Bob Sumien
Homebrewer
Interview Date: January 5, 2023
Q: Tell us about your first batch of homebrew. When did you start?
The first one was a Mr. Beer kit in like 1998 or 1999. Man, it was a bad experience. Fast forward to 2012-ish and I tried a real kit from one of the LHBS. I don't remember exactly what it was.
Q: What's your favorite beer you've ever brewed?
One of my most recent brews, was a kit just before I switched to all-grain. A saison with some Bootleg Biology yeast. Turned out GREAT!
Q: What about your biggest brew-fail?
Had to have been about 8 years ago. I had a batch get infected and it was before I found sours like Jester King. I listened to others and wound up dumping it without even trying it.
Q: What's your go-to commercial beer?
It'd be a coin toss between whichever Full Grown Man is out and a Weihenstephaner.
Q: What's in your fermenter now?
Nothing, just kegged a SMaSH and will be brewing a Orange/Chocolate Stout for Christmas 23 on Christmas Eve. That should come in at 11%+.
Q: What's your favorite BJCP style to brew? To drink?
3A Czech Pale Lager or 5D German Pils.
Q: Tell us about your brewery. What does your set-up look like?
Looks like a garage. Ha ha! I pull a car out or brew while the wife is at work. Windows and garage door cracked for ventilation if it is windy or cold. Door wide open if it's nice out.
Q: Why do you homebrew?
It is relaxing and I enjoy the product. We owned a gelato ice cream shop and still have a food truck and cater that and coffee/espresso drinks. Now that I am all-grain I can play with recipes much like I do with the gelato and adjust recipes to my liking.