Three Homebrewing Ideas to Beat the Winter Blues

Have you ever wondered what goes into making a good beer? Better yet, have you ever thought you could do it better than the beer companies out there? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you should consider homebrewing.

Homebrewing is the practice of brewing beer on a small scale or for personal use. It’s typically done at home and can be one of the most fun, interesting activities you’ll ever try. 

Before we dive into homebrewing tips and ideas, let’s touch on why it can be especially beneficial to pursue in the winter.

Why Homebrewing Is Beneficial

Homebrewing can be a fun and exciting hobby to help you get through the cold months and cope with the winter blues.

You aren’t alone if you’re navigating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) this winter; 5% of U.S. adults experience SAD. The deep depressive episodes, mood swings, heightened anxiety, and isolation can be tough to deal with.

But there are ways to cope, such as building healthier habits through self-care. Self-care can include various activities, but few are as crucial as taking up a hobby. A hobby can ignite passion, keep you mentally sharp, and create a sense of fulfillment.

There are various steps to mastering homebrewing, so it’s mentally stimulating. As you make better and better beers, you’ll celebrate and show yourself more love. You’ll also have the chance to connect with other homebrewers and socialize, a secret weapon in defeating depression and other mental health challenges.  

If you’re ready to take on the homebrewing hobby, start by educating yourself on what it is and how it works.

Educate Yourself on Homebrewing

Homebrewing isn’t a basic hobby. From the equipment to understanding the process to choosing which beers to brew, homebrewing has a high level of complexity to it. So, thoroughly educating yourself on homebrewing is a must before diving in.

Of course, you should conduct internet research on homebrewing. Joining groups and following experts dedicated to homebrewing on social media is critical too. You’ll learn about the basics of homebrewing and how to take your techniques to the next level when the time is right.

Also, you may want to start with a pre-made homebrewing kit. You can experience the homebrewing process before fully investing in the hobby and buying all the necessary equipment.

Get the Proper Equipment

It isn’t the most extended list in the world, but the equipment list for homebrewing is decent-sized. This doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money on each tool or get them all simultaneously. Instead, you can source budget-friendly equipment online and accumulate better tools/equipment over time.

Here’s what you need to homebrew safely and effectively:

• Waterproof thermometer
• Hydrometer and jar
• Food grade sanitizer
• 5 feet of 3/8 inch beverage line
• Six-gallon plastic bucket
• Six-gallon fermentation bucket 
• Four-gallon pot
• Bottles
• Bottle caps
• Bottle capper
• Bottling wand
• Racking cane
• Airlock and stopper
• Small nylon bags

Equally important are the ingredients for each kind of beer you want to brew. These will obviously vary with each beer. But no matter which you brew, ensure your ingredients list is accurate, that you have everything, and that the ingredients are quality.

Start Slow

There’s a lot to be excited about when it comes to homebrewing. The excitement can make you want to try everything all at once. However, starting slow is best, so this hobby is sustainable.

Overwhelming yourself at the start can lead to frustration and quitting prematurely. Taking things one homebrew at a time will ensure you master the basics first. The process will become easier once you’ve got the basics down. And then, you can move to trying more advanced, creative techniques.

Beers You Must Try Brewing In the Winter

Homebrewers tend to gravitate toward light, crisp beers during the summer.

Winter, on the other hand, calls for darker, big-bodied beers that lean heavily on spices like cinnamon and warm flavors such as caramel and coffee. Their maltiness and higher alcohol content aren’t bad on a cold winter night, either.

These three beers fit the description above, making them must-brews in the winter.

Porter

Porter is one of the most popular beers to brew during the winter. It’s a ruby-brown to dark-colored beer originating in England. Whether fruity or dry in flavor, there’s no denying the roasted malt aroma.

Porter’s alcohol content can range from 4.5% to 6.5%, just enough of a kick to warm you up on a cold night. The brewing process is relatively easy, so you can enjoy this beer quicker than most. 

Spiced Ale

If we think of winter in terms of spices, specific ones come to mind. Cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, and pumpkin spice are some of the most notable. A spiced ale featuring any of these is an excellent beer for home brewing.

There are various ales to choose from for your base. Then, you can experiment with how you use your spices and infuse their flavors into your beer. Just remember, less is more when it comes to your spices. You don’t want the flavor to be so overpowering that you can’t enjoy the beer. 

Stout

Homebrewing stout during the winter is quite common. If you can get your hands on high-quality grist and get anything close to the intense burnt flavor and extremely dark color Guinness has, your stout might be your favorite home brew of the winter season.

Stouts are packed with unique, deep flavors. Its thickness, smoothness, and high alcohol content make you have to sip it. This helps you thoroughly enjoy the flavor and really feel your body warming up with each taste. A decadent beer to match the richness of winter.

It’s important to note that stouts are better with age. So, if you want to enjoy a stout during winter, start the brewing process a few months before the season begins to get the flavor just right.

Conclusion

The winter months can be tough to get through, especially if you struggle with mental health challenges like SAD. However, a hobby like homebrewing can help you cope with the winter blues and keep you uplifted, mentally stimulated, and passionate through winter’s dark days and cold nights. Give it a try, and discover how much better it makes you feel!

Special thanks to Luke Smith for this Great Beer Now guest post!