Computing Brews

I finally installed the copy of Beersmith that I got awhile ago. I used the program to help create by first basic recipe. I really like that it has the BJCP styles built in to it. It was a convenient reference while creating the recipe. It has tasting notes for the styles and helps you target the correct gravities, IBUs, etc. Prior to installing Beersmith I had an idea of what my better bitter recipe would look like. I was off on my gravities and IBUs. Beersmith helped me fix those issues.

Beersmith also allows you to create an inventory and shopping lists. I have started creating my (small) inventory. It will be convenient for me because my brew stuff is not organized well due to space constraints in my apartment. I am still working on solutions for this problem. The shopping lists can be created with a single click from the recipe you are planning to brew. With one more click you can add the shopping list to your inventory after purchasing everything. Very convenient features for me.

I still have a lot to learn in Beersmith. I will especially use it to more of it's capacity when I go all grain (someday). Right now it is more of a recipe creation/management system for me.

Brew Day - 1/9/10

I had my first brew day of the new year on Saturday. Everything went well except I forgot to take the original gravity measurement. This brew was my first original recipe. I am trying to make a special bitter. The recipe I created is very simple to start. I wanted to have a base that I would be able to specialize. I already have a couple ideas on how to improve it after reading more about the style. The recipe is for a 2.5 gallon batch.

Special Bitter Variation #1
3 lb Gold LME
.75 oz Kent Goldings (4.6%) - 60 min
.25 oz Kent Goldings (4.6%) - 15 min
Wyeast 1098 British Ale Yeast

I also had a friend over and taught him how to homebrew. It went really well and he was really excited about the process. I may have found a brew partner!