10 things Brewmaster Annie Johnson can't live without!

[LouieMacGoo]

Interesting list. There are a few good tips in here! What can't you live without?

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovatio ... 180949329/

[mtsoxfan]

When I read your post, I already started to get my list in my head, BFORE reading the article. We are in different worlds... Most of her list was NOT what I would say, but I'm on a different level. I do agree with the forums, although she did slight the best...

I was thinking basic stuff, thermometer and a "dipstick" for measuring volumes.

[John Sand]

Nice list, but pricy. Mostly I can't do without a pot and a stove. I use a thermometer, hydrometer, scales, paint strainer and plastic fermenters. Then bottles and caps. I only share forums and BYO with her.

[philm00x]

Hmmm... she's got one of them picobrew machines. Wish it wasn't so expensive. Definitely feel attached to BeerSmith as a tool I can't brew without.

[Brewbirds]

Wow that brewsister rocks. Cool post LM.

[berryman]

Thanks for posting that Louie, good read.

[Gymrat]

Only thing that bothered me was number 6. You do not have to be an AHA member to access their forums. I interacted on that forum for a month or two before I joined.

[FedoraDave]

Gadgets and apps, seems to me. Which is fine, if that's what works for her.

But I prefer the advice of The Borg, the BJCP style guidelines, Zymurgy magazine, Palmer, Papazian, et al., and my own taste buds and instincts. I have no kick with people who brew according to the numbers. There's obviously chemistry and math involved, and some people just resonate with it. But that's not me or my style. An understanding of the whys and wherefores is necessary, yes. But, just as with music and art, departing from those underpinnings, once they're understood, is what results in greatness.

I've listened to musicians who never missed a note, and thought they were just boring. Music boxes never miss a note, either. And then I hear an artist like Stevie Ray Vaughn or Ray Charles, and they blow me away, warts and all. Because I'm not picking apart their technical prowess (even though they excel in that area); I'm seeing how well they went for the gut.

Brewing is a craft, which, IMO, combines science and art. My approach is to let the science take care of itself. Temperature control, water/grain ratios, yes, I need to know what's what there. But after that, the creative part of me has free reign, and that's the allure. Not to style? I don't care, as long as it tastes good.

Remember, beer wasn't invented; it was discovered. It's been refined and modified, and made better, definitely. But it's a natural, organic process, and we're just fortunate enough to be in on the adventure.

Yes, if apps and gadgets allow you to make better beer, then I'm all for it.

But these things aren't required. Malted grain, hops, water, and yeast are all that's required. And the beer will abide.

[John Sand]

Beautifully expressed Dave.

[T8rSalad]

Just ordered up the PicoBrew...my wife is gonna love me for it since it only takes up a small footprint. I have taken over one hall closet, half of my side of our master bedroom closet, the water heater room and 3 shelves in the garage. Now I can downsize and save time not money!!! Thanks Annie Johnson, you just saved my marriage.

[The_Professor]

Gadgets and apps, seems to me. Which is fine, if that's what works for her...

Yeah, I was gonna say, just looks like a bunch of commercial stuff to promote.

[Gymrat]

How can you not live without that? I am thinking Annie got some endorsement money.