2014 Brew Review

[John Sand]

Looking back at my brew log, a pretty good year. I only brewed 12 times, (!) down from 25 the year before. But the volume wasn't down much: 54.5 gallons in 2014, 65 in 2013. Quality definitely improved, only 3 batches weren't good, and two of those are trying to age out. Process also improved, one HME and two extract batches in '14 vs 10 HME in 2013. Bought or received a burner, bigger pots, a beer fridge, better thermometer. Scored "good" and "very good" in competitions, had great feedback from family and brew club members. I'm happy with what I have done, and planning to learn more this year.

[berryman]

I brewed 50 gals. in 2014 about what I have been doing for the past few years. I usually brew the most around December though April.
Edit: that was 10 - 5 gal batches, I didn't do a LBK brew for myself but did help a friend just getting started brew 2 MB batches.

[swenocha]

Here are my numbers for the last five years (since the hobby began). I'd really like to get back to a 40-50 gallon level, but life (and an overabundance of beer, both craft and homebrew, in the bottle) have slowed me down in the last two years.

2010: 77.5 gallons on 33 brews
2011: 54 gallons on 21 brews
2012: 38.5 gallons on 15 brews
2013: 22.5 gallons on 9 brews
2014: 24.5 gallons on 9 brews

[docpd]

For me it was about 40 gals in 2014, down from about 50 in 2013. I think my 2014 brews were overall better quality, with a number of bourbon ales. My problem has been an abundance of new craft breweries in Indy, so I have been drinking more crafts and less homebrew.

[Inkleg]

A quick count puts me at 85 gallons for 2014 with 15 of those being Sours. That's down from 115 gallons last year. Ok, yes I'm a slacker.

[Kealia]

This past year I did two major things in my brewing:
1) Started adjusting my brewing water due to the RCE
2) Made my first IPL (that I'm going to make again in January)

As far as volumes, I'm a more visual guy:

[swenocha]

You all put me to shame... I need to pick it back up. Screw 40-50 gallons... I'm targeting 100 gallons this year!

[Beer-lord]

I definitely had a reduction in 2014 mostly due to my buds moving and not drinking as much beer. I think I did very close to 90 gallons this year.

[dbrowning]

127 Gallons in 2014
Only 1 5 gallon batch that didn't turn out really good
Havent given up on it yet its fairly new (One Evil Pilsner)
I also think that has something to do with going batch to an extract (HME)
Didn't brew at all in January.
And I was surprised to see that I actually brewed a few less batches than in 2013
But almost all were 5 - 7 gallons in 2014
And mostly 2 1/2 or 3 gallon in 2013

[Rebel_B]

I brewed +/- 125 gallons in 2014. About the same as 2013. Since I went to kegging, the brews get consumed at events and parties even faster.

[Dawg LB Steve]

Since I went to kegging, the brews get consumed at events and parties even faster.

I have noticed that, have 4 gallons kegs (try to bottle up 10-12 from each) disappear tailgating in about 2 hours! I brewed 22 batches for 110 gallons, duplicated 2 so had a variety of different styles.

[RickBeer]

61.39 gallons in 2014 (14 batches), most ever. Kealia is a showoff.

[John Sand]

As to style, I attempted 5 APAs, 2 IPAs, 1 Irish Red, 1 Amber, 1 Blonde, 1 Pumpkin, 1 Belgian Pale and 1 Dubbel. I say "attempted" because one of the APAs came out IPA, and another Red. That's also 13 beers from 12 batches, as the last was the Belgian Split. I'm not completely surprised by the breakdown, as Pale Ales are my favorite. When I started brewing I dreamed of equaling Sierra Nevada Pale. I believe I have done that, but still wish to improve. And consistency is yet an illusive target.

[gwcr]

My goal was to brew at least once a month. Missed about 3 months during the summer so I'm at right about 45G for 2014. Not a lot of variety as I'm really trying to nail down my standard house brews (APA 3x, Irish Red 3x, Cream Ale 2x, also did one 5G BrewDemon Twisted Monk). Same goal again this year, and with the fermentation chamber the summer won't stop me this time. Maybe a little more variety too...

[Kealia]

61.39 gallons in 2014, most ever. Kealia is a showoff.