Start Homebrewing, Five ways to start with one click.

It amazes me how much information we have at our finger tips.  A quick trip to Google and you're swimming in information.  I would suggest that it isn't really the lack of information that keeps you from learning how to brew.  It is something else.

What could it be?  You've been reading blogs and drinking craft beer thinking, "I wonder if I could make this?"  Why haven't you tried?  Did you know there's more than one way to learn and they can all start right here?

So if you are ready to try, one click will get you started.  Which one will you choose?  Where will your beer drinking and homebrewing path lead you?

1 - Web How To Articles


A good coherent page or two describing somebody's process can really get your juices flowing.  It isn't as long as a book and it may be written in a voice that just speaks to you.

• How to Brew Your Own Beer in Seven Simple Steps (Mahalo: the knowledge sharing service; helping people quickly find the best information on topics, how to's and coupons.)
• How to Brew Small-Batch Beer in Your Kitchen (Chow: recipes, restaurant reviews, food videos, and cooking how-to on the web. Plus FUN.)

2 - Video

If the last thing you do is read directions or owners manual for your new purchase, maybe a video would lay it all out there for you to see.  It's like having your own private lesson and you get to hit "Pause".

• How to Brew Beer at Home (Gary Glass, American Homebrewers Association)
• Basic Brewing: Stepping into All Grain (Amazon) (One DVD from our favorite podcast, videocast, homebrewers Basic Brewing Website )

3 - Support Networks

What if you have a question?  What if you just need somebody more like you to help you understand how to get started?  Why not seek out a community of like minded people who just happen to be more experienced than you at homebrewing?  You don't even need to meet them in person.  Although, I have to say most homebrewers really are very pleasant and eager to help.

• Real Beer Forum Oldie, but a goodie.
• Blogs (just a few CNYBrew, TedBrews.com, CHIBEBRÄU, check blogrolls for more)
• Homwbrew Clubs (The American Hombrewers Association's listing of registered clubs.)
• Planning ahead?  What about Learn to Homebrew Day? (via AHA)

4 - Magazines

What?  Blogs are too informal?  Twitter is just a waste of time?  What about a professionally produced periodical to peruse?  There's nothing like opening the mailbox and finding a brewing magazine.  It just might, for a second, make you forget about the bills delivered alongside it.

• Zymurgy:  (Via Amazon) Been around for years and still goin' strong.
• Brew Your Own:  (Via Amazon) Another solid publication.
  

5 - Wikis

The soul of the Internet is embodied in Wiki's.  People like you and me watch over them and care for them.  A resource for the the people, by the people.  If you elect me...  Ahem, well, let's just say I recommend using Wikis.  (Until Ted Nelson's, Project Xanadu vision is fulfilled, it'll do.)

• Brew Wiki:  (from brewing you first beer to, technical references to BEER XML)
• Homebrew Talk Wiki

And because you made it this far, a bonus :-)

Bonus - Books


So you want something affordable, easy on the eyes, portable, well organized and stands the test of time?  Nothing beats a book when it comes to ease of use.  The Kindle, Nook, iPad and other eReaders are getting better, but, rest assured they have a long way to go.

• How to Brew: Everything You Need To Know To Brew Beer Right The First Time (Amazon)
• The Complete Joy of Homebrewing Third Edition (Harperresource Book) (Amazon)
  
• Ok, Ok eBook versions of your favorite homebrew books are available too ;-) (Amazon)

If you have other ways of learning you would like to share, please leave a comment.  Also, please send me an email at adam@nonconfermist.com if you have questions.  I would love to hear from you.