 Where: Evergreen Brewing Supply- Owner: Mark Henry
Brew Your Own!
 Ancient Egyptians worshipped beer
as the drink of the sun. In Germany, major laws have been passed, raising the standards for
all beer brewed in the country. The Heineken Company has a strain of yeast named after
their brew and have used it for centuries. The largest industry in Dublin is Guinness
Stout and one of the largest growth industries in the U.S. is brew pubs and micro
breweries. Beer enthusiasts are very intense about the beverage they enjoy and picky about
the flavors which they drink.
 How can
beer lovers take their tastes a step further than a local
neighborhood brewer? Why, brewing it themselves, of course! In this way, a true beer lover
can find what makes the drink taste the way they like it and make it that way themselves.
How can the average person begin brewing at home?
 Jon Mendrick at Evergreen Brewing Supply points to a
five-gallon brewing kit popular among beginners. For a $110 investment, the kit includes
brewing tanks and equipment, bottling tools, and the ingredients for five gallons of beer.
Jon and Evergreen owner, Mark Henry are both certified beer judges and experienced
brewers-- and are willing to help beer and wine enthusiasts any way they can.
Jon took me on a tour of the shop and explained the brewing process.
 The start of the tour: Grains.
The alcohol in beer is converted from the sugar in various wheats, barleys and other
grains. I even found the roasted barley used by Guinness to make my favorite brew! The
bins of grain are near large bags of hops-- which are added to the boiled down grains
(called wort).
I found crystallized sugar on one shelf-- Jon says these are for sweet Belgian brews and
are yummy to chew while brewing.
Next, refrigerators full of fresh and powdered yeast. Strains used
by every major brewery are carried, as are local types. The powdered yeast "have less
personality, but remove a factor for error." Jon recommends these for beginner
brewers.
 Nearby are recipe books and equipment
for brewing and bottling wine as well as beer. Large pots, sealed tanks, cooling coils,
bottle racks, custom bottle labels, and cleaning equipment are all available.
"Sanitation is the key to good beer," Jon notes, "The best beers are free
of impurities and have nothing unhealthy in them."
For the experienced home brewer, Evergreen offers various sized kegs-- ranging from a one
and a half gallon "Party Pig" to 5-gallon professional quality kegs. Classes in
brewing, monthly newsletters, and Evergreen's huge library of beer recipes also are
available.
 For wine season, a grape stemmer/crusher is available for rental-- to avoid
getting seeds caught under your toes, maybe? Jon notes that Washington is the second
largest wine producing state in the U.S. and wine season can be hectic at Evergreen.
I love beer. I love the various flavors, the bubbly texture, and foamy head. I have toured
breweries from Amsterdam to Seattle, however, I have never brewed my own. After visiting
Evergreen Brewing Supply, I think I may start.
(also see our Industry Page on Washington State liquor laws)
-Wine/Beverage, E.Eibel, 5/99 |
