Here's how to brew your very own beer at home
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- We are continuing our Men's Week here on Stretch Your Dollar!
Today it's all about creating your own brew. If you can open a can, you can brew your own brew.
PHOTOS: Houston's hottest spots to drink beer
It's a DIY project that's not only easy, but satisfying as well, says Scott Birdwell with DeFalco's Home Wine & Beer Supplies.
"Most beers are blends of different varieties of hops," Birdwell said.
Some varieties are a lot more bitter than others.
VIDEO: Houston thirsty for more craft breweries
But that's the beauty of brewing your own brew: Custom and the price is right! Take for example those pricey dark ales.
"This right here is a Sesson, a Belgium style, $40.80 a bottle," Birdwell said.
To get started, a home brewing starter kit is the way to go, says the experts.
The price is $119.99. In the kit, almost everything you need to make five gallons of beer.
VIDEO: Tap into Pearland's first craft brewery
You will also need a kettle and spoon, plus bottles and caps. That's it!
"It's one of those hobbies you can do it as easily as you like or get very involved," Birdwell said.
MEN'S WEEK: How popular shave clubs work and what they cost
MEN'S WEEK: Never pay full price for men's razors again
The process does take some time. Allow the beer to ferment three or four days.
It also takes about 40 minutes to bottle five gallons of beer and another four to eight 4-8 weeks to age.
For more information, check out DeFalcos' website on how to brew your first batch of beer.
