Aaron Hughes.

The Basics

Where are you from?
Idaho Falls, Idaho

I’ve been a Lauter Day Brewers member:
I joined this year.

Do you have a homebrewing disaster you’d like to share?

I was brewing outside one time and the hose on my mash tun got knocked off the table and either the dogs opened the clamp or it popped open upon impact, (more likely the dogs) when I came out to give it a stir I got to find an empty mash tun, sticky wet patio, and little sticky paw prints leading off into the grass.

Do you have any pets or kids named after beer styles or ingredients?

No, not yet anyway.

Do you have a good Homebrew club story you’d like to share
My very first meeting I attended the meeting at Bewilder and we all got to sample some of the awesome food they will be serving. It was also fun to see how it paired with what everyone had brought to see what worked and what didn’t. With so many people bringing their own homebrew to share, it made for quite the experience.

If you could serve your homebrew to someone famous, who would it be and what would you give her/him?
Oh man, I would have to say Keanu Reeves. I mean, it’s as close as I’m gonna get to having a beer with Jesus.

List some of the names you’ve given your beers. Which is your favorite?
“Holy Jessiah – Chocolate Milk Stout dedicated to my other half, Jessa.
Magical Mangineapple – a pale ale with El Dorado and Azacca hops.
Slidin’ Cider – a killer cider I made for Jessa. She actually named this one. ”

Have you won any homebrew competition medals? If yes, what place and for what beer(s)?
Yes! Lagerpalooza 2018 was my first time ever entering a competition and I had recently brewed a really great California Common I called Sumpin’ Steam and it took 1st place!

Are you a BJCP Judge? If so, what is your rank and how long have you been judging??
No. I am but a padawan beer taster.

Brewing Experience

How long have you been homebrewing?

I started brewing early 2016 with a Northern Brewer starter kit my mom got me for Xmas.

What was the first beer you ever brewed and how did it turn out?

It was a brown ale that was a big meh. We named it Beer Flavored Beer. Looking back, it probably was a decent brown ale. Just not my preference.

What is/are your favorite style(s) to brew?

IPAs, Belgians, I dig fruit beers, especially Jalapeño.

What style(s) would you never brew?
Lagers, Sours/Wilds

Do you have a favorite homebrew trick or gadget that you’ve found to make your beer better/brewing easier, etc?

I found a deal on a Grainfather and it has been a total game changer. Going from taking over the whole kitchen with three vessels, to a space next to the sink is awesome.

What’s the most unusual ingredient you’ve ever used in a brew?
So far I’ve been pretty conventional but I guess I could say jalapenos and grains of paradise.

How I Brew

Describe Your Brew system

I’ve got a Grainfather and a 101-cup coffee urn for a sparge water heater. Nothing too fancy.

How frequently do you brew?

About twice a month

Are you an indoor or outdoor brewer?
Indoor.

Do you brew alone, with friends or with someone you live with?
I usually brew alone these days, but occasionally Jessa will assist. I always welcome company for hanging out in brew day.

Do you have a favorite hop? If yes, what is it and why do you like it?
It’s a toss-up between Citra and Azacca. I love the orangy, bitter citrus and fruity aromas they put off.

Do you have a favorite malt? If yes, what is it and why do you like it?
Of the smash beers I’ve done, I really like Red X and Solstice’s 2-row.

Do you have a favorite yeast? If yes, what is it and why do you like it?
Imperial’s Dry Hop. It’s just so good! It brings out all the yummy smells and flavors I like most.

Anything else?
Thanks for reading a bit about me. I am really enjoying being a part of the club. I look forward to brewing and drinking with you all in the future!.