Maybe the weather outside is frightful. But Aunt Arlene and Uncle Roger are insufferable. Whether you’ve been brewing for years or are just breaking open that brand new extract kit that Santa brought, making your own beer is a great way to escape the holiday hustle and bustle and do something for yourself. But why not include the whole gang?
Here are five great reasons to teach your family how to homebrew this holiday season:
Reason #1
It breaks up the monotony. Few things are more awkward than attempting to maintain conversation with people you rarely see. When you feel sufficiently caught up on your aunt’s bunion, invite her to make beer with you.
Reason #2
It might get you out of the house. Brewing on an outdoor propane burner is an excellent excuse to spend some quality time away from the confined quarters of a house full of guests. If the weather is mild, brewing outside can take on the air of a summer barbecue or crab boil. Crack open some craft beer and get brewing!
Reason #3
It’s a chance to spread the craft-beer love. Sure, you recognize the beauty of a high-quality, handcrafted barley beverage, but statistically, you’re still in the minority. Brewing beer is an opportunity to teach others about the magical transformation of malt, hops, water, and yeast. And in doing so, you might just bring Granddad into the craft-beer fold.
Reason #4
It gives you something to look forward to next year. Why not start a new holiday tradition and brew up a big barleywine or imperial stout? Age it for a year and then brew up next year’s batch while you enjoy this year’s batch with leftovers. Try our Old Fussypants English barleywine recipe, our Alexander the Blessed Russian imperial stout recipe, our Anastasia’s Dark Heart Russian Imperial Stout recipe, or our Chocolate Achromatic Stout recipe.
Reason #5
It’s an excuse to drink great beer. As if you needed another.
Happy Holidays and Happy Brewing!