Hello From Auburn, WA

[gargamel]

I've only been home brewing for around a year, but already have half a dozen all grain batches of experience.

I'm looking to improve the quality, and repeatability of my brewing. Currently I'm setup for 5 gallon batches, with a DIY mashtun made from an ice chest.

I'm also experimenting with home grown hops and expect my first harvest in 2013.

 

[LarryBrewer]

Gargamel, that brings back memories of the TV cartoon the smurfs! I can see him over a bubbling cauldron.... but if I remember correctly the goal was to get gold and smurfs were an ingredient in the brew. LOL

Home grown hops - cool! Yeah those of us in the NW are lucky to live in a climate suitable for hops. I would say plant as many varieties as your property can handle. It is well worth it, and very pleasing to watch them grow.

We feel strongly that good record keeping and recipe tracking will make you a better brewer faster. Welcome to the site!