No, not really. Sorry to ruin the promise of that headline so soon. Then again, maybe you’re happy I did.
You see, I wanted to see if this exciting, if hard-to-believe, title would get you to read. The thing is, besides Mike’s “race to the finish” blog posts where he details what he plans to get brewed before the end of the year, these year end/new year plan posts are the most self-serving ones we write.
And yet, I keep typing them up. I should really stop. Maybe.
Ok, sure – these post help me to stay on track for what I want to accomplish in the year. That’s cool and all, but what’s in it for you?
Well, I hope to inspire you. You can’t really get anything done without a plan so make one like me.
Before I get into it, I’d really like to see what you’re going to do in 2015.
Please leave a comment to tell us what your homebrewing goals are for the coming year.
Bookmark this page and come back to check on your progress/remind yourself.
With that out of the way, here’s what I wanted to do in 2014 and what I want to do in 2015.
1. Equipment upgrades – Buy a grain mill, refractometer, maybe a kegging system
2. Brew beers I want to perfect – Stout and Witbier
3. Smooth out brewing process
All right – I did buy a grain mill and I believe it has made a big difference in my beers. I have not bought a refractometer but may this year? The kegging system would be a better investment, I think.
I did brew a better stout and witbier. The witbier was a redemption beer of the year.
Since I brewed more in 2014 than any year in the past, I think I had plenty of practice with my brewing process and I feel like I have it down. Whatever I felt like I didn’t have nailed down before, I have now.
2015 Goals
Brew 2 or more high gravity, long storage beers. I am looking at you, Russian Imperial Stout.
Get a kegging system – done.
Look, it doesn’t have to be an exhaustive list. It does have to be something you will do and something you can do. Besides, it gives you room to take on projects mid-stream. Heck, I didn’t have brewing in a bag on my list for 2014, but I did that.
So there you go. Have a great 2015. Leave your plans below. Make this post’s title TRUE by leaving some mind-blowing comments!
BREW ON!
Matt
My goal is to go (predominantly) all-grain. I’ve been using BrewHouse kits for a while now, and they’re a lot of fun, but I want to be able to make things like a Wee Heavy.
John
Hey Matt – that’s a great goal and it’s an easy transition. Have fun and brew on.
Fred
I have a few on my list, but am in the midst of a move, so much of my brewing is on hold. First and foremost: Build that fermentation chamber. I actually won’t even start brewing again until this is done after my move. I’d like to start some long term projects this year: brew a sour, a mead, and brew one or two long term batches for next Christmas (wee heavy & maybe a Samichlaus clone). Spring project, start a hop garden.
Herb Meowing
In 2015 … I plan to brew another 30 all-grain batches with my Mr. Beer fermentor.
John
Fred – fermentation chamber sounds tremendous. Hope the move gives you plenty of space to brew more.
Herb – great to see your comment. Brew on with your Mr. Beer.
brewella deville
Number one on my list this year is patience. Giving my beers enough time in primary, enough time at room temp to bottle condition, and enough time in the fridge to cold condition has done as much to improve my beer’s flavor and clarity as getting a handle on water chemistry and pH did. No more rushing things for me.
After that, I’d say building some sort of insulated fermentation chamber would be the final addition to my brewery. If I can figure out a way to fit it into a small apartment, that will be my project this year.
John
Hi – brewella. Patience is tough but once you have mastered it, it does get rewarded.
I like that there is a number of fermentation chambers on people’s lists. Brew on.