Business & Tech

Marion Homebrew Supplier: Why Now Would Be a Great Time to Try Homebrewing Out

Joseph Williams of BIY Homebrew shares a a hidden benefit of all this cold weather, and lists some of their most popular recent items.


Although you might be pining for some nice warm weather to provide the perfect setting for the enjoyment of a cold beer, warmth and beer actually don't get along that well when it comes to brewing.

This according to Joseph Williams, owner of BIY Homebrew Supply, in Marion.

A persistent and cold wind blew outside on the day I stopped by to talk at BIY, curious to see their inventory. Williams said one benefit of this colder than usual March is that brewing is easier during colder temperatures. He said when brewing during warmer temperatures it can be more difficult to control the fermentation, leading to less accurate flavors, and unwanted citrus tastes.

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"If someone out there wants to give this a try, this is actually a really good time to get started because this temperature is great for homebrewing," Williams said.

So think about that when you are scraping off your car this morning. It might make you feel a little better.

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Or not.

To satisfy my curiousity about what would do well this time of year at a Homebrew Supply shop Williams gave me his current list:

The Top Sellers

1. Starter Equipment

2. Wheat Beer mix

3. Summer Ale (coming soon) 

4. Classic IPA

5. German Pilsner

6. The English Brown Ale (recently changed to a more flavorful recipe)

See Our Previous Story on BIY Here: Marion Beer-Making Business Sees a Boost as Winter Approaches

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