Ya'll can make beer IRL now?

[6rchid]

title

[Rabob]

I haven't tried making it, but drinking it worked!

[EbonHawk]

I've brewed dozens of batches of all sorts of beers IRL, so now I was able to play the game. Does that count?

[GEORGEGEORGOUL]

Originally posted by EbonHawk:

I've brewed dozens of batches of all sorts of beers IRL, so now I was able to play the game. Does that count?

Do you think that the game is close enough to reality?
By that I mean, if you followed exatcly the steps show in game, would you make a drinkable beer in real life?

[EbonHawk]

I've only brewed 2 beers in the game, so it's kinda tough to say... but the one thing that really stands out to me right off is there's not real attention to detail on cleaning stuff. Sanitation is a big part of homebrewing, and it's the part that usually trips people up that are just starting out.

I've seen so many books and videos on sterilization techniques, and a whole host of cleaning products.. it's something that you learn by doing, really, and everyone has their method that works (or doesn't) for them.

Other than that, I see a lot of helpful info in the Sim that seems like good info, so far. A lot of variety and attention to detail.

I'd say, based on my limited use of the game, that it definitely would help, yes. But I would still consult some "expert" help on the matter if anyone decides to try it out IRL. You spend all that money on hopefully good quality ingredients, the last thing you'd want is to ruin it by some dumb oversight at the very basic level.

[EbonHawk]

I just recently got back into homebrewing - my son encouraged me to brew an all grain honey pale ale a couple of weeks ago. It's amazing how much I had forgotten about the basics, but almost as amazing was how fast it all came back. Well, most of it. There was still a lot of consulting the internet at various stages.

A really great way to learn homebrewing is to find one of those relatively inexpensive, all-inclusive, homebrewing kits like Mr Beer. Those were extremely popular a while back, although I haven't seen them around lately.

Although very limited, they are a great way to learn the basics of cleanliness and sanitation, and everything you could possibly need should be right there in the kit. So, none of that mid-brew "Oh crap, we gotta run to the store for this or this!!" Or, "Oh well, we're gonna have to hope for the best and pray it doesn't ruin our brew because we forgot to get this!". Or, running out of propane halfway through the boil and wondering if that's gonna be 'good enough'.

But, if you're the adventurous type or just a diehard DYI'er, and have the funds to spare, go for it. There are so many great forums and youtube channels dedicated to the craft, if you've got the time, you should be good.

[EbonHawk]

And as the great Charlie Papazian said, if you're stressing out about homebrewing, you're doing it wrong. Relax, Enjoy it.

Start simple. Only get fancy as time and experience allow. He's considered the zen master of homebrewing, and you can't go wrong reading his books on the subject. The Complete Joy of Homebrewing was probably his most popular, and he has written so many books, but that's the best one to start with, imo.