Brewer.

See, over there, on the right, where I have my short description? I said: "Baker, Brewer, Home Owner, Parent, Pet Owner, Reader, Spouse. (That's alphabetical, fans and friends, not in order of importance.)"

Here's the thing: I hadn't brewed in the last six months. Unless you count tea, that is.

So today, lousy wet ugly Saturday that it is, we went to The Brewer's Apprentice in Freehold, got ingredients for two batches, and we're brewing. It smells great in here- that wonderful, warm, malty-hoppy scent that comes from an hour of boiling wort (unfermented beer.) We'll pitch the yeast tonight, rack to secondary in two weeks and let lager for a while, bottle, then three weeks after that we'll have nice fresh beer!

No, it's not a quick process. But it's worth it.

Right now I'm enjoying a homebrewed IPA that is aging beautifully; the hops and oak are outstanding. Had a stout last night that never carbonated as we'd like but great flavor. We're making a pilsner today that I have faith will be a great batch.

All the other titles in my self-description I handle on (almost) a daily basis. Today, I am embracing Brewer once again.

"Relax, have a homebrew!" -Charlie Papazian