Since there seems to be a bunch of homebrew gift lists floating around, I thought I might as well publish my own little list…
These are books and other items that I want, not necessarily things that, for example, a novice brewer really needs. In fact, these might not be things I need as much as things I’d quite like to have…
Equipment
Digital Refractometer
The Milwaukee MA871 is an affordable and highly praised digital refractometer. It can measure gravity from 0°Bx to 85°Bx (about 1.000 to 1.438 OG) and has automatic temperature correction.
Using Sean Terrill’s Refractometer Calculator, you can even use it to measure/estimate FG.
Digital pH meter
The Hanna Phep 5 pH meter is the pH meter recommended by The Electric Brewery and should be accurate and long lasting if cared for correctly. It’s also waterproof and floats if dropped in water or wort.
You might want to grab some extras along with the pH Meter:
- 4 pH calibration solution
- 7 pH calibration solution
- pH meter storage solution
- Distilled water (for washing off the meter)
Books
Farmhouse Ales (by Phil Marowski)
Today’s farmhouse styles resulted from years of evolution, refinement, interpretation and re-interpretation of the simple, rustic ales once brewed on farms in Flanders and Wallonia.
Farmhouse Ales defines these Saison and Biere de Garde brews in modern and historical terms while guiding today’s brewers toward credible and enjoyable reproductions of these Old World classics.
For a more detailed book review, see Michael Tonsmeire’s review of Farmhouse Ales on his blog.
Brew Like a Monk (by Stan Hieronymus)
In Brew Like a Monk, Stan Hieronymus details the beers and brewing of the famous Trappist producers along with dozens of others from both Belgium and America. Sip along as you read and, if you feel yourself divinely inspired to brew some of your own, try out the tips and recipes as well!
Michael Tonsmeire also has a good review of Brew Like a Monk on his site.
Full disclosure: Equipment links are Amazon affiliate links. The books link to Piranhas, my book price comparison service.
You should also install Beer Styles, a free iOS app I built for browsing the BJCP style guidelines.