Most of us are spending a lot more time at home than we’re used to, and that has unintended implications; Such as too much one on one time with our spouse/significant other. I guess there is something to the saying “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Normally a humorous adage but for people that are quarantined, furloughed, laid off, or sick during these unprecedented times of coronavirus, that's just not humorous.
I am fortunate to be employed with an essential manufacturer so I do get out of the house for a purpose... but damn, the last week has seemed like a month. I truly feel for those that are shut in. If I hear the catch phrase “social distancing” again it will be much too soon. Every time I read or hear it I get extremely agitated. Hell, I’m pissed at myself for typing it! I gotta grab another home brew and relax (thanks Charlie) HA HA HA!
I make sure to unplug and relax as much as I can, we need distractions and to be reminded about what makes our lives worth the time we are here, in this plane of the cosmos. One of my distractions is music and the other? Well beer of course! Or to be more specific craft beer and home brewing craft beer.
Here are some ways beer lovers out there can pass the time:
Support Your Local Breweries and buy beer. Bars, restaurants, and taprooms shut their doors per municipal and state mandates to prevent gatherings. Many are selling gift cards and have adopted selling packaged to-go, anything to keep some semblance of cash coming into the business. Here in my home state of Illinois, for example, officials are temporarily allowing breweries to do just that. Make your neighbors and friends day better; leave a sixer or growler on their porch.
Order beer to your doorstep. Delivery apps such as Drizly, Tavour, and Saucey make it pretty easy to get great beer sent to your house, especially if you live in a large city. Other delivery options can bring you beer along with restaurant food.
I have also heard of people having virtual happy hours via an app called ZOOM. I guess that’s ok but not for me, as in the words of blues artist George Thorogood, “You know when I drink alone, I prefer to be by myself”.
But for me I have been home brewing; and for those of you that have not brewed for a while maybe it’s time to reconnect with your favorite hobby? How many of you have wished for more time to be at home and make beer? Hell yea, let’s do this! Think of all those projects or unusual recipes you’ve been meaning to give a shot. How about setting up that kegerator? Brew your first lager? Barrel-aging?
Historically home brewing tends to pick up during an economic downturn. With our countries fantastic economic success the last three and a half years the AHA has reported home brewing in slight decline. So it’s safe to speculate that home brewing will trend up again as some homebrew shops are seeing at least a small uptick in business. Our local home brew store also sells indoor gardening supplies so he can remain open as an essential business. How’s that possible you ask? Well in Illinois indoor gardening supplies are essential for our cannabis medical card holders as they can legally grow up to 5 plants at a time.
Homebrewing need not be a complicated or expensive hobby. Despite all the cool and helpful gadgets out there, you don’t need much more than a pot, a bucket, and some ingredients to make good beer. You can brew great stuff with extracts in your kitchen. There are a ton of websites and videos out there to help the newbie and experienced brewer hone their craft. Most of the homebrew shops I’ve been in sell kits to get started, and even those lower-priced, simpler kits like Mr. Beer can be adapted to brew more complex beers. I believe Mr. Beer can be purchased at some retailers or at Amazon or click on Mr. Beer to go to their website. Take a look at the article Hot-Rod Your Beer-Making Craft Beer & Brewing Kit by going to hot-rod-your-beer. Speaking of Mr. Beer, listen to our Home Brew Rock Stars podcasts # 63 & 64 with David Benson, he talks about ‘hot rodding’ his Mr. Beer kit.
Hopefully you will find some time to brew and if you do drop us a line and tell us about it, we would love to hear from you!
Prost!#drinkitup