1) When did you start brewing and how did you become interested?
To keep it shortish.......I started brewing in college and brewed for about 5 years before life got in the way. Forward to years later, a friend got a Mr. Beer kit, and not knowing what he was doing, doctored it up and made a surprisingly good beer. The ember ignited again and this current brewing life began anew. What we have access to now in equipment, ingredients and beer knowledge is waaaaaaayyyyyyy improved over what I had to work with before many of the Borg was born.
2) Who would you most like to share a beer with?
My dad. He was not a huge beer drinker and died way too early at 66. When we were young, the twin and I would help cut the lawn and after cutting the lawn, he would grab a cold Regal (local beer at the time) and we'd fight over who'd get the first sip. Guess that would be illegal today but it would be great to share my homebrew with him even though he probably wouldn't like it.
I also like to share beer with my Borg friends who have ALL taught me how to be a better brewer. The fact that you can get honest criticism, with no ego's or bragging rights, its very cool. I could never repay what I've learned from those who have shared their knowledge, time and talents with. I hope it continues forever!
3) What is your favorite beer?
Beer style? Hoppy IPA's of course!
My tastes throughout the year change. I'm a huge fan of stouts and porters but make a majority of IPA's and hoppy pales because that's what my friends and I enjoy the most.
My favorite craft beer is 75% of what Stone brews. I love most of their Enjoy By beers. I also enjoy many of the Firestone Walker beers though I can't get them here but the beer that really made me go hop crazy many years back is Race 5 by Bear Republic. While it doesn't do to me what it did then and we no longer get them in our area, it's a very good beer.
Others would be Pliny the Elder, Heady Topper, again, beers we can't get here.
4) Do you have a beer recipe you'd like to share?
While not my recipe originally, the Men in Black is my favorite of all the beers I brew and I've tweaked it to my liking and share it here.
I also love Drop Kick Nate, again, not my recipe but unfortunately, to get the recipe I had to promise not to share it so I can't. Hopefully this version of the black will be enjoyed by those that like this bastardized style which is probably not a true black IPA as it has some stouty characteristics but is pretty bitter and I can never get enough of it.
BeerSmith 2 Recipe Printout -
http://www.beersmith.com
Recipe: Men in Black IPA
Brewer: Paul Costanza
Asst Brewer:
Style: American Amber Ale
TYPE: All Grain
Taste: (30.0)
Recipe Specifications
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Boil Size: 7.65 gal
Post Boil Volume: 6.45 gal
Batch Size (fermenter): 6.00 gal
Bottling Volume: 6.00 gal
Estimated OG: 1.069 SG
Estimated Color: 31.3 SRM
Estimated IBU: 97.1 IBUs
Brewhouse Efficiency: 75.00 %
Est Mash Efficiency: 77.5 %
Boil Time: 60 Minutes
Ingredients:
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Amt Name Type # %/IBU
12 lbs 9.6 oz Pale Malt (2 Row) US (2.0 SRM) Grain 1 81.6 %
1 lbs Caramel/Crystal Malt - 60L (60.0 SRM) Grain 2 6.1 %
1 lbs Victory Malt (25.0 SRM) Grain 3 6.1 %
7.7 oz Carafa III (525.0 SRM) Grain 4 3.1 %
7.7 oz Chocolate Malt (350.0 SRM) Grain 5 3.1 %
1.26 oz Centennial [10.00 %] - Boil 60.0 min Hop 6 36.7 IBUs
1.26 oz Centennial [10.00 %] - Boil 30.0 min Hop 7 28.2 IBUs
1.26 oz Centennial [10.00 %] - Boil 20.0 min Hop 8 22.2 IBUs
1.26 oz Cascade [5.50 %] - Boil 15.0 min Hop 9 10.0 IBUs
1.26 oz Cascade [5.50 %] - Boil 0.0 min Hop 10 0.0 IBUs
1.26 oz Willamette [5.50 %] - Boil 0.0 min Hop 11 0.0 IBUs
1.3 pkg California Ale (White Labs #WLP001) [35. Yeast 12 -
1.26 oz Cascade [5.50 %] - Dry Hop 0.0 Days Hop 13 0.0 IBUs
1.26 oz Willamette [5.50 %] - Dry Hop 0.0 Days Hop 14 0.0 IBUs
5) Anything else you'd like to get on a soapbox about?
Not really soapbox material but I read lots about homebrewing from many different sources. I listen to podcasts on my walks and gym time and it amazes me how much 'free' information we have access too and at the same time, how there are some brewers who feel their way of doing things is the only way. For the most part, homebrewers are the nicest people you'd meet and have no egos but some argue on things like Brew in a bag vs. traditional, West Coast vs. East Coast IPA's, squeeze or not squeeze the bag etc. but to me, I say, once you find something that works for YOU and that YOU like to drink, JUST DO IT! It's your money, your beer and your taste buds so unless you're selling it, brew and drink what you want and just enjoy it. It's only beer!
