Spirit of Ulysses – Nordhan N76

First Attempt at Home Brewing on the Boat

Written By: Kris

It’s funny how life has a way of circling back, bringing the past into the present when you least expect it. Here I am, living on the sea, surrounded by my incredible family, enjoying a life we’ve worked hard to build, and suddenly, I’m hit with the urge to brew beer. I’ve always admired how our friends Stephen and Kylie make it look so effortless as they whip up everything from beer to gin, vodka, and even kombucha. But it’s more than just their expertise that’s inspired me; it’s also a bit of nostalgia that I owe to my dad, Dr. Paul.

My father was, without a doubt, the most meticulous and passionate brewer I’ve ever known. The man didn’t just make beer; he crafted it with a precision that would make any artisan proud. He would order grains straight from Germany, germinate them on our family trampoline, hand grind them, malt them, and hop them with the finest selections from around the globe. Initially, he bottled his brews, but as time went on, he perfected the art of kegging. His laboratory, a supposed haven for metallurgical work, was often more of a brewhouse than anything else. I remember him often pausing his work for an hour or so just to tend to the next stage of his brew. It was a balance of science and art that he had mastered over the years.

Back then, I wish I had paid more attention to the details, but looking back now, I realize I was absorbing more than I knew. The processes, the nuances—some of it must have stuck because here I am, staring at a home-brew kit from Big W that I picked up on a whim. I hadn’t brewed much since my late teens and early twenties, mostly because Dad was so good at it that I didn’t feel the need to do more than help with the consumption. But when he passed away, I remember feeling a pang of regret for not learning more from him. It’s a craft I wish I had embraced sooner, but better late than never.

So, today marks my first attempt at reconnecting with that part of my dad, and maybe a bit of myself too. I’ve followed the instructions as best as I could, but Dad’s voice is there, guiding me through the process. One thing he was always adamant about: never use dextrose. So, sugar it is.

The brew is now fermenting away, and while I wait to see how it turns out, I’m sitting back in a stunning cove near Manta-Ray Bay, QLD. The water is clear, the manta rays are gliding by, and even the occasional whale breaches in the distance. As I sit here, I can’t help but feel that both of my parents are close by, watching over us, smiling at this new chapter in our adventure.

I’ll keep you posted on how this first brew turns out. For now, though, I’m content to just enjoy this moment, a cold beer (for now, store-bought), and the thought that maybe, just maybe, Dad would be proud.