Congrats Emily Rivera! January's Brewer of the Month
Tell us a little bit about you:
I am a metallurgical/mechanical engineer by day, and a marathon-running, beer-brewing, piano-playing, gourmet-cooking superhero by night. Okay, I'm not really a superhero, but I am all those other things. This picture is of me and my dad, right after I finished the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon (in 3:57, for those who might be interested). As you can see, I was celebrating my marathon success with a nice cold brew from Milwaukee Brewing Co. Post-marathon beers are always delicious, but this one was definitely one of my faves, because it wasn't the typical Bud Light or MGD that most races serve (blech!).
I live with my three cats (Chip, Mila and Theodore) in a cozy little house in Illinois. I have been an engineer for a global manufacturer of construction and mining equipment for nearly 12 years, and before that, I studied engineering at Purdue University (Boiler Up!). I am a geek to my very core, and I think that's what initially attracted me to beer brewing. It's chemistry!
And as I already mentioned, I am a runner. I have not always been, though. I used to hate running and I was terrible at it, but I decided one day (about 7 years ago) that I wanted to run a 5k just to say I did it. I trained for that 5k for several weeks. It was painful and grueling. On race day, I huffed and puffed through those endless 3.1 miles, and I thought I would throw up, or die, or both. But then something magical happened. I crossed the finish line. It was almost a spiritual experience. Since then, I have developed immense passion for the sport and I enjoy the hard work it takes to achieve my personal goals. My greatest ambition in running is to qualify for the Boston Marathon. It is within reach; I just need to keep getting older without getting slower! (Only runners can appreciate the advantage of getting older!)
Oh, and let's not forget the greatest thing about running: it allows me to drink more beer!
How long have you been brewing?
Only 6 months, but I am already hooked. I own three LBK's, have brewed several Mr Beer recipes, and have many more already in the pipeline.
What is your favorite beer?
Don't make me choose one! I can't do it! There are just so many tasty beers! Seriously though, my tastes seem to change with the seasons. Every time I go to buy beer, I buy something different. I like flavorful beers. At the moment, one of my favorites is Sierra Nevada Celebration. This will probably change next month. I am also really fond of the Mr Beer American Devil IPA. It was my first Mr Beer brew, and it really impressed the heck out of me. I'd love to see that one come back.
Who would you most like to share a beer with?
Stephen Colbert. Although I might change my mind after he makes me laugh so hard, I spew beer out my nose.
Brewing 101
Brand new to Mr.Beer and home brewing?
Congratulations on the best Christmas present you've ever received! It's the real gift that keeps on giving, if you ask us. Let us help you maximize the potential of the brewing power at your fingertips! Check out our brand new series Brew University, or Brew U. It's just seven easy lessons to get you started on this new adventure. We'll walk you through everything from common missteps to what exactly is going on inside that keg as your beer ferments - science! Do yourself a favor and check them out today!
Lesson 1: Read The Instructions
Lesson 2: Use common sense – Don’t Fall Into These Common Blunders
Lesson 3: Social Media Tour
Lesson 4: Keep It Simple, Stupid, or KISS: No need to go crazy on that first batch
Lesson 5: Keeping Your Yeast Happy
Lesson 6: How Long Does it Take? Time Lapse Video & Description of Fermentation Process
Lesson 7: The Many Faces of Beer
Brewer of the Month - David Saunders
My Name is David Saunders and I currently live in Flagstaff Arizona. I'm 22 years old and have only been brewing beer on my own for a few years now. I have always loved beer, enjoying a pint at new places with new people when every I can. Brewing for me started at a relatively early age at my home in Phoenix, while I never actually brewed anything until much later in life, the aspect of the brewing process and science of brewing intrigued me as a child.
I can remember watching television shows on PBS and The History Channel about brewing, seeing all the big equipment and machinery, you can see how that would be impressive to a 11 or 12 year old. It wasn't until much later that I got into the science of brewing from fermentation to the chemistry and even microbiology. I Moved to Tucson to attend college for a Business degree, and that was where I found my self on my own for the first time. With this new found "freedom" if you will, I began to delve into the Brewing community more and more, attending local home brew meetings and frequenting the local Home brew shops just asking questions and furthering my knowledge about the process.
Congrats Chris Olivarez AKA More Beer Here!!
Introducing our newest Brewer of the Month....Chris Olivarez! Take it away, Chris:
I am a "native" Californian and have lived here most of my life (I moved to attend school and work) but California shall always remain my home! I have had a passion for beer since I was a teenager and I have had some pretty crappy beers in my life and that was what really made me want to brew my own beer. I knew I could do better.
I have been brewing since 2009 when I went to the local drugstore for something and saw the Mr. Beer Premium Kit and knew I just had to have it. Well, I followed the directions for the West Coast Pale Ale that came with the kit and after 1 week fermentation and another week for carbonation I had what the instruction stated: Beer! Well ,half way through the first bottle I knew I could and would do better than this.That began my "obsession" with brewing. Many Mr. Beer recipes later (with two "partial mashes" in there) I was ready to make the move to All Grain recipes and I haven't looked back. I still use Mr. Beer kits as well as using my "little brown kegs" for fermenting 5 gallon all grain recipes. I'd be lying if I said I never brewed a batch that I didn't like (first "attempt" at Pumpkin Beer, Ginger Beer) It just goes with the learning process.Just keep at it and learn from your mistakes and see where it takes you. I have entered a couple of my recipes in a local fair homebrew competition and last year I did fairly well (No pun intended) didn't place but got great feedback on my beer. That was what I was after! Make me think harder about next years competition and what I can brew to place!!
What is your favorite beer?
Oatmeal Irish Stout either the Mr. Beer "St. Patrick's Day" recipe or one of my all grain recipes. I just really like the over all taste of a good Oatmeal Stout.
Who would you most like to share a beer with?
There are too many people that I'd love to share a beer with and I'd be afraid that I might forget to mention someone but the ones that I have already shared a beer with in my lifetime have all been good ones. But I wish I could share another beer with my Father (who passed away last year). If any borg member cares to share a beer with me or if your ever in the Los Angeles/Orange County Area Please feel free to contact me. I always have a few cold ones tucked away in the fridge just for that occasion.