Military brewer

[Hoythews71]

Hey everyone, Im Tim, and Im active duty Navy. Been in for about 9 years. I got started brewing beer on a whim about 4 years ago, and shortly after I made my first batch, I deployed for 10 months, then transferred when I returned and forgot all about homebrewing. I was in the attic a few weeks ago and stumbled across my kit, and decided I wanted to start brewing again! Just bottled my second batch ever, and it kind of turned back into an obsession! Ordering another partial extract kit in a few days, but Id really like to get into all-grain brewing somewhere down the road.

Also a big bowhunter (Hoythews71 on ArcheryTalk and Bowhunting.com) and a family man. Im married and I have a 3 year old son.

Anyhow, thanks guys, and I look forward to chatting with you all in the future!

[snowcapt]

Welcome and thank you for your service.
Definitely an obsession.
Plenty of good folks and info around.
What are you brewing?

[Harvestsmiles]

Big ups for your service, what were your last two bews? And whats on deck?

[alkohall]

it kind of turned back into an obsession!

haha, I love it. Welcome back to the club!

[Hoythews71]

Thanks for the welcome fellas!

First brew was an Amber Ale of sorts...kind of similar to Flat Tire, which was fitting because it was just that...flat! Good taste and good alcohol content, but just didnt have any of that bite. I have a Cream Ale going now. Just wanted to try something a little different that would be a nice, light summer beer that both my wife and I could enjoy together. Next, Im going to continue with the summer theme and do a wheat beer, but I plan to incorporate some fresh strawberries into the secondary. Figure that would go well with the orange-ish flavor of wheat beers.

And recommendation on how much strawberry I should put into a 5 gallon batch to give it a subtle flavor? Should I put it in during secondary, or is there a better time to do it?

Thanks!

[TheDarkSide]

Welcome!

[spiderwrangler]

From what I've heard (haven't done it myself), strawberries can be tricky to get any distinct flavor that actually hangs around. You would want to do it during secondary (to avoid driving off aroma), use ones that are good and ripe, and probably use more than you think you need. If you are using fresh fruit, I'd say to wash them real good, slice them into quarters or so and freeze them. The freezing helps to soften them up and allow for more penetration by the beer. If the finished product still doesn't have the strawberry character you want, you could try using some of the strawberry flavoring available at homebrew shops, but use a restrained hand.

[Hoythews71]

Thanks for the input SW. Im a short drive away from Northern Brewer in Milwaukee, so Im thinking I might stop by there and see what they say as well. If they recommend the flavoring route, I can probably get it right there.