So I'm currently taking a Microbiology class that requires a Fermentation Project as part of the lab component. After carefully considering a multitude of options, I decided that fermenting beer would offer the most challenging and complete educational experience.

Okay, so that was mostly a lie. I really didn't consider much beyond, "Fermenting, huh? Beer is fermented....Why yes, I believe I will!"

Seriously, though, I have actually been considering this for quite some time. I love craft beers, but some of my favorites are seasonal, so I've long thought that brewing my own would allow me to have chocolate in my beer all year long (instead of waiting form Sam Adams to finally brew it in November).

So I made the leap and ordered this brewing kit from Amazon. (You know, Amazon has given us all the patience of a four year old. Its arriving Wednesday. That's like, FOREVER.)

It takes a couple of weeks to brew each batch from start to finish, so that should give me plenty of time to complete a couple of batches. The kit comes with two brew options, so I plan to use one of those for the first batch, and possibly a slightly more complicated recipe for the second batch. You can see below that the kit comes with just about everything needed to brew your own beer.

I am looking forward to seeing the results!  You know, for science and all. In fact, I'm not the only one in my family that is excited to learn about fermenting, After sharing my excitement for this project with my husband, he felt compelled to remind me of his unwavering support for my education. "Truly," he said "This is important work that you do."

 

What a goofball.