Tom
My name is Tom and I am a North Hants Brewer!......Therapy's working, I feel better already!I started brewing about 24 years ago when I was still a teen living with my folks. To be honest though, the first 21 years were not all that successful. I started by brewing kits and, like many others, were convinced that more sugar and warmer fermentations would make a better beer. Inevitably the results weren't great and after a few attempts I became disillusioned and gave up. Time would pass and I would have another go and repeat the cycle. I did try partial mash and full mash brews and the results were better but still not great. This though was in the days before the internet and pretty poor information in print.
My interest was rekindled just over 3 years ago when I found the Craft Brewers Association (CBA) online. They in turn put me in touch with the North Hants Brewers. Since then I have not looked back (mainly because I'm too busy holding on to the nearest solid object trying to stop the room moving) and my beers have improved dramatically. The club has a wealth of brewing knowledge with it's members are keen to offer advise and critique on all aspects of beer and brewing.
I still only brew 5 gallons at a time but am now brewing at least once a month and achieving very consistent results. My aim was to be able to brew beer that I would want to drink in preference to buying from the shop. With the help of North Hants Brewers I have achieved that goal. Not only that, but my own beliefs were vindicated when a friend asked me to brew the beer for his wedding last year. My cask sat alongside a cask from a local brewery. By the end of the evening mine had been drunk yet there was still half a cask left of the local beer.
I only wish I could have found a club like this 24 years ago!
Cheers!