This is one of the most important things you do today.
How COVID Turned Me Into a Homebrewer
Let’s be honest—COVID was long. The pandemic tested our resilience in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Entire books will likely be written about how people coped, adapted, and found ways to fill their time. For many of us, it was a chance to pick up new skills, fuelled by some reading, a lot of YouTube, and maybe a bit of luck.
For me, it started with a visit to my uncle’s farm. He wanted to get rid of some old equipment, and I saw an opportunity. Then came the alcohol ban during lockdown—a time when people got desperate and did some questionable things to keep their spirits up. Who knew pineapples would become as coveted as gold?
Thank goodness for Google and the beer-brewing shops that somehow managed to stay open. They sold grain, and as I told myself, "It's like making bread, right?" Armed with fermentation buckets, some supplies from Checkers or Spar, and a growing curiosity, I dove headfirst into the world of brewing.
A New Hobby, Born Out of Necessity
What started as a few experimental batches quickly became a passion. The sheer variety of flavors you can create opened up a whole new world for me. I have to give credit to everyone who went down this same road—some might have given up, but for those who stuck it out, it’s a craft like no other.
There’s something deeply satisfying about creating something that improves over time. Brewing isn’t just about making something drinkable; it’s about refining, tasting, and perfecting.
Brewing and My Microbiology Roots
I must admit, my background in microbiology and biochemistry gave me a bit of an edge. While life had steered me away from the lab, this hobby let me revisit those foundational skills in a hands-on way. Each day was an opportunity to learn and improve, and for that, I’m grateful.
Brewing isn’t just a way to pass the time; it’s a privilege to work on something you can truly taste the fruits of. Whether it’s beer, wine, or something experimental, the journey is as rewarding as the product itself.
Here’s to the Craft
The pandemic may have taken a lot from us, but it also gave us time to explore, experiment, and discover. For me, that meant brewing. It started as a necessity but turned into a labor of love—a craft that I’ll continue to refine for years to come.
To anyone thinking about picking up a new hobby, especially one as creative as brewing, I say: go for it. Who knows? You might discover a passion you never knew you had. Cheers!