I'm just about done acquiring all the equipment I need to brew for the first time. I've set up a fermentation chamber with a used wine fridge and a Johnson Controls A419. I bought a pretty comprehensive kit from my LHBS along with a partial grain recipe for a nut brown ale. I also got a 24 quart aluminum pot from a local restaurant supply shop. My wort chiller arrives tomorow and I'm ready to go!
My only question is this. Since I'm doing a partial boil and then topping off to 5 gallons in the fermentor, do I need to boil the water I'm topping off with ahead of time? Or....should I just get some 2.5 gallon jugs of poland spring? What's everyone's view on this? I'm looking forward to brewing this Sunday..just hope I don't make any huge mistakes!
My only question is this. Since I'm doing a partial boil and then topping off to 5 gallons in the fermentor, do I need to boil the water I'm topping off with ahead of time? Or....should I just get some 2.5 gallon jugs of poland spring? What's everyone's view on this? I'm looking forward to brewing this Sunday..just hope I don't make any huge mistakes!