
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 7, 1995                   TAG: 9506070025
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: ALMENA HUGHES
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

NOW YOU CAN MAKE YOUR OWN BEER

Ninety-nine bottles of beer on the wall aren't needed for microbrewing at home with the newly introduced Beer Machine. In fact, no bottles are needed because you brew, ferment, carbonate and dispense directly from the machine.

The two-part reusable keg-shaped container allows even novices to concoct 2.5 gallons of preservative- and chemical-free beer as easily as making orange juice from a can. Just add water, yeast and one of eight premixed beer mixes (about $7 - $8 each), or your own mix, if you prefer. Fermentation takes about a week, after which the keg can be stored in the refrigerator. Carbonation can be added as desired, so even months later, you can pour a full-headed glass of beer.

Scott Drake, assistant manager of the Vintage Cellar in Blacksburg, which specializes in homebrewing equipment and practical advice, says the machine (about $100) probably would make a great alternative to socks or a tie for Father's Day. Or, aspiring brewers might prefer to go the traditional route, using a start-up equipment kit at about $40 excluding bottles. Contact Drake at 953-2675 or call (800) 663-BREW for more information about the Beer Machine.

by CNB