I made beer for 10 years or so, starting around 92-93, IIRC. I was dismayed to learn that although there were many great brews available fresh on tap in the pubs around where I was station near London at the time, it was quite expensive, even by the case in the stores. But they also seemed to sell malt, hops, equipment etc. in many places as well, So I decided to give it a a try.
If you read a couple books on the subject, you'll learn there's not all that much to it, some basic chemistry, etc. It's fun to make up your own recipes and come up with something different or something more to your taste. BIGGEST thing to bear in mind is cleanliness. Sterilization of the equipment, etc. is of utmost importance. Poor sanitation practices is the one thing that will ruin a batch of beer quicker than anything else.
I stopped due to lack of time and other interests after we moved to our present location about four years ago. Still plan on getting started again someday after things settle down enough. Great hobby. After I got pretty good at it, I figured I could make a five gallon batch of better beer than I could buy in any store for about half the price.
). It's not very hard to make just time consuming, most of the time it just sits doing it's thing. The batch I just made took 2 1/2 weeks to make.... I drank plenty of Bud in that time. LOL
