How to Brew Beer at Home: Start to Finish. Tips & Tricks. For the Beginner or Expert

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  • Опубліковано 4 кві 2013
  • All the steps for brewing a superb batch of beer and explained & demonstrated. Tips & time saving "tricks" are provided. These "tips & tricks" makes the video a valuable resource for both beginning and experienced home brewers. I have made over 100 batches of home brew. I've learned what equipment and steps are necessary, and (importantly) what are NOT necessary. I also debunk some myths and unneeded steps that make the brew day more difficult and do nothing for the quality of the beer.
    Equipment Needed:
    5 gallon Kettle with lid (Stainless or Aluminum)
    6.5 gallon carboy or a plastic fermentation bucket
    Airlock & Bung
    Extract Home Beer kit with yeast. (Some are recommended below, but any will do)
    "Jet Bottle Washer"
    Carboy brush
    Long Spoon (Wooden or Stainless)
    2-gallon bucket.
    8" diameter funnel
    Starsan (sanitizer)
    Thermometer (Taylor Digital recommended for about $12 on Amazon)
    Milk Crate (Optional but helpful.)
    *And that's it** Packaging (bottling or kegging) will be covered in another video.
    Unnecessary & Time Wasting Steps
    1) Gravity readings. We are making extract beer from a kit. The gravity will be close to or equal to the stated gravity on the kit. Save your valuable time and energy for something else.
    2) Taking constant temperature readings during the specialty grain seeping process to make sure the temperature doesn't go over 170f. Do this instead: Place about 3 gallons of water in the kettle, turn your kitchen stove on high, steep the grains for 25 minutes and take them out and discard the bag. The water temperature will be about 155 to 160 F at that point-well below 170 f. Use this time saving method. Don't stand over your stove with a thermometer!
    3) Secondary fermentation. One of the best home brewers at our local brew club explained that this is a waste of time for the overwhelming number of ale & wheat kits. Most recipes tell the brewer to leave the wort/beer in the primary fermenter (6.5 gallon carboy or plastic bucket) for 2 to 3 weeks and then move it to a secondary fermenter for about another month. Unless you're making a big Belgian Ale (8% abv or higher) or a lager, this is a total waste of time. Do this instead: Leave the beer/ wort in the primary fermenter for 2 weeks minimum to about 3 weeks maximum. Then package. Your beer will be perfect. Don't waste your time with secondary fermentation!!!!
    Home brewing is fun!!!!! Don't do unnecessary work.
    Kettle Controversy. Aluminum vs. Stainless. Internet legend would have you believe that aluminum kettles are no good for home brewing. That's total nonsense. While I currently use a stainless kettle, only because I got a great deal on one-and my aluminum kettle wore out, aluminum kettles (including turkey fryers) work just fine for home brewing. I have made dozens of batches using an aluminum kettle and the beer was always superb.
    Some recommended kits from online brew stores:
    American Wheat kit from Northern Brewer. This is a simple kit and the beer is a huge hit with everyone. Just add 24 oz of clover honey at flame out (the end of the boil-not earlier or you'll kill the honey flavor). This will impart an awesome honey flavor and raise the abv to about 6%. This one is always "on" at my house. (Even non-beer drinkers enjoy it.)
    Northern Brown Ale from Austin Homebrew Supply. . (Get their 1% alcohol boost with the kit.) Awesome
    Green Zinger from Asheville Brewers Supply . Great hoppy beer with 5 hop additions! Uses both DME (dry malt extract) and LME (liquid malt extract). Fun to brew. Great to drink.
    Caribou Slobber from Northern Brewer. Just terrific.
    Gold Seal Cream Ale from Austin Homebrew Supply. (Get their 1% alcohol boost with the kit.) Delicious
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 133

  • @oldsk00l
    @oldsk00l 8 років тому +5

    Man, everytime my attention span even thought about waivering, this guy just starts pointing that finger again and brings me back into focus. Best instructional video ever, 10/10 would definitely watch and brew again.

  • @ectoplasma0001
    @ectoplasma0001 8 років тому +1

    I thought "What a silly looking old pimp" the first second.
    But througout the video my respect for this man grew and I realised,
    The overly snappy polo's and golden chain complement his no bullshit and straight forward attitude well
    thanks man

  • @garylayton5719
    @garylayton5719 10 років тому +8

    "Slap it like it owes you money." Lol. Great tutorial! Thanks, guy!

  • @weshay2228
    @weshay2228 8 років тому +2

    this was one of the best, most well put together brewing videos I've ever seen. thank you very much sir you were incredibly helpful! made me and my boyfriend's first few batchs go very smoothly! cheers!

  • @leadfarmer73
    @leadfarmer73 9 років тому +2

    your video was fricken AWESOME!!!!! not only did I learn how to make my brew but the video itself was entertaining as well! great job
    SUBD!

  • @anthonycalabrese21
    @anthonycalabrese21 7 років тому

    I've watched like 5 of these beginner brewing videos. This was the best one

  • @enabId
    @enabId 8 років тому +1

    Thanks for the video, man. It was very informative, and you came across as very helpful, rather than snobby. Keep up the good work, and I'm to give this a try!

  • @charlesbutt8406
    @charlesbutt8406 7 років тому

    Hello, I'm new to home brewing and in all my research yours has been the most practical. Thanks

  • @jonmiller7578
    @jonmiller7578 10 років тому

    Thanks so much for doing this video. It was great! Very helpful. I appreciate how you show us EVERY step and didn't skip anything. I'm a beginner and really needed the detail!

  • @colinpeed7892
    @colinpeed7892 7 років тому

    I'm new to brewing and this video is the best one I've seen so far, thanks for the help!

  • @GaleT-Creative-Expressions
    @GaleT-Creative-Expressions 10 років тому

    A very cool and creative I might add video. Lots of videos out there on how to brew beer but this man has one of the best videos!

  • @mickey007r
    @mickey007r 8 років тому

    Thanks a lot! Used your guide to make my first ever batch. Was very fun and awesome

  • @LostinSummit
    @LostinSummit 10 років тому

    you take beer brewing to the next level, especially beginner like myself. thank you

  • @goldgulfcoastdesignericsho8628
    @goldgulfcoastdesignericsho8628 7 років тому

    Thanks for the great video. I just started home Brewing and having allot of fun with it very helpful video. I was taking allot of unnecessary steps, keep the videos coming .
    Thanks again Eric

  • @dongemus
    @dongemus 8 років тому +30

    Don't fear the foam

  • @Carguyforlife
    @Carguyforlife 11 років тому

    Loved the video. Helped me begin homebrew. Looking forward to any other videos you may do pertaining to homebrew. Keep up the good work!

  • @scraske2002
    @scraske2002 9 років тому

    wow Great video, starting my first brew on Sunday. Will take some of these tips to help me

  • @sofakingdrunk66
    @sofakingdrunk66 10 років тому +1

    Good video..
    Homebrewing is something i want to explore in the future..

  • @iansuderman
    @iansuderman 7 років тому +4

    I have worked in the industry, so I have seen what is in tap water. Tap water is very dirty containing molds, salts and dirt. Our standard was conductivity of approximately 150 but normal city water was around 450 - 600. Further on a simple filter, where water was used to cool bearings, mold accumulated to such a point that mold would plug the filter within a few weeks. On the same filter dirt could be found in the bottom.
    In parts per million acceptable standards of tap water are not close to sanitary. Because you boil the water its completely safe for beer. If you are not doing high alcohol don't bother rinsing and don't use tap water in the air lock the lower alcohol makes it easier for other things to compete.

  • @HghDnsty
    @HghDnsty 7 років тому

    Thanks for the tips.

  • @Brandon-yr9jb
    @Brandon-yr9jb 10 років тому

    Great Video. Thanks for creating this, and looking forward to the bottling video.

  • @McCawley07
    @McCawley07 10 років тому

    Great video! You did awesome! I am going to buy a home brew kit soon. I made a batch before so I want to try again!

  • @ectoplasma0001
    @ectoplasma0001 8 років тому

    It cracks me up every time when he grabs the invisible bottle at 48 seconds and just brushes it off . This man is smooth as f**** :D

  • @homebrew6155
    @homebrew6155 10 років тому

    Great video. Shows a lot of helpful tips

  • @jd5787
    @jd5787 7 років тому

    Cool video, thanks for sharing it!

  • @swizzlesticksnap
    @swizzlesticksnap 7 років тому

    Great video, thank you! I'm just getting started with brewing and this is so helpful! Much appreciated. :-)

  • @Robert-yb5rz
    @Robert-yb5rz 7 років тому

    amazing video big man , love your video will be trying it soon was great help . your great at this please make more :D

  • @Nate19O
    @Nate19O 8 років тому

    Great video. Thanks!

  • @NJWRECKDIVR
    @NJWRECKDIVR 9 років тому

    slap it like it owes ya money!!!! love it. great video..... thanks for making it simple......

  • @JohnMirror2
    @JohnMirror2 9 років тому +21

    Slap it like it owes you money! lol haha!

  • @Majnun74
    @Majnun74 10 років тому

    Thanks for the video. Clear and concise directions are just what I needed. I'm going to be aging in a 5L mini-wooden cask, I hope I don't screw it up.

  • @flfirefighter78
    @flfirefighter78 11 років тому

    Thanks for the info! I plan on brewing my first beer next month! Going with a wheat ale

  • @FuryForceFive
    @FuryForceFive 8 років тому

    Thanks, for the video

  • @Uclueletmetal1
    @Uclueletmetal1 9 років тому

    Good Job Chap!

  • @glaceaugirl
    @glaceaugirl 9 років тому

    Great thank you!

  • @DeeCartwright
    @DeeCartwright 9 років тому

    Firstky thank you for your simplicity. Secondly, loving your white kitchen habit; I too have that habit... My husband is going to follow your recipes. Thanks

  • @3rdStoneObliterum
    @3rdStoneObliterum 7 років тому

    great vid, simple like i like it

  • @SergioRodriguez-lr3if
    @SergioRodriguez-lr3if 7 років тому

    great video!

  • @swimrunmatt
    @swimrunmatt 10 років тому +6

    thanks for doing this video. nice, simple, clear instructions, easy to follow :)

  • @chrishunter2691
    @chrishunter2691 10 років тому

    I think this is a good video - thank you for making it! :)

  • @rogelioheras5805
    @rogelioheras5805 10 років тому

    Wowzers i like how you through every detail n explain to the lowest point very helpful another thing meand my neighbor are interested in doin the home brewing but not only do we not know were to get the supplies we like beers with a hoppy taste is it the same process??

  • @benbarber3093
    @benbarber3093 10 років тому

    great video

  • @greenburg3058
    @greenburg3058 9 років тому

    I hope you do home tutoring i always wanted to start home brewing but i am a bit of a perfectionist so it would be nice i had an expert such as yourself guiding me along

  • @angelroche6289
    @angelroche6289 10 років тому

    Great video!!!!! Can you use plastic water bottles as your fermentator and if so what can you use as your bun or top?

  • @danielfeier5718
    @danielfeier5718 9 років тому

    Great job, I would explain more about temperatures, and sanitation. Rinsing is not necessary and actually can harm your wort. I had an issue with it as well but, its safe.

  • @GunnySGT1911
    @GunnySGT1911 7 років тому

    Don't fear the foam. I have never had a problem with Star San. I usually don't rinse unless I have excessive foam. To each his own. That's part of the beauty of home brewing, do what works for you. 17!

  • @danlavely2062
    @danlavely2062 9 років тому

    Great video! I'm a beginner, and this sure looks like the easy way! The kits I've used so far come with yeast that you sprinkle on top of the wort. This yeast looks better - what kind is it? Can I just substitute this yeast for the one in the kit?
    You mentioned a video coming showing how you keg your beer - I'm really looking forward to that!

  • @chrislangille8147
    @chrislangille8147 10 років тому

    Great video. It helped a lot. Did you say 4 DME? I am making probably a 3% beer from a LME and a DME. How can I increase my APV?

  • @joacogutierrezCompositor
    @joacogutierrezCompositor 7 років тому

    Hey! Great video! Learned a lot and i'm preparing everything for this! Only thing i'm not sure is: How big is your fermentor? if you're using a 2-3 Gallon Kettle, are you making 5 gallons of beer (5 gallon fermentor)? does that mean that you have to add 2-3 gallons of cold wáter to the fermentor?

  • @muhammadtariq812
    @muhammadtariq812 9 років тому

    Good side for every one

  • @benpeattie6020
    @benpeattie6020 10 років тому +3

    you should always use distilled water, tap water sure may be low in bacteria anyway, but it does have other contaminants like low amounts of sulfur, and other contaminants that can adjust your final taste, so use distilled water when possible

    • @WNCBikeRider
      @WNCBikeRider  10 років тому +1

      Ben, I've found that tap water (providing you're on a municipal supply) is great for beer. I used to use distilled water until I spoke with an expert brewer at my local brew club. He informed me that distilled water no "hard" components (minerals) that beer likes. He told me to add gypsum should you have to use distilled water. He quickly added that he uses city water for all his recipes and saves the trouble of adding gypsum--not to mention buying the distilled water. I sampled his beers. They are fantastic. I have a water softener at my house. I bypass it to get"pure" city water on brew day. That said, If you prefer using distilled water , enjoy. Thanks for the comment and the view!

  • @Qurisx
    @Qurisx 8 років тому

    Also, I live in AZ, what do you use to put your fermenting beer into to assist in controlling temperature?

  • @joanlumapaypotestas4002
    @joanlumapaypotestas4002 7 років тому

    Hi, I would like to ask about the quantity of each ingredients used. I need that for my thesis preferences
    Hope you can help me

  • @andrewlyon3092
    @andrewlyon3092 10 років тому

    seems like a cold water rinse would be better. might pick up some nasties from a hot water heater. then again, you've aparently done many brews. Nice video.

  • @markhunting215
    @markhunting215 10 років тому

    Great video, makes it seem simple. Any kit recommendations? Have you found that dry malt is better than liquid malt extract or vice versa?

    • @f.ence.
      @f.ence. 10 років тому

      Northern Brewer has great deals for full brewing kits.

  • @amyr3285
    @amyr3285 8 років тому

    What are the "specialty grains" exactly? I was given a kit for Christmas and am in the fermenting stage (last day is today) but I didnt get those grains; I just got the hops and malt.

  • @prestieb
    @prestieb 9 років тому

    Great instructional video. Thanks for taking the time to share. BTW, has anyone ever told you that you look a lot like Steve Martin?

  • @Horsefeathers6000
    @Horsefeathers6000 9 років тому

    I would recommend after your Jet Bottle Washer, put in 1/2 GAL of Distilled water, shake it up and if it foams up then you are getting the remaining starsan out.

  • @HoneyBearCentral
    @HoneyBearCentral 8 років тому +1

    0:47 he goes for the grab and misses xD

  • @Bohjaangles
    @Bohjaangles 11 років тому

    that was a wonderful tutorial. but man, you should totally do a bottling video, using minimum equipment if you can. thanks for the vid, was really good.

  • @Ryantube007
    @Ryantube007 10 років тому

    Great vid. I'd say that after you spray your tank with hot water, a cold water rinse would be a good precaution. Cold water hasn't sat in a hot water tank and contains free chlorine or at least chloramines to inactivate any bacteria that could be introduced from the wash rod. But probably unnecessary and actually useless if you have a home filtration unit.

  • @drewcheshire4283
    @drewcheshire4283 10 років тому

    great video for beginners like myself! learned the essentials without a lot of confusion. One question though. I've read some recipes and methods that introduce sugar later just before a secondary fermentation. I know you said a secondary one isn't really necessary, so do you prefer to not add any sugar either? Why do some add it and others don't?

    • @WNCBikeRider
      @WNCBikeRider  10 років тому

      Sugar after fermentation is usually added for natural carbonation. I force carbonate (I keg) so I haven't done any natural carbonation since I gave up bottling a few years back. Thanks !

  • @-fuk57
    @-fuk57 8 років тому

    I'm about to delve into the world of beer maKing.

  • @danielmurray04
    @danielmurray04 8 років тому

    a lot of micro brew beer has this very strong flavour through it that makes it taste all very similar, it could be the hoppy flavour, is home brew beer the same? thanks

  • @willswanson2145
    @willswanson2145 8 років тому

    Would someone who is under 21 be able to purchase everything needed for brewing? thanks for any advice/help.

  • @denissgorjacovs3451
    @denissgorjacovs3451 8 років тому

    I have recently decided to brew a 40% vol wash in a 1 litre bottle how much suger and yeast would i use ? please help will be very appreciated.

  • @ezzak01
    @ezzak01 8 років тому

    this is fantastic. I'm a beginner and just starting with my new northern brewery kit. I'm open to any advice out there, I m currrenty speaking with an agent so that I get the right kind of beer I like. I don't like heavy bitter beers, I guess I'm a light weight and love lite and ultra light brews. please don't laught, its just what I like and I would like to give my hand at it. please let me know your thoughts, or anyone one else out there, please lend me your advice or thoughts on what to do. id also like to bounce ideas off of everyone if that is ok. thank you and have a very merry Christmas everyone.

  • @cclark7395
    @cclark7395 7 років тому

    Thanks for the great information. We are going to brew today.

  • @raphcrimson2857
    @raphcrimson2857 9 років тому

    Great video! Is the sanitation done only to prevent bad flavors?

    • @danielfeier5718
      @danielfeier5718 9 років тому

      Raph Crimson That and keep you from getting sick. your going to drink this you want it clean.

  • @HollieWould
    @HollieWould 10 років тому +1

    Oh man. What happens after two or three weeks? Did I miss a follow up vid?

  • @dazmond70
    @dazmond70 9 років тому

    Hi, great vid. I'm about to start getting into brewing and found it very informative. one question though, you mention speciality grains at the beginning, can you say what they are? I assume they are different for each brew, but can you give me an idea?

    • @sander4656
      @sander4656 9 років тому

      Wheat grains, Barley grains etc. Those 2 are the most common, any grain works. heck even corn and rice

    • @2138red
      @2138red 9 років тому

      darren dumbleton depends on what you want to brew, for stouts they are usually roasted grains, for ales its crystal 15 grains or caramel grains. you can find them on amazon

    • @danielfeier5718
      @danielfeier5718 9 років тому

      darren dumbleton What specialty grains are is not what is used here. People hear the term and use it as a general reference. Specialty grains are grains outside the brew recipe that are used to add extra flavor, flavor or color. Example would be toasted oats in a oatmeal stout. I can not express the importance of following instructions and patience. With the sanitizer if it says no rinse don't rinse it. Water has bacteria so rinsing you just re-exposed your wart to bacteria. Most cases the non-rinse is a yeast enhancer so don't throw that goodness away.

  • @greatmaddyave
    @greatmaddyave 10 років тому +39

    Haha @ 0:47

  • @erarandom1116
    @erarandom1116 8 років тому

    Does anyone know if companies that make beer use (or can use) tap water? Do they have large stills or special filters to remove chlorine and fluoride before brewing? Also if they use genetically modified grains in the brew?

  • @bananaman752
    @bananaman752 10 років тому +7

    entertaining video ill sub.....im new to brewing I gave up my other hobby to do this ..I am a big ale, stout, heavy thick beer kinda guy

    • @WNCBikeRider
      @WNCBikeRider  10 років тому +3

      You should love home brewing! Home brews are much more robust than 99% of commercial beers!

    • @bananaman752
      @bananaman752 10 років тому +1

      WNCBikeRider i actually brewing a imperial blonde ale as we speak

  • @cornytheman
    @cornytheman 8 років тому

    what % do you get by doing this small amounts? 4.5? i live in sweden atm and here is cheap 1 eur beer cost is 5.2%

  • @kryptik0
    @kryptik0 7 років тому

    Why do you add dry malt extract? Shouldn't the malt be coming from the grains you just boiled?

  • @brendanfinnegan3838
    @brendanfinnegan3838 9 років тому

    If you enjoy a hoppy taste and want a higher apv, look at the vid description, he lists other beer recipe kits

  • @alexGRiM562
    @alexGRiM562 10 років тому +2

    I have a question, where i live it's very hot and indoor temperature ranges from 85 degrees to low 70s with the a.c on. I can't refrigerate the beer while fermenting, would that be a problem ?

    • @Etherdave
      @Etherdave 9 років тому +1

      You won't be making lagers or any other beers that require controlled low temperatures. But you can make all manner of ales; just keep the beer in the coolest, darkest place you have, and that will do. They made wheat beer in Egypt five thousand years before this video was made, and never complained once about the heat. Cheers!

    • @Mike72NY
      @Mike72NY 9 років тому

      That should not be an issue at all. If your room temperature is in the low 70s you're in the perfect range for brewing.

    • @alexGRiM562
      @alexGRiM562 9 років тому

      Michael D
      in the summer it was ranging in the 80s until the a.c is turned on, but i got 2 "cool brewing bags" and have worked perfectly, just kind of a hassle having to change the ice bottles, but better than a stinky brew

  • @WNCBikeRider
    @WNCBikeRider  11 років тому

    Yes a tap water (municipal or city) rinse is fine. The bacteria in tap water is negligible to non existent. Thanks for watching!

  • @mattl7886
    @mattl7886 9 років тому

    this dude has the mirror image kitchen of my parents similar cabinets, same counter, same exact range...

  • @vladu789
    @vladu789 11 років тому

    I am a little confused, if you use tap water after you sterile your container, doesn't that contaminate the container? I mean tap water has bacteria too right? Or they are negligible?

  • @asavaks
    @asavaks 7 років тому

    what are exactly these specialty grains?

  • @wxb200
    @wxb200 8 років тому

    Wow. The time on his stove was the same as my phone...

  • @will5814
    @will5814 9 років тому

    Benjamin Peattie Using distilled water is actually bad for beer. It lacks necessary ions that beer needs (Calcium (Ca+2), Magnesium (Mg+2), Bicarbonate (HCO3-1) and Sulfate (SO4-2), Sodium (Na+1), Chloride (Cl-1) and Sulfate (SO4-2)). Distilled water will work, however, if you make salt additions. For the most part, water chemistry is only really important for all grain. For extract, if it tastes good, it'll make good beer.

  • @damnationforsaken9430
    @damnationforsaken9430 9 років тому

    Is home brewed beer cheaper than commercial counterparts

    • @jimkidwell1531
      @jimkidwell1531 8 років тому

      +Damnation Forsaken yes and you get more flavor, the big 3 foreign owned breweries in the US use a little grain and rice and or corn adjunct . they spend more in marketing then in the recipe. Homebrewing you can make the beer you want , how you want.

  • @funnymoney8
    @funnymoney8 9 років тому

    Wncbikerider, I want to filter my beer before bottling. How can I produce more co2?

    • @user-cv3gd2wr5q
      @user-cv3gd2wr5q 8 років тому

      If you filter it before bottling then you'll have flat beer (no carbonation).

  • @danielmurray04
    @danielmurray04 8 років тому

    "slap it like it owes you money" lmao

  • @kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk229
    @kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk229 10 років тому +3

    U should have own your own bar

  • @diswhatwedo
    @diswhatwedo 8 років тому

    How's the taste ?

  • @floriangypser7917
    @floriangypser7917 9 років тому

    isnt it crucial to cool down the wort to 70 degrees after boiling asap ??

    • @jorgeriveramx
      @jorgeriveramx 9 років тому

      yes it is

    • @danielfeier5718
      @danielfeier5718 9 років тому

      Florian Gypser Yes it is, always check with the instructions and yeast you are using. If you feel a temp change on the side of the fermenter check the temp. Failure to follow temperature can kill yeast or give off flavors. Most of the time it will slow down the process.

  • @thomaswitzmann4160
    @thomaswitzmann4160 8 років тому

    Fucking cool dad alert going off here. But very helpful video, will be having my first brew day tomorrow, cheers!

  • @Caalv4
    @Caalv4 10 років тому

    Making Beer is good Chemistry. :3

  • @vermontmotorguide8919
    @vermontmotorguide8919 7 років тому

    The guy is a little goofy, but it's a great short-course for a homebrewer

  • @phillips3390
    @phillips3390 7 років тому

    Instead of a specialty grain bag, can you use a t-shirt?

  • @6etr8kt98
    @6etr8kt98 8 років тому

    make some beer bread with them grains man!Dont throw them away!

  • @marktennyson3076
    @marktennyson3076 10 років тому

    What about chlorine in your tap water?

  • @sandymoonstone855
    @sandymoonstone855 7 років тому +1

    . 。😊 。
    。。
    🍺 brewsicians

  • @maximuslongrod6361
    @maximuslongrod6361 9 років тому

    Talk about half this fast and you'd be Christopher Walken

  • @jessemacdonald14
    @jessemacdonald14 8 років тому

    this guys a firefighter i can tell

  • @Orthanderis
    @Orthanderis 8 років тому

    Holy shit, is his last name Bikerider?