There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of sipping a fresh batch of beer, with its unique aroma and flavour profile, brewed in the comfort of your own home. Sure, the world of Australian craft beer is a vast and ever-evolving universe, but there’s no comparison to a custom-made brew’s deliciousness.
All the individual charm and character that comes from the brewing process – from selecting the perfect ingredients, to monitoring temperature levels and carbonation – can be tailored specifically for your taste preferences. And that’s just something that you can’t get from a store-bought beer.
What Do You Need to Start Brewing at Home?
Naturally, you’ll need the appropriate homebrewing supplies for your craft beer journey. The good news is that you don’t need a lot of special gadgets or equipment to get started. Even the most basic setup can put you on the right track to creating unique batches.
Kegs
Basically, these are large, stainless steel containers that hold the beer in a pressurised state. They’re designed to deliver carbonated liquid and the pressure can be regulated by a regulator and release valve.
With kegs, you can carbonate your beer faster (in a day or two) than with bottles and growlers, which could take several weeks. Sizes range from nine litres to a whopping 50 litres, with the smaller versions offering the convenience of portability when you want to enjoy your craft beer away from home.
Brewing System and Pumps
The way you ferment and dispense your batch will depend on the brewing system you use. It pays to familiarise yourself with the basics before you begin so that you can get the most out of your brewing experience.
Automatic systems are designed to do all the hard work for you, while manual systems require more involvement from the brewer. The former are somewhat pricier, but they offer the convenience of more efficient temperature control, while the latter can be used to create customised brews.
Pumps are a crucial factor in beer making, as they assist with moving the liquid around and prevent it from becoming stagnant. These homebrewing supplies allow you to control the flow of beer and make sure that it’s evenly distributed.
Fermenters
These are the vessels that actually hold the beer during the fermentation process. The right item can help to ensure your batch gets optimum aeration and carbonation and is less prone to contamination.
Some fermenters offer the convenience of being able to pressurise the vessel, making it easier to transfer the beer. Others are designed for conditioning and storage, allowing your beer to age in an environment that’s perfect for its flavour development.
Kegerators
This playful twist on the classic refrigerator is designed to keep your beer at its ideal temperature while also providing a convenient way to dispense it. The units are made up of two components – the fridge and the draft system.
The internal temperature is regulated by a thermostat, while the draft system is essentially an assembly of taps and tubing that bring the beer from the keg to your glass. You can use the kegerator to store one or multiple kegs at a time, depending on the size of the model. These homebrew supplies can be beneficial for both beer connoisseurs and brewers.
Fonts and Dispensing Taps
Speaking of drinking your beer, you’ll need appropriate fonts and taps to pour it. These simply attach to the keg’s regulator and dispense the liquid into your glass. Many models come with an adjustable flow control for easy pouring, and a smooth finish.
Your choice of font is also crucial, as it can affect the appearance of your final product and even its flavour. Some styles feature a forward-sealing design which reduces foam and increases overall efficiency.
Appropriate Glassware
Of course, no liquor-tasting experience is complete without some sturdy craft beer glassware. The right glass helps maintain the temperature, as well as bring out the aromas and flavours in your beverage.
Think about it this way – you wouldn’t sip a vodka martini from a pint glass or a glass of wine from a snifter. Everyone knows that certain drinks should be served in certain glasses and craft beer is no exception.
There are variations available in all shapes and sizes, with each one designed for a specific beer style. The classic tulip shape, for instance, has a small stem, wide bowl, and tapered opening that traps aromas. It’s suitable for everything from ales to stouts.
If you’re looking for something a bit more modern, the teardrop design is a formidable contender. Its unique shape creates a consistent head and increases the carbonation of your beer, making it a must-have for any home bar.
Another popular option in the craft beer glassware front is the traditional beer stein. This one’s great for keeping your beverage cold, as the handle makes it easy to hold without transferring heat from your hands. Its thick walls also offer a level of insulation, so your beer stays fresh and fizzy until the very last sip.
You can even take it a step further with a goblet-style glass, which is designed to enhance the colour and aroma of your beverage. Its larger bowl design brings out more of the liquor’s character, with the curvature at the top allowing you to better appreciate its hue. It’s best for dark beers like porters and stouts, although it can also be used for lighter varieties.
