of fermentation, with your new
friend, glass carboy.

Be on the lookout for updates at Homebrew School, including:

• A revised All-Star level, with three different ways to brew all-grain.
• Brew Tales from Anbrew
• Beers of the Week

Cheers!

Since its getting close to the winter days, I think some great beers to brew for this weekend include Stouts, Nut Brown Ales, or even a nice, dark Strong Scottish Ale. A rich, robust, and flavorful dark brew is perfect for this time of year. It seems to warm the belly and soul.

So, tell your friends, start networking, and teach the less fortunate the benefits of making and drinking your own creation! Get special access to Homebrew School through the “Teach a Friend to Homebrew” free access link below.

Get Access for your Friend Here!

Cheers!
Anbrew

Getting a free membership to our site is crazy simple! Either sign up for the free e-course and you’ll get a special bonus in the welcome email, OR, simple put a link to our site, EXACTLY like the one below and will give you a special link to sign up for free access to the rookie and veteran brewing courses.

<a href="http://www.homebrewschool.com">How to Brew Beer</a>

PLEASE be sure to send us the page where you linked to us when requesting your free membership.

Cheers!

Michale and Anbrew

First thing that needs to be done first is the pour.  The pour is a crucial part in drinking beer, because this is when beer reaches its finest and fullest potential.  Plus, pouring beer into a glass provides the delightful and playful carbonation that tickles your palate.

Analyze your beer.  Look at the color and clarity and see if it meets your standards.

Smelling the fragrance of the brew activates your senses, and you may start to drool.  Control yourself.  Taking a good sniff of your beer prepares your for the various flavors you’ll get.  It is best to take a good whiff, then breathe in and smell again.

Swish your beer around in your glass to bring out the strong aromas.

Now the important part.  Take a good sip of your beer.  Have the beer settle in your mouth for a moment, and let your tongue and taste buds go to work.  You’ll find that bitterness will hit the back of the tongue, while sweetness hits the tip of the tongue.  Saltiness and sourness hits the side of the tongue.  Swoosh around and try to notice where the beer is most prominent on your tongue.  Then, swallow your beer and look for any aftertastes.

Evaluate the beer.  Look for bitterness and sweetness.  Can you find any off flavors?  This is your opportunity to philosophize about your beer and figure out if this beer fits your personality.  It may not be a bad idea to write down some notes about the beer either.  Taking the time to taste beer will expand your palate, quench your thirst, and give you the knowledge to compare beers.  But more importantly, it allows you to figure out what you like and don’t like.  Cheers!