Q: Name
A: James Harvey
Q: Age
A: 64
Q: Occupation
A: Retired
Q: Years Brewing
A: About 5. Four back in the late ’80s and early 90’s, then restarted about 1 year ago.
Q: Brewing History
A: Started extract in late ’80s, moved to all grain in the 2021. Also got into cider and wine making around 10 years ago.
Q: What got you interested in brewing to start
A: Wanted to brew beers that I enjoyed in Europe, but could not easily find in the US.
Q: What kept you brewing
A: Actually, I stopped due to travel and family demands. Restarted once I got settled in NWA after retirement.
Q: Current brewing rig
A: Brewer’s Edge Mash & Boil Series 2 with recirculation pump. Immersion chiller with recirculating water pump. Kegs for storing and serving.
Q: Any rules you have for brew day
A: Start early and ensure that I have everything I will need.
Q: Best brewing advice you were given (by whom if you can remember)
A: Keep stirring! This was from my exact days. Easy to burn or boil-over with a small, cheap pot. (Neighborhood friend who also brewed).
Q: Most influential brewing tip you learned
A: Sometimes nasty stuff gets in your wort and you have to dump it out.
Q: Your tip for new brewers just getting started
A: Brew a few times with an experienced brewer.
Q: Go to beer style for consumption
A: Amber or Red ales or German Lagers. Most brewpubs and tap houses usually have one or the other.
Q: What’s on tap at your brew house right now
A: Nothing. Just finish my Belgian Blonde keg. Marzen is conditioning for Brewtober and I have an ESB in the fermenter to drink next.
Q: Favorite beer style to brew
A: Extra Special Bitter.
Q: What’s your next brewing related project
A: A fermentation chamber (either homemade or a used freezer) to begin brewing lagers.
Q: What do you want everyone to know that wasn’t asked here
A: I’m interested in “beer travel”. I try to “drink local” when I travel. I’m open to traveling around the US and Europe for beer.
