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Brewer of the Month
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Friday, 02 October 2009 00:00 |
 I am a professional computer geek in Denver, CO where I develop custom software for various companies as an independent contractor. I also am a part-owner of a couple of really small companies that will probably never make much money but which keep me busy and somewhat entertained most of the time. My beautiful wife (aka the SheppyBrew beer model) and I have two little boys (7 and 4) who continuously give me joy, excitement, and are the loves of my life (not to mention part-time brewing assistants).
My sister is to blame for my brewing obsession. She got me a Mr. Beer kit for Christmas 2008. To be honest, when I opened the gift, I expected to brew one or two batches and then just let the hobby die. The only previous experience I had with a home-brew was a stout that a college roommate gave me years ago which I thought was just horrible. I do not know if the beer was really that terrible or if at the time I was just too used to Busch Lite to appreciate a home-brew. But, despite my lack of confidence over the prospect of making beer, I brewed up the Classic American Blonde Ale with Booster that came in the kit. Of course, I was amazed at how easy the process was, and by the time I could finally try the finished beer (Superbowl Sunday), I was pretty excited despite my doubts of the hobby being a big thing long term. And, amazingly, not only did the Blonde turn out tasting like beer... it was good beer.
Well, once I discovered that I could really make decent beer, there was no stopping my spiral into addiction. My wife got me a second Keg. I continuously studied the recipes on the Mr. Beer Site. I started spending more and more time reading up on brewing beer ... especially on the Mr. Beer Discussion Forum. I started my own little SheppyBrew website. I now probably spend more time thinking about beer than any other single topic (other than my wife and kids). As I recently shared on the forum, my brewing calendar is pretty much completely full until early next March with recipes I want to brew. I probably need another keg or two, but I'm somewhat afraid to feed the addiction further.
I've had a couple of brewing disappointments, but other than those two bad beers, I would honestly rather drink my beer than any commercial beer. I have Mr. Beer and the Mr. Beer Community members to thank for how far my beer making skill has grown so far. I still consider myself a beginner and to be listed with the previous Brewers of the Month is really an honor. To be honest, I feel a little unworthy compared to others on the list (and those yet to be named), but there was no way I was going to turn down the nomination.
Go Blackhawks!
Brewing Since:
I mixed up my first beer (Classic American Blonde Ale) on 01/10/2009.
Favorite beer:It is so hard to pick favorites. Depending on my mood, it is Eric's Red (Mr. Beer Bewitched Red Ale w/Mellow Amber brew pack with some steeped grains and added Hops) or Phat & Tyred Ale (which originally was based on DRock's Mai Tyre ... but got changed enough in the process that I do not think they are actually close to each other anymore)
Person you'd most like to share a beer with:
I will share a beer with anyone who wants to have one with me. But, if I could pick just one person, it would be my younger brother who passed away as a sophomore in high school. He would have been 23 this year.
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