This Week In The Wolf Land

Another week has passed, and once again, I’ve been working Monday to Friday. Don’t get me wrong, I’m in a job I love, so it hardly feels like work most days. Still, I think it’s starting to affect my mental health. I find myself coming home, showering, and crashing on the sofa, only to wake up for dinner and then head upstairs to bed around 8 p.m. But it’s not as if I’m falling straight to sleep. I’m lying there, checking social media to see what’s happened while I’ve been at work.

 

Maybe it’s time to do a complete shutdown of those apps; they’re keeping me up when I should be resting. I head upstairs feeling exhausted, but the moment I’m in bed, I’m wide awake again. My wife is the complete opposite; she usually comes up around 11 p.m., by which time I’m already out cold and snoring away. Other couples might go to bed at the same time, but with me getting up at 4 a.m. for work, it’s a different story.

 

I do wonder if I’m pushing myself too hard. I was much happier working a four-day week, but the extra money from the overtime will come in handy for the taxman. I know this is only temporary; I’m covering while the round’s main driver recovers from surgery, so I suppose it makes sense to take the overtime while it’s there. At the end of the day, I want to provide for my family.

 

Right now, it’s just the three of us at home, and when I get back before my wife, we’re both so tired that we end up ordering takeaway, £30 and up, especially when the other person’s home too. But that’s what dads do, we look after our families.

 

On the brewing front, the Snollygoster brew I started on May 31st is going well. The airlock activity was strong and steady. As I write this on June 8th, the bubbling has mostly stopped, so I’ve raised the temperature to 19°C, it was reading just under 18°C. On June 14th, I plan to bump it up to 22°C for a diacetyl rest, and then bring it back down after three days for the dry hopping on the 17th. It’s looking good and that’s definitely helping my spirits.

 

The last video got 47 views, which is encouraging; it’s nice to know that there are people watching. Even if there’s only one comment, just one engaged watcher, it feels worthwhile.

 

A good friend of mine once said, “They’ll be left behind, but your loved ones will have something to look back on.” I think he was right. I’ve lost some good brewing buddies over the years, but their videos are still out there. Even though they’re gone, I can still see them as they were—real friends, not just someone after a like or a subscription.

 

After the “Brew Along,” I’ve got three all-grain kits to choose from, so maybe I’ll put it up to a vote on YouTube:

 

A Pale Ale using Nelson Sauvin and Nectaron hops, around 4.8% ABV

 

A Ghost Ship Clone with Chinook and Citra, aiming for 4.5% ABV

 

A Golden Ale using superdelic hops, hitting 4.2% ABV

 

All are easy drinking beers, so I’ll see what the crowd thinks and go with their choice.

 

Right now, I’m enjoying “The Point of No Return” lager; it’s come out very drinkable. I’ve also got four cans of Boddingtons Bitter to use up, so I’ve been making a “Golden” by mixing half a pint of lager and half a pint of bitter. Lovely stuff.

 

I’m also waiting on some new coasters for my sticker and beermat packs, which are already enveloped, addressed, and ready to be filled. Thanks for bearing with me, I was close to packing this hobby in just a month ago, but I’m glad I stuck with it.

 

Cheers,

Marko

I Wish I had Known before Brewing

Home brewing is a fantastic hobby that blends creativity, science, and a bit of patience. But, like any new pursuit, there’s a steep learning curve often paved with mistakes and “I wish I’d known that!” moments. Whether you’re just starting or you’re a few batches in, here’s a look at the most important lessons we’ve learned along the way so you don’t have to learn them the hard way!

1️⃣ Sanitation is King 👑

When you’re new to brewing, it’s easy to underestimate how critical proper cleaning and sanitation are. Bacteria and wild yeast are your biggest enemies; they can easily ruin a batch. We wish we’d known to sanitize everything that touches the beer after the boil fermenters, tubing, bottles, and even your stirring spoon.

💡 Pro tip: Use a no-rinse sanitizer like Star San it’s quick, easy, and highly effective.

2️⃣ Patience Pays Off 🍻

We were all eager to crack open our first homebrew ASAP, but rushing the process often means disappointing results. Primary fermentation can take a week or two, but conditioning and carbonation need extra time. Be patient your beer will thank you.

3️⃣ Temperature Control is a Game-Changer 🌡️

Fermentation temperature is a huge factor in how your beer tastes. Many of us started without controlling temps, which can lead to off-flavors. Investing in a temperature controller (or even using a cool closet) can drastically improve your beer’s consistency and quality.

4️⃣ Water Matters 💧

We didn’t realize how much the water you use impacts your final product. It’s not just about taste different minerals in water can highlight or mute hop flavors, impact mouthfeel, and affect yeast health. If you’re getting serious, consider checking your water profile or using water treatment additives.

5️⃣ Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff 🌈

It’s easy to get bogged down in the details: should I add the hops at 10 minutes or 15? Should I use a carboy or a bucket? While these things matter, they’re not as crucial as simply getting the process right and brewing often. Don’t overthink it relax and enjoy the ride.

6️⃣ Join the Community 👥

One of the best parts of home brewing is the community around it. Forums, Facebook groups, and local homebrew clubs are treasure troves of knowledge and support. We wish we’d joined one sooner sharing tips and troubleshooting with others will improve your brewing and your fun.

Final Thoughts ✨

Home brewing is a hobby that grows with you. Every batch is a chance to learn, tweak, and get better. Embrace the journey and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. After all, even a “bad” homebrew is better than no homebrew at all!

Cheers n Beers Mark