Home Brewing



Brewing is a great way to make the most of your bumper crops and gluts of vegetables, fruits and hedgerow forages. It's also one of the oldest methods of preserving, allowing you to enjoy your favourite tipples once their season has passed. Whether your brewing beer, wine or just fancy making a liqueur or cordial. There are a few little things you should consider, like what equipment will I need, seasonal timings and the most important what do I need to do?

Equipment varies massively across the broad range of brews, so it is worth buying a starter kit to start off with. These will be found online and most high-street retailers e.g. Wilkinson's. Brew shops are quite rare these days but check the internet for them as this is where all the knowledge and knowhow lurks.

You will need fermentation vessels/bins as well as thermometers, hydrometers, siphoning tubes, air locks and bungs, demi johns, muslin cloths and bottles. The list goes on but don't be put off by this as once you have it you've got it for life. It is also well worth investing in a couple of brewing books and foraging books too. The range is endless but I have had success in Andy Hamilton's Booze for free and Brewing for Britain. Also River Cottages 12th book booze is very informative too. Once you learn the terminology for brewing its actually a very simple process. And books are a great way to solve this.

We have only been brewing for the past six years and it still amazes us how much we are learning from trying different brews to methods. We are lucky enough to have a couple of home brewers in our family so asking for help or advice is welcomed. But trying to get a bottle of Mark's special lemon balm wine is like asking for gold dust. 

We mainly started, out of curiosity and to have ago. But the bug has taken hold and it is somewhat a way of keeping a tradition alive and a great hobby. As well as having delicious tipples at the end of the process. Brewing is a thoroughly enjoyable process from start to finish, so if your thinking of giving it a go and want to start making beer or wine here is my favourite stockist to check out. www.homebrewcentregy.co.uk