At the time I was fond of drinking a German beer “Aecht Schlenkerla Urbock” which is a smoky beer without rival, it is almost like drinking a barbecued sausage. Our first rendition turned out okay. We started with a Cooper’s canned kit and added a lot of Rauch malt for a distinct Smokey flavor. It was nothing compared to the real Schlenkerla, but it was tasty, and from that moment on I was hooked. Since that first beer I have brewed pilsners, stouts, nut brown ales, porters, cream ales, pale ales and IPA’s. For you trekkies out there, I even made a Romulan ale that was as blue as the sky above and a wormwood beer that was…well crazy.
There is also a camaraderie among homebrewers that is unparalleled in other hobbyists or enthusiasts. Perhaps it’s the alcohol, but Austin and homebrewers in general have a vibrant community of brewers from all walks that are very welcoming and willing help a new homebrewer brew better beer. It’s that camaraderie that has helped maintain my interest in brewing. Is homebrewing as vital as breathing, probably not, but I never want to abandon this great hobby.
