I have been reading this forum for about a year, but I never started posting until today. So I already feel like I know many of you from having read your posts for so long...
I've only been brewing for about a year, with fewer than 20 brews so far. I do BIAB, and my batches are generally 2.5 to 3.5 gallons (occasionally 4.4 gallons), mashed in a 5-gallon igloo. I enjoy experimenting with split batches so that I can compare recipes with different yeast combinations &/or dry hops combos post-primary.
My favorite styles tend to be maltier, roastier, heftier. My favorite malt is Munich, and especially Mecca Grade's Metolius. I don't understand the love of Pilsners; I've tried dozens, and still occasionally try new ones, but I just don't get it. Kind of like Pinot Grigio - why bother? I'd rather just drink water. That said, I didn't like IPAs at first either, so perhaps eventually I'll find a pilsner that I don't hate.
So far I've only made ales, but if my basement can get cool enough next winter I will try lagering.
I have always been more of a wine-guy, and all my life I thought I didn't really like beer (growing up only famiilar with mass-produced pisswater) until about 12 years ago when my brother had me try some craft brew Stouts & Porters. I am still admittedly a novice when it comes to beer styles (and I still prefer wine to beer, mostly) but have learned to appreciate the many quality beers out there and now know how to find them more easily.
About a year ago, my daughter gave me a Mr.Beer kit, and got me hooked. I only did one pre-hopped LME kit before moving on to BIAB, but I still use the Mr.Beer LBK as a FV. I occasionally augment my all-grain recipes with some DME in my higher gravity beers.
Vocationally, I'm a data analyst (statistician), for research science orgs & think tanks, currently as a consultant / subcontractor. Burned out but not quite old enough [or rich enough] to retire, so exploring a career change.
Yankee living in the south (near Atlanta) for a dozen years. The south is just weird.
Hobbies include wilderness backpacking, whitewater canoeing/kayaking, track & field, and distance running. All of which deplete calories, so they make me need to drink more beer. Fortunately, now I have that covered too.
That's my dog in my profile image, and he is without a doubt THE. BEST. DOG. EVER! Seriously... no other dog even comes close, so don't even try. He is such a good boy. :-) Oh, and I'm also married, w/ grown kids, 4 grandkids.
Thanks to all of you whom I have been reading for a year, you have no idea how much I have learned from all y'all. It is really thanks to youse guys that I have made some pretty amazing beers (IMHO). Hopefully I can give back a little bit too.
