Hi JohnT, NE Wisconsin. Just updated my profile.
Hi bkisel, found a simple recipe for blackberry with a Google search. Didn't measure SG, used a balloon for an airlock and generally dumped fruit, water, sugar and yeast together and racked once. I let it finish fermenting and bottled it. Through sheer dumb luck it turned out great and I was hooked. Used the exact same recipe with the other two fruits and everything is progressing nicely but I realize I need to make my process more sophisticated to get better and more consistent results. To use a popular cliche, I need to take it to the next level. **Forgot to say I bought equipment and basic directions from a nearby brew shop.