Brooklyn Flea/Home Brew

Hipsterism has, among other things, given rise to a surprisingly (and ironically) capitalistic level of competition within its trendy community of arts and artistic product -- which I think is great! It has given rise to handmade goods (like t-shirts from Species By The Thousands) and artisanal cooking (like pastries from Whimsy & Spice); increased awareness and appreciation of obscure objects and art; and opened up the passageways for creativity in all directions. (Of course, hipsterism has also given rise to fake, plastic-rimmed glasses, girls dressing like grandpas, and an absurd too-cool-for-school attitude, which I don't care for.)

So when it comes to uber-trendy things like the Brooklyn Flea, I don't care who's hosting it, who's attending, or where it is, as long as I can find something awesome. (Sounds like perv's outlook on house parties.) I went last Saturday morning with Nicole and Chris, and was stunned by the variety of products on sale, both edible and non. Among my purchases were a bag of beer and salted caramel candies from Liddabit Sweets, spicy pickle relish from McClure's, a sturdy basket/shopping bag from some crotchety old vendor, and a mimosa pudica plant (which is not doing too well...).

But the true highlight: a homebrewing kit from Brooklyn Brew Shop. For $40, they include everything you need to brew your own beer, including all of the grains, yeast, and hops; rubbing tubing; a glass gallon container; and a Pyrex thermometer. $40 for knowledge! Its a pretty great deal, since I am now set for all future brewing endeavors. I bought a kit to make one gallon of "Rye P.A.," a basic India Pale Ale that uses both rye and a little honey to enhance the flavor. The site sells a couple dozen more flavors, like Blackberry Red Ale, Pumpkin Dubbel, and Chocolate Maple Porter. (The secret to flavored beers: all you do is add what you want to the grain mash, i.e., just throw a couple pieces of fresh apple and a cinnamon stick into the mix.)

The process took about five hours, and made a huge mess. It involved two steel stockpots, a strainer, and several hours of Super Mario Brothers Galaxy 2. Don and I finished the process two nights ago at 3:30am, and the beer is now secreted away, fermenting in my closet. (Pictures for later.)

A gallon of beer only makes about five bottles, but perfecting this process on a small scale might lead to unforeseen advancements!