The Brew CORE

North Carolina Breweries: Part One of Four

For a searchable table at full resolution: 

http://www.scribd.com/doc/149271466/Beer-Post-1

A fun infographic sharing 24 beer facts you may not know. Enjoy!

Full resolution can be found here.

And remember...

Relax. Don't worry.

Have a Homebrew."

There are so many different types of beer in the world, 96 different styles according to bjcp.org. Each beer has a set of characteristics that may help us identify a particular style. These usually are - color, IBU's (bitterness), and ABV (alcohol). 

As homebrewers, we don't have to stick to a particular style to brew great beer. The style guides can help us learn new techniques, discover new ingredients, and diversify our beer palates. 

I'm a visual learner, so here are a couple neat infographics, mapping out the beer styles.

(If they are too small to read, just click on the links below to see them at full resolution.)

The World of Beer

Periodic Table of Beer Styles

And remember...

Relax. Don't worry.

Have a Homebrew."

This is the second half of the entertaining and informative video on homebrewing. This half deals specifically with the bottling process. Don't mind the quality, all the information is top notch and relevant.

Enjoy!

And remember...

Relax. Don't worry.

Have a Homebrew."

This is the most entertaining and informative video on homebrewing that I have found on YouTube. This is the first of two parts, so check out the next post for the second half.  Wether you're new to brewing beer or a homebrew pro, this video has something for everyone.

Hope you enjoy!

And remember...

Relax. Don't worry.

Have a Homebrew."

This short post is to share some valuable resources for every homebrewer out there. Take some time to review each link and may your beer be tasty.

The Brewing Network - These Brewcasters have been an enormous resource for thousands of homebrewers since 2005. Download the podcasts, take them with you, and listen to professional brewers sharing expert techniques alongside great personalities and drunken hilarity.

Morebeer.com - All you need for your homebrewing needs and free shipping on orders $59 and up.

Adventures in Homebrewing - One of the largest homebrewing stores in the USA and with a rewards program! www.homebrewing.org

Beersmith.com - Brewing beer is all in the details. There are quite a few to keep track of, from wort temps to hop additions, technology sure helps keep our minds clear on brew day. Beersmith is software for your computer and mobile devices that organizes your recipes and keeps the clock ticking. Don't leave your house without it!

Beerlegends.com - A good free resource for nearly every variety of hop, information on malts, and brewing equipment. If you have questions, Beer Legends will point you in the right direction. 

American Homebrewers Association - This national homebrewer association has been supporting the rights of homebrewers since 1978. The AHA is supported by its more than 36,000 members. The AHA is responsible for supporting legislation to legalize homebrewing in all 50 states. www.homebrewersassociation.org

Cicerone.org - (pronounced sis-uh-rohn) A Cicerone is a person who is a certified beer expert. They are able to discuss beer, pour beer, and present beer better than anyone else. The Cicerone program teaches people to show off beer as it was designed to be shown. 

And remember...

Relax. Don't worry.

Have a Homebrew."

Every hobby, profession, task, or activity requires a set of tools to achieve success. In the homebrewer's world - a brew pot, 5 gallon bucket, air lock, and bottles make up the short list of required equipment. Nearly all homebrewers have an innovative nature and are continuously looking to refine the brewing process. 

Our forebrewers have innovated and paved the way for consistent home brewing success. They have built and packaged beer making kits that contain everything the aspiring brewer needs to brew great homebrew. To support all our fellow beginner brewers, here is a list of beer making kits that will ensure your first brew is a good one...

MoreBeer.com has five great kits for the fledgling brewer. Read through the gear lists and decide what you already have and what you need. With kits beginning at $69 and free shipping, you don't have to break the bank to brew.

Home Brewery Equipment Kits

Kit #1- $69

Adventures in Homebrewing is one of the largest Homebrew shops in the nation. They are based out of Michigan and have been supporting homebrewers these last 14 years. Their selection of homebrew kits includes 12 different options, and for every order shipped you can get brew points towards gift certificates. There brew kits begin at just $29!

Adventures in Homebrewing Brew Kits

$29 Brew Kit

In Greensboro we have a great local homebrew shop, Fifth Season. Fifth Season specializes in Hydroponics, Homebrewing, and Organic Gardening. Reviewers love their staff's excitement over homebrew and those wanting to learn more. If you're looking to build a great beer recipe, pay Fifth Season a visit, and let them know you heard about them here! 

And remember...

Relax. Don't worry.

Have a Homebrew."

This tumblr is dedicated to the local homebrewers in the North Carolina Triad area. It's purpose is to educate, connect, compete, grow, and promote the drinking of homebrew for the members of, The Brew CORE. 

As members of The Brew CORE, this space will help us learn through the videos, photos, tutorials, links, and other media. We will be able to share our homebrew recipes and photos of our processes, challenges, and successes. We will share the most up to date information regarding events, competitions, and meetings. 

That's right, competitions! We will learn to brew and seek out the opinions of certified judges. We will be encouraged by their critiques and the awards our homebrews win! All of our time together will promote our growth as homebrewers, fans of beer, and friends.

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According to the Brewers Association, the most recent stats on Craft Brewing:

     Craft Brewing Facts

Craft brewers currently provide an estimated 108,440 jobs in the U.S., including serving staff in brewpubs.

Growth of the craft brewing industry in 2012 was 15% by volume and 17% by dollars compared to growth in 2011 of 13% by volume and 15% by dollars.

Craft brewers sold an estimated 13,235,917 barrels* of beer in 2012, up from 11,467,337 in 2011.

The craft brewing sales share in 2012 was 6.5% by volume and 10.2% by dollars.

Craft brewer retail dollar value in 2012 was an estimated $10.2 billion, up from $8.7 billion in 2011.

As of March 18, 2013, the Brewers Association is aware of 409 brewery openings in 2012 (310 microbreweries and 99 brewpubs) and 43 brewery closings (18 microbreweries and 25 brewpubs).

2,347 craft breweries operated for some or all of 2012, comprised of 1,132 brewpubs, 1,118 microbreweries and 97 regional craft breweries.

Other U.S. Brewing Industry Facts

Overall U.S. beer sales were up an estimated 0.9% by volume in 2012.

Imported beer sales were up 1% in 2012 and up 1% in 2011.

Overall U.S. beer sales were approximately 200,028,520 barrels and imported beer sales were 27,712,665 barrels in 2012.

2,403 total breweries operated for some or all of 2012, the highest total since the 1880s.

Brewers Association Stats

Beer is AMAZING!!

"And remember...

Relax. Don't worry.

Have a Homebrew."