So, being a Lutheran people often associate us with those denominations who are "like Catholics," so a logical question is, "Do you guys give up something at Lent?"
First, Lutherans are not "like Catholics," and that difference was hammered out some time ago when Martin Luther merely suggested that the pope, and Catholicism in general, reform. We quickly forget things it appears, if 500+ years is quick. Secondly, the notion of "giving up something" is really a custom that has lost its meaning along the way as well. This "sacrifice" was supposed to be private, between me and God kind of thing, much as Christ said in Matthew: "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting." So, even if I am "giving up something," really is it truly an act of faith if I then broadcast it to the entire crowd?
Yes, Lutherans observe Lent, and yes, some customarily make a sacrifice of some kind to serve as a method of reminding us of our sinful nature and the need to repent and other such things (lose weight, see if I really am addicted to chocolate, or to let everyone know I gave something up). So, prior to Lent starting today (Ash Wednesday), several of us gathered at the local home brew shop here in Lubbock and not in observance of Fat Tuesday. Instead, we gathered because church was to be held during our regular night (third Wednesday of each month) to observe Ash Wednesday (We attempted to get the pastor to move it the service to Thursday, but as you can see, he didn't budge. Traditionalist.).
So, we gathered at the local home brew supply store, Yellow House Canyon Home Brew Supply, located appropriately enough at Yellow House Canyon, Lubbock. The supply store has all you need for successful home brewing up to and including two trained brew masters, the Hardys (father/son), who own and operation the business. Home brewing, an honorable hobby comprised mainly of people seeking to brew the perfect beer, is a growing business in the United States, and not because you can save money if you brew at home.
Home brewing reflects much of where the US is currently as consumers are far more trusting of a small niche business, perhaps even perceived as local, that is not part of a larger corporation or is part of a mass-produced product. Large chains are losing business. Large churches and denominations are losing numbers in their ranks. Public schools, large and impersonal, find people seeking something more personal and individualized, so we see home schooling growing in our state. Large beer makers are buying or creating small craft brews because the market is moving there, and home brewing is as local, craft, and individualized niche as you can get (the Super Bowl commercial by Budweiser was quite the sin among home brewers and craft brewers yet Anheuser Busch is guilty of placing beers on the market to compete with craft brews).
What helps with a local store is that you can gain knowledge, insight, and wisdom from the people who gather there or work there (most of the time). Such is the case at Yellow House. So, we found ourselves at Yellow House on Tuesday night talking about such things in life as craft brew, home brew, making home brew and the love of beer in general. The Hardys shared their experiences of touring breweries, going to Master Brewers Schools in Chicago and Munich, the differences between the ingredients in beers, where they are grown, and such. They were even kind enough to taste my donation to the event of my recent Winter Lager bottled a couple of weeks ago and show us how to taste and savor beer. They said the Lager was good, as high a rating as I needed.
The experience was good as the Hardys shared their time with us walking us through beer and brewing beer.
So, over the next six weeks (40 days), Average Brew Guy will continue to sacrifice time, money, and perhaps even do so at the expense of my faith life as I don't "give up" beer... all for you the reader and lover of fine ales just as I am. Don't expect Budweiser to make a review any time soon by the way (lifetime being the length).
If you are interested in home brewing and live in and around Lubbock, I suggest Yellow House Canyon Brew House. You can find on-line stores, and the Hardys will walk you through those as well. More reviews to come soon.
Average Guy
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