blong4133

Recipes 

Hey all. Apologize if this question is asked a lot but I'm in the process of researching to make my first homebrew. I would like to know what some of you have found to be relatively easy for a first time brewer.

The types of beers that I am interested in trying to brew if they aren't too difficult for a first timer are Stouts/Porters/Pale Ales. In particular, I really love the fall seasonal brews a lot of breweries sell. Probably two of my favorite beers are New Belgium's Red Hoptober, and Sierra Nevada's Tumbler. I'm not sure what differentiates the fall brews from others because I have not gotten into research specific types of beers just yet.

And for what it's worth, I'll be using a beer making kit. Once I start getting the hang of things, I'll upgrade the equipment. But I've always wanted to get into homebrewing and thought that a beer making kit would be the most practical way to get my feet wet.

Thanks!

BlindFaith

Recipes 

I am new to brewing as well (4 batches deep) and my first brew was a hodgepodge of old LME and some Cascade hops, but it turned out pretty decent. I'd recommend getting a basic extract kit with some grains to steep from your LHBS or one of the many online stores (Midwest, NB, AustinHomeBrew, etc...) I have used Midwest for 3 of my 4 batches, but their shipping is too much (11 bucks) and I recently stumbled upon a really good LHBS. Again, order you a kit or go to a brew shop and get a kit for one of your favorite beers. Just brew something that you like to drink.

Erich8

Recipes 

My first brew was the White House Honey Porter clone that my LHBS had put together, naturally I rushed it since it was my first but all in all it turned out pretty good for a first brew IMO. I love the roasted smell and finish I get with it. It was relatively easy as well. Just pick what you like, do research before hand and be patient. Good luck!

GrogNerd

Recipes 

best advice anyone can offer

I also wish you luck & welcome to the obsession

__________________
"It's all beer, it's all good." - Words of House Grog
"I'm only happy when I'm suffocating yeast" - Rob Grog
"Homer no function beer well without" - Homer Simpson

drinking: Sweetpea's Mock Maibock, BigHair Belgian Pale Ale, O'Rob's Irish Red, Rob's 50th SMaSH ESB, Feet & Ass Mild - bottle conditioning: CLB's Red Barley Wine, DB 8 Point IPA Clone - primary: Belgian Wit

Erich8

Recipes 

And as a side note, check out YouTube. There are some really good extract brewing videos as well as all grain whenever you're ready to take that step. Terpsichoreankid, CraigTube, BrewerTV, Beer Geek Nation, etc. All have some really good and informative videos. The first two are the ones that I stumbled upon and watched the most after my first brew and I wish I would have found them, as well as this forum, beforehand. I have found really good info here and the people know what they are talking about and have quick response times.. Just joined up yesterday but I'm sure I will be sticking around for a while.

bfinleyui

Recipes 

Terpsichoreankid is the guy who owns my lhbs... Extremely helpful and courteous, patient with a newbie. Will be headed back to his shop on Wednesday

__________________
Primary: Amber Ale, Columbus/Cascade IPA
Bottled: Two Hearted Clone, Zippy Cream Ale, NB Hefeweizen, Semi-Sweet Cider, Tart Cider, Kolsch
On Deck: Drinking some beer.
Next Purchase: BCS Book

Erich8

Recipes 

Yeah he seems like it. I started watching his vids and then realized he owns the shop. Also, I tried calling him to order from him online just cause hes helped me out a lot through his vids.. And he never got back to me. Guess I should clarify.. The reason I called was to see if he had free shipping on orders over a certain amount that way I could justify ordering through him.

bfinleyui

Recipes 

When was that? He's always very responsive when I ask questions on facebook. I know the shop is closed on occasion, most recently because of holiday travel, and kidney stones before that. I'd chat him up on their Facebook page.

__________________
Primary: Amber Ale, Columbus/Cascade IPA
Bottled: Two Hearted Clone, Zippy Cream Ale, NB Hefeweizen, Semi-Sweet Cider, Tart Cider, Kolsch
On Deck: Drinking some beer.
Next Purchase: BCS Book

Erich8

Recipes 

It was last Tuesday or Wednesday? He might have been closed for Thanksgiving. Not ruling that out. And he may have just ignored it cause of the different area code assuming it was a telemarketer or something.

blong4133

Recipes 

Thanks for all the responses! I'm really glad I stumbled upon this site. A lot of great info and helpful posters! Thanks again and any more suggestions regarding where to get the best stuff will be greatly appreciated. I don't have access to a supply store so will have to order everything I need.