Homebrewer Jeff Erickson, of South OC Brewing, works on his craft: craft brewing

Welcome to part 1 of The Beer Guy’s celebration of “The Week After American Craft Beer Week” (“TWAACBW” for short), where we are highlighting four different craft breweries.

For every Jim Koch (co-founder and chairman of Boston Beer Company – the producers of Samuel Adams and largest craft brewer, according to the Brewers Association), there is a Jeff Erickson.  With this Life of Dad Man Caver and Southern California native, beer has not only been the drink of choice to relax with, but also the drink that has piqued the most curiosity.  The variety and complexities of beer led Jeff to get into the homebrewing scene.  It is homebrewing where it all starts.

There are plenty of companies one can find online to begin to home brew a concoction themselves.  Some examples include:

For Jeff, Midwest Supplies was the place his wife, Mollie, purchased his homebrewing kit from.  That’s right, gentlemen, Moms dig it when their husbands home brew, or so it would seem.  And where did all the equipment go?  Straight into the Erickson hallway closet.  According to Jeff, “The original brewery name, Hall Closet Brewery, was a name my wife came up with because I literally took over our hall closet for my brewing equipment.”  He continues, “This is a large walk-in closet that is now lined with kettles, bottles, Carboys, and will eventually hold a mini fridge for kegs.”

As for the actual brewing process, Jeff said it makes him feel like a mad scientist.  “The way (the beer) bubbles and foams and actually move from the yeast is pretty wild.”  Jeff’s first two brews utilized extract recipes.  By doing this, it allowed him to skip the step of extracting malts from grains.  It’s a good way to start things off, for beginner homebrewers.

The rest of the process is quite complex, requiring much time, effort and patience.  Instead of going into detail about the “how to” of homebrewing, click here to read Joe Scivicque’s Beginner Steps to “Start Your Own Home Brewery.”  This isn’t an easy process.  The sanitization, including making sure to not introduce any bacteria to the brew, takes up the most time.  The other challenge?  “Waiting to drink the beer!” according to Erickson.  After all of these steps are complete, enjoying the fruits of your labor is the greatest reward.

All told, the process took about 6-7 weeks from brew day to the tasting of Jeff’s first creation, the South OC Brewing “Avalon Amber Ale.”  Of course, The Beer Guy got to enjoy one of the 50 bottles (or roughly 5 gallons) of this tasty 5.9% ABV Belgian Dark Ale.  Think Sam Adams Boston Lager meets Chimay, who is known for their Trappist, a traditional Belgian beer.  Next on tap for Erickson: his “Chair 23 Double IPA”.  The Beer Guy can’t wait.

And the role of family through all of this?  As mentioned, Jeff’s wife, Mollie, bought him the homebrewing kit and came up with the first name of the brewery.  She has also been willing to try Jeff’s creations, a noble feat for not even being a beer drinker.  The Avalon Amber Ale can make anyone become a beer drinker, though.  It’s that good.  And for 3-year old Ava, Jeff’s daughter?  He would rather she not get so involved in the process, so most of the brewing is done while the rest of the family is sleeping.  Erickson put it best, “How would that sound to have your 3-year old tell people she helps Dad make beer.”  Excellent move, Jeff.  Excellent beer, too.

Up Tomorrow: Arcade Brewery – Chicago, IL

About The Beer Guy – A dad, husband, friend and drinker of beer.  I review & blog about it all on LifeOfDad.com, the premiere social networking website for Dads.  The Beer Guy enjoys IPA’s and Pilsner’s, but will really try any kind of beer.  You may disagree on some of his opinions.  Let The Beer Guy know.  Reviews are published on Thursdays.  The mailbag is open on Tuesdays.  Read more here to learn about The Beer Guy, who he is and his beer rating methodology.

The Beer Guy, and Life of Dad, promote responsible drinking.  Never drink and drive.