Evan Bonsell
What is your occupation (outside homebrewing)?
I work in sales for a print marketing firm. The largest account I work with is U of T.
What got you into homebrewing?
I was a college student and looking for the cheapest way to get drunk. Once I decided I liked making my own beer and switched to all grain brewing, I don't think anything could be more expensive!
What are your hobbies/interests outside of homebrewing?
I am a hockey player twice a week and love fishing in the warmer months.
How long have you been brewing and how many batches last year?
I've been brewing for about 5 years now. Last year I probably brewed 40 batches.
Do you have any favourite styles you like to brew?
My favourite style to brew/drink is the Berliner Weisse. I'm a huge sour fan and the Berliner is a low-alcohol beauty.
What kind of setup do you use?
I use a pot and cooler for all grain brewing. I can do 10g batches in the warmer months when I can brew outdoors.
What is the worst beer you have brewed?
The first batch I ever brewed all grain with Clayton Hoy was awful. We actually boiled the grains. We named it "Bacon Beer", but it wasn't drinkable and we dumped it.
What did you learn from that worst beer?
Don't boil the grains. Pro Tip.
What is the best beer you have brewed?
Berliner Weisse (5 gallons)
3# Wheat
3# Pilsner
Lactobacillus starter and keep pre-boiled wort warm for 72 hours to innoculate. Boil, add 0.5oz Tettnang at 5 mins. Ferment with a mixed culture. Love that beer.
What is a change you have implemented that you feel made a big improvement in your beer?
Paying close attention to temperatures throughout the entire process. From mashing to fermentation.
What advice would you give to a new homebrewer?
- Just
- Do
- It.
- It's not as hard as it looks and you learn as you go.
Do you have any certifications related to beer and/or homebrewing (BJCP, Cicerone, etc…)?
I have a Level 1 Beer Enthusiast certificate from the Prud'homme Beer Somellier course.
If you could be a tree frog, what colour tree frog would you be and why?
Pink. Cuz pink is HAWT.