Christina Ogrin.

Home Town (City, State):  Murray, Utah

I’ve been a homebrewer since:  2011

Do you have a homebrewing disaster you’d like to share?  I can’t say I’ve had any disasters, but I did blow the lid off of a fermentation bucket a couple of summers ago and always use a blow off tube now.

What is your favorite style(s) to brew?  Porters and Stouts are my favorite to brew, probably because they are my favorite to drink. 

What style(s) will you never brew?  Never say never!  I like variety and will try anything.  I won’t be brewing any Lagers until I get a lagering fridge.

What was the first beer you ever brewed?  How did it turn out?  I believe it was a Honey Kolsch extract kit from SCBC.  It turned out pretty good from what I remember.  I really didn’t know what I was doing at the time, but it was drinkable!

Have you ever had a homebrew mistake that turned out great?  I can’t say that I’ve really had any mistakes.  Temperature control is an issue for me from time to time, and I’m still working on refining some recipes.

What is your favorite beer recipe?  A Rum Coffee Porter that Nick and I came up with

Are you a BJCP Judge?   No

Do you have a good beer judging story you’d like to share with the rest of the homebrewing world?  I haven’t entered any of my beers yet, so hopefully one day I will.

Do you have a favorite homebrew trick or gadget that you’ve found to make your beer better/brewing easier, etc?  I have found BeerSmith to be extremely helpful when designing recipes.  I learn something new to try or use at every club meeting or when I brew with other members.

Describe your brew system.  I use a pretty basic system: single infusion 10 gallon cooler mash ton with false bottom, 10 gallon kettle, single burner.

How frequently do you brew (times/month or /year)?   I brew more often in the winter months, but I try to brew at least 10 batches a year

What is your favorite malt?  Why?  I recently started using Patagonia malts, and really like the flavor. 

What is your favorite hop? Why?  I really love the flavor and aroma from Citra hops and started growing my own a couple years ago.

Do you have a favorite or house yeast? What qualities do you like about that yeast?  I use Wyeast 1056 American Ale in most of my beers.  It is clean and versatile.

Do you have a good homebrew club story you’d like to share?  I remember attending my first meeting in Vince’s garage a few years ago and feeling incredibly intimidated since I was new to brewing and the only female in attendance.  It didn’t take long for me to feel part of the group and I don’t think I’ve ever been part of a more passionate and friendly community!  Every meeting and event turns out to be a good time!

Can you send a picture or two of some labels you’ve created for your homebrew?  I haven’t created any labels yet.

What’s the most unusual ingredient you’ve ever used in a brew?  Spearmint.  I used it to make a Mint Chocolate Stout…..probably won’t ever use that again.

Do you have any pets or kids named after beer styles or ingredients?  I have a black lab named Jäger if you consider that an ingredient, and will someday have a chocolate lab named Stout.

How many medals have you won from homebrew competitions?  I haven’t entered in any competitions yet.

Do you brew alone, with friends or with someone you live with?  Usually alone, but it’s more fun with friends! 

Are you an indoor or outdoor brewer?  I brew in my garage.

List some of the names you’ve given your beers. Which is your favorite?  My sister likes to name my beers.  Some we have come up with include:  Ramblin’ Rye, Wazupple Cider,  Permupin Pumpkin Porter, Mayhem  IPA,  Peaks Porter,  Dorterous Amber