Logan
Well-Known Member
I just cracked open a stout a made a while back and I can finally say I have a beer ready to drink. It has been a long time since mid December when I started tossing around the idea of brewing my own beer but as I sit here sipping my first brew (of my 2nd batch) I can say it has been worth it.
I just wanted to share a few things I've learned over the course of going from a total noob who knows nothing to a total noob who knows a little more than nothing.
1. Don't use LME - I did this with my first batch and it still tastes funky after about 6 weeks in the bottle. It is possible that there are other causes but I blame LME.
2. Start simple - Read John Palmer and follow that. I was often very concerned about what equipment I might need in a few months instead of just focusing on what was needed now. Purchase just what you need for the following brew - all the toys and more advanced equipment will be there when you need/want it.
3. Buy Recipe kits - Some people might not think this is the best idea but I'll tell you why I do. The hop shortage has nessecitated a lot of hop substituions. It is a lot better to get a kit with the correct hops than trying to sort out hop subsitutions at the LHBS. Also, if you are having trouble with a brew you know that it isn't anything to do with an incorrect recipe. Finally, I've found it is cheaper to buy a kit from midwest than it is to buy from the LHBS. That has just been my experience - your LHBS may be different.
4. Ask questions - Probably the best thing you can do is read all the posts on the forum and soak up as much information as you can. So many things popped up while I was brewing but I knew how to handle it because I'd read all the great advice on here (don't fear the foam!).
But bottom line the MOST important thing - RDWHAHB
I just wanted to share a few things I've learned over the course of going from a total noob who knows nothing to a total noob who knows a little more than nothing.
1. Don't use LME - I did this with my first batch and it still tastes funky after about 6 weeks in the bottle. It is possible that there are other causes but I blame LME.
2. Start simple - Read John Palmer and follow that. I was often very concerned about what equipment I might need in a few months instead of just focusing on what was needed now. Purchase just what you need for the following brew - all the toys and more advanced equipment will be there when you need/want it.
3. Buy Recipe kits - Some people might not think this is the best idea but I'll tell you why I do. The hop shortage has nessecitated a lot of hop substituions. It is a lot better to get a kit with the correct hops than trying to sort out hop subsitutions at the LHBS. Also, if you are having trouble with a brew you know that it isn't anything to do with an incorrect recipe. Finally, I've found it is cheaper to buy a kit from midwest than it is to buy from the LHBS. That has just been my experience - your LHBS may be different.
4. Ask questions - Probably the best thing you can do is read all the posts on the forum and soak up as much information as you can. So many things popped up while I was brewing but I knew how to handle it because I'd read all the great advice on here (don't fear the foam!).
But bottom line the MOST important thing - RDWHAHB
