new guy needs a bit of advice.

will4009 · 03-17-2010, 08:59 PM

Hello all, first post.

i have been interested in the possibility of brewing my own beer for some time and would like a bit of advice on the best way to start. i have been looking at the complete starter kits, like the cooper micro brew. are these kits a good place to start because everything that you need is included? i see some of the kits use carbonation drops, are these work effectivley in carbonating the beer? i would be greatful of any help or advice!

thanks

FreeM80s · 03-17-2010, 09:09 PM

It looks like a pretty good starter kit. You can find some online that use buckets or even glass carboys, but i'm not too familiar with any sites in the UK. It looks like all of the stuff is plastic. Some people swear by plastic, some people swear against it. I'd say give it a shot. If you end up enjoying beer brewing, you'll have plenty of time to try and tweak your methods till you find what you like. Good luck and welcome to HBT

maida7 · 03-17-2010, 09:11 PM

I would not recommend the coopers kits.

Check out this one from morebeer.com

You will also need a great big pot. Min. size is 4 gallons. Ideally you'd have an 8 gallon pot and a propane fired burner and an immersion chiller.

Then get a kit of ingredients Here are some great kits on morebeer.com Most of these are easy to do for beginners.

FreeM80s · 03-17-2010, 09:14 PM

Also, might wanna stay away from those carb drops.

maida7 · 03-17-2010, 09:18 PM

oops I did not see that your in the UK. Morebeer may be a bit of a stretch. Perhaps there is a local shop?

Just stay away from those can kits.

phatuna · 03-17-2010, 09:31 PM

Check this out: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Home-Brew-Balliihoo-Complete-Starter/dp/B001RZYJI6/ref=pd_sim_b_23

will4009 · 03-17-2010, 10:21 PM

thanks for the great advice, i have had a look around and there arn't any brew shops in my area. so i will be buying online. that balliihoo kit looks great, i just might give it a try!

thanks again

FireNightFly · 03-17-2010, 10:37 PM

Coopers is a great way to start! Great beer when done right.

**WildGingerBrewing** · 03-17-2010, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FreeM80s

Also, might wanna stay away from those carb drops.

Why do you not like the carb drops? I've never had a problem using them. They're expensive if you're brewing a lot, compared to corn sugar, but I always had good results.

FreeM80s · 03-18-2010, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason_Merritt

Why do you not like the carb drops? I've never had a problem using them. They're expensive if you're brewing a lot, compared to corn sugar, but I always had good results.

used them once, got little floating pieces of something like sugar or DME. I've read the same thing on here somewhere also. I have only used them once so if you have used them more and with better results I would not argue