Homebrew and Cigars

[SmokeAndSpice]

Originally Posted by Bum Fudge

I've been brewing since 1988, competing and judging since 1995 and have enough points to be a National judge (but am 1 point shy on the test). I judge infrequently, but only got into that part to help improve my beers and try new styles.

That sounds a lot like me-- brewing since about '87, all-grain and part of the competition scene since '95, re-tested up to National level a few years ago. I still judge 4-6 times per year but don't enter as much, mostly because I keg more these days and don't have as many bottles sitting around.

I''m not much one for gadgets, prefering a hands-on approach.

Lately I've been brewing a lot of single hop variety blonde ales (I have a Simcoe batch ready to keg), and also like doing big beers and American Brown Ales.

For meads, I like cysers and fruit cysers, and each year I always make at least one batch of cherry cyser using cherries from the tree in the front yard. I like them semi-sweet, and still.

_gonz_: mead doesn't take a lot of equipment or space, just someplace that doesn't get too warm where you can leave a carboy (or three ) sit undisturbed for awhile.