Beer Kits: Your Gateway to Specialty Brewing, Even if You’re a Pro
Posted by Matteo Lahm on 13th Aug 2023
As a seasoned brewer with a taste for the extraordinary, you've probably considered expanding your repertoire to include your own specialty beers. But how do you venture into this uncharted territory? The solution is surprisingly straightforward: beer kits.
Now, before you raise an eyebrow, let's clear the air. Using a beer kit isn't a shortcut, a cheat code, or a 100-level course for a newbie. It's a tool, a guide, a roadmap to the world of new brewing techniques and ingredients. It's the compass that points you in the right direction, ensuring you don't get lost in the wilderness of hops and barley when embarking on a new brewing adventure.
So, why should you, an experienced brewer, consider a beer kit? Let's break it down.
First off, you are guaranteed to encounter recipes and techniques you have never thought of on your own. Using beer kits is like apprenticing. You learn under the mastery of others and your paycheck is good beer. Speaking of money, beer kits are incredibly cost-effective. Think of it as a pre-packaged vacation. You're not just paying for the raw materials; you're paying for the convenience, the time saved, and the assurance of a successful trip. You're skipping the guesswork and going straight to the good stuff.
Secondly, beer kits offer consistency. It's like having a favorite song on repeat. You know what you're getting, and you know it's going to be good. This consistency is especially crucial when you're venturing into the realm of specialty brews or styles you have never made.
But here's the real kicker: beer kits are the perfect entry point into the world of specialty brewing. Want to experiment with a chocolate stout or a raspberry-infused ale? There's a beer kit for that. These kits come with all the unusual ingredients you need, and probably do not have. They are already measured and ready to go. All specialty beer kits are a crash course in new brewing techniques. They're the training wheels that keep you steady as you learn new skills. And once you've mastered them, you can start adding your own twist, creating brews that are uniquely yours.
When it comes to ingredients you have never used, this is where beer kits really prove their worth. If you're experimenting with a new type of hops or malt, a beer kit provides just the right amount. This way, you're not left with excess product gathering dust if it turns out you're not a fan. It's like a tasting menu at a gourmet restaurant - you get to sample a bit of everything without committing to a full dish.
In the end, beer kits, especially kits that are crushed to order, also give you the freshest ingredients possible for your batches. You might buy in bulk, but if you do, some of that product might sit for a while until you have the time to make it. When it comes to brews that are unusual or atypical, a kit is absolutely your best bet. Some of the ingredients you might use could work well for certain styles, but they are not ingredients you can use in every batch.
Now, let's tackle the big question: does using a beer kit make you any less of a brewer? The answer is a resounding no. Brewing is about creativity, passion, and the pursuit of a fulfilling pint. A beer kit is your steppingstone on your journey to expand your knowledge and make you a more versatile beer maker.
So, if you're ready to embark on your new brewing crusade, a beer kit could be your best ally. It's cost-effective, consistent, and the perfect introduction to specialty brewing. In life, there are known unknowns but then there are unknown unknowns. Considering the infinite possibilities in beer brewing, no one could possibly know everything and, it is even harder to learn about techniques you don’t even know exist. Beer kits are your breadcrumb trail to taking the high road of becoming a better brewer. So, roll up your sleeves, pop open a beer kit, and let the brewing begin. Cheers!