Home Brew #1

So yesterday I started my first home brew. After designing a Saison, loosely based on the amazing Brooklyn Sorachi Ace (I say loosely as we used Citra/Amarillo hops as we couldn't get hold of any Sorachi Ace hops) the brewing began. Aiming for around 35 IBU's and 6% abv (gravity was 1.058 so should be meeting the 6%) came out slightly darker than I hoped but maybe that will change as fermentation takes place.

There was more science involved that I originally thought, but found Brewers Friend IBU Calculator very helpful amongst others. I look forward to getting more comfortable with the process, and getting used to the different tastes I can get through differing hop addition times and malt basis.

It also goes without saying I am looking forward to trying this beer and to sharing it with my friends (if they are willing)

Here are some photo's from the day;

Splitting up the Citra and Amarillo (From right to Left: 60min, 30min, 15min, 2min) 

Draining the Wort (after 90 mins at 145F)

Hops boiling up nicely