New Year, New Hobby: Box Brew Kits

By Ann Binlot December 26, 2014

new year hobby box brew kits hopbox handcrafted brewing

Are you sitting at home in your post holiday splendor looking for something to do besides binge watch a series on Netflix or gorge yourself with more leftovers? Or are you simply looking for a new hobby to try in the new year? We have the solution for you: Box Brew Kits. Handmade near Boston in Waltham, Mass. from reclaimed wood — they look for materials in old barns, pallets, fences and local renovations — or rustic pine, and they come with everything you need to brew your own beer, mead and cider. The only thing that’s missing is a stockpot that can hold six to eight quarts of water.

So what makes a Box Brew Kit different from the seemingly endless amount of home brew kits on the market? According to their website, “Unlike most bulky kits currently available, a Box Brew Kit fits in your apartment and gives you everything you need to tackle the brewing process in classic style, even if you’ve never brewed before.” Sounds easy enough. On top of that, no two are alike, so you’re getting something that only you will have. You’ll also get instructions and diagrams, a brewers’ log, and more than 25 recipes that you can try out.

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And what does it take to home brew your own beer, mead, or cider? First, you steep the grains for 60 minutes, and then you boil it and add hops. Next, cool the mixture and add yeast. Then, you let it ferment for one week. After that you bottle it and carbonate it for three to five days. Finally, there you have it! Bottles of beer, cider or mead that you brewed yourself! Your friends and family will be impressed. If you’re in the Boston area, you can even stop by the Box Brew Kits store in Waltham to pick up your kit. They’ll show you how it’s right, and they’ll even let you know what the outcome is supposed to taste like. How’s that for a new hobby?

For more information, visit boxbrewkits.com.

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