David's Given Name: T.
Broken Arrow Resident Shares Homebrewing Journey and Tips
David T., a resident of Broken Arrow, OK, has been a member of the Fellowship of Oklahoma Alemakers for several years. His passion for homebrewing began four years ago, sparked by a basic home brewing kit gifted by a friend.
David's brewing setup has evolved over time, starting with a simple bottling bucket, carboy, and a few accessories. Today, he uses an electric BIAB (Brew-in-a-Bag) system, complemented by a Custom 20 gallon tri-clamp kettle and two CF10 conicals. The transition from brew-in-a-bag to cooler-based systems, 3 vessel eRIMS, and finally settling on an eRIMS brew-in-a-bag setup, reflects his dedication to refining his brewing process.
Conicals, a key component of David's brewing process, have made a significant impact by minimizing oxygen ingress and facilitating yeast harvesting. He emphasizes the importance of limiting oxygen exposure after fermentation, particularly for IPAs and light lagers, as it has significantly improved the quality of his beers.
Education on the entire brewing process, particularly water chemistry and fermentation, is a cornerstone of David's approach. He recommends reading brewing-related books such as "Yeast: The Practical Guide to Fermentation" and "Water: A Comprehensive guide for Brewers".
David also advocates for joining a homebrew club for learning and mentorship. The Fellowship of Oklahoma Alemakers, with their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FOAMClub/ and website at https://alemakers.org/, offers a vibrant community for homebrewers in the region.
In addition to his brewing techniques, David shares a practical tip for yeast harvesting. He started harvesting yeast for his lagers about a year ago by cold crashing his beer, racking it to kegs, and collecting the remaining yeast in a 1 gallon jar.
While specific details about David's entry into homebrewing are not readily available, his journey serves as an inspiration for those interested in exploring the art of homebrewing. His advice for beginners is to start small, be patient, and never stop learning.
David's homebrewing passion has not only transformed his lifestyle but also expanded his home-and-garden setup, with equipment such as electric BIAB systems and custom kettles becoming permanent fixtures. His commitment to continual learning and experimentation, as evidenced by his evolution from a simple bottling setup to advanced eRIMS systems, is a testament to his love for home brewing.
