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Wondering if someone could explain why during primary fermentation it is important to keep the liquid at a very specific temperature in the 60's, and then during carbonation people just say keep it "warm" or around 60's and 70's. Why the greater leeway?

Seems sketch. I'm new on this forum but long time on forums in general and this seems shady. Beware.

Thats a good point oceanic. I have noticed that import beers with some hops like Warsteiner (at least i think it has noticeable hops) is still very tasty to me. American hops and west coast style beers are downright disgusting.

Ok that makes sense. I just read about Brewers Best Kits and man they look appealing. Everything you need for extract brewing in a handy kit with instructions and everything. I might go that route to get me going.

Ok so I have ascertained that there are bittering hops, flavoring hops, and aroma hops which all have to do at what time the hops is added during the boil. I have an open hatred for bitter beers like most IPA's and Bell's two hearted ale, so would I not add hops at the start of the boil and only...

I will be doing extract for some time I figure. It seems to be a not insignificant step up in skill to go to AG. Not something I'll be doing in the near future. Now let me google Campden tablets.......... :D

So I'm figuring on doing Belgian ales and OctoberFAST style beers. I want to stay away from light colored beers like most domestics, and don't expect to make full beers like guinness or porter. Nice middle of the road for me. Would my water need any additives to bring it into spec? I will try to...

Hey thanks for the great responses! Ok I will leave the wurt to ferment for a few weeks, and then siphon straight into the bottling bucket. Yes Original Gravity is actually just 4 miles from me and will be my go-to store. Glad you liked them.

No one? no opinions?

So after the primary fermentation it is NOT recommended to rack the beer? I can transfer it to a bottling bucket with the sugar water in it though? Should a siphon be used to transfer from fermenting bucket to bottling bucket so as to leave the sediment at the bottom behind? What i don't want is...

Now i understand that if i'm using extract and only have like a 5 gallon kettle that i can do some partial batch boiling and then top off with water in the primary fermenter? Also do i have this somewhat right: First thing is to get some water and malt boiling. I realize specifics like temp...

Hey we actually have one or two of those totes. Well im getting more and more excited about this as I learn! :)

I have read a lot of things about what effects water has on brewing (I distinctly remember hearing about Burton upon Trent water) and tracked down our city water report. We live almost in the heart of Richmond so I figure the general water report would be close to what is coming out of our tap...

Ok the fridge is out! :D And sounds like the beers that are well suited for my temps are the ones I want to brew. Wrapping in a wet towel should help out too a little. If it matters: we have concrete floors in our place. Not sure if that would help, but concrete is one heck of a heat sink.

Alright I feel the best would be just to do the standard 5 gallon batches. Makes it easier to use the right amount of ingredients. So I read that fermentation temperatures vary by styles of beer correct? Which sort of beer would do alright in 68 degrees ambient? Worst comes to worst I have a...

Hey thanks! Thats what I was hoping for :) I do like a nice Belgian Ale so it will be on my list. I like these kits I've found that come with everything and I guess 5 gallon is good enough to get started. Once or if I go to AG I will just go pick up a nice aluminum 32 qt pot. They're...

Thanks for the feedback! I might pull the trigger on these kits soon. Gotta finalize with the boss (wife ;) ) I'm reading more and more on here and it keeps getting more and more confusing if I'm honest. For extract brewing what is the step by step process? I can only find bits and pieces...

What's the smallest batch that can be brewed? I know everyone keeps saying 5 gallon batches but I'm making this beer for just myself. Is 5 gallons too much? How long can it be stored?

Just checked out northern brewing. It's the same kit lol. Shipping is actually slightly more. Thanks for the tip. I might still go with Northern Brewing. I'll vet each site.

I like how fast i can get responses here haha. Mark of a good forum. I figure I'll try extracts once or twice and then switch to all grains. I found a starter kit by Midwest supplies. It's $99 right now and includes: 6.5 gallon fermentor w/ lid & airlock Bottling Bucket Spigot Bottle Filler 5...