OK ... So I got my first 5 gallon batch done

[Nightstalker]

Now I need to know something. I have a B-day coming up in a few days. I have the Brewers Best 5 gal kit. What would yall recommend as the next piece of equipment to buy, make, or ask for LOLOLOL. I dont mind making stuff if possible. FYI .. I have the kit and my SS pot. Thanks and feel free to send me whatever it is you suggest I need for a Welcome to the Forums B-day gift

PS. I tried to search for something similar to this but my God there was a TON of stuff to go through and every thread I had tried so far was NO where close to what I was looking for.

 

[Sudstud]

I started a thread yesterday for just this reason
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f14/upgrade-order-importance-306089/

 

[naiek]

Your pot big enough to do a full boil in? If not I'd ask for an 8-10 gallon pot, hopefully your friends like you a lot. Beyond that, a wort chiller or extra carboys/better bottles

 

[WhiteEagle1]

Wort chiller made out of 3/8" copper tubing......piece of cake DIY project.

 

[bad67z]

I would recommend a pot for full boils, a turkey fryer set up if your going the full boil route, then a wort chiller. After that I would start looking to control fermentation temps.

 

[Nightstalker]

Dang if it isnt the wording there Sudstud , thanks for the link.

For the other answers. My pot is not big enough for full boils. Right now I am doing half boils.I have a turkey fryer(burner). As for the wort chiller I think I will probably go with the DIY. Doesnt seem to be a ton of savings but every little bit counts. I guess these two things will be very important if I ever go AG. I am doing I guess what is considered partial right now. At least if my understanding is correct. I steep for 10-30 minutes depending on the recipe.

Guys I truely appreciate all the advice and this site for giving us a place to get it.

 

[Nightstalker]

Oh I forgot to do this too. This as I said was my first 5 gallon batch that I did myself. So naturally I had to take some pictures. It was a Brewers Best Falconers Flight EIPA (Extra IPA) its what the box said??? This seems like a really dark IPA. More like a brown ale color if you ask me. I will see what yall think.
Anyways dry hopped and then first glass. I couldn't wait LOLOL .. 1 week in the bottle and it was driving me CRAZY!!!!!!!! Anyways it was cloudy which I expected along with the light carbonation but intense hop aroma and flavor, not nearly as bitter as I thought it was going to be as it advertised 70. But a damn good beer. Then the next are a weeklater and letting it set in the fridge for 4 days. Still not extremely clear but is better and much better carb and head retention. Even some laciing :rockin: Cant wait as we are going to have some people over and it looks like we may be brewing 3 batches this weekend LOLOLOL :rockin: Hopefully my beer drinking family will enjoy the beer.

 

[ScoRas]

Looks Tasty! My first brew is still fermenting, going to check the SG at 14 days on sunday.

Bonnarooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

 

[Frankiesurf]

Brewers Best kits are not partial mash. They are just steeping grains. The only thing you get from the grain is color and none of the sugars.

I have been doing the same kits. My next step is partial mash. Just have to figure out which style I want. Decisions, decisions.

To see what partial mash is all about check this out.
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f39/easy-partial-mash-brewing-pics-75231/

 

[Nightstalker]

So I guess I really do not understand. Obviously he is using A LOT more grain but in order for it to be partial mash. Is all I have to to do is dunk the grain again in 170 degree water. NOOB question I am sure. I thought partial was using some grain AND extract. And then extract brewing was extract ONLY. Either way this beer is a hit. My brother-in-law flipped his lid. He said its in his top 5 easy LOLOL.

I have my second 5 gallon batch going. A BB Kolsch kit .. something for my BMC beer drinkers to try. Airlock is going NUTS.