Ale Brewing

[Neil Catterill]

Hi,

I have just signed up to the forum and looking for some advice. I have brewed a couple batches in the past but mainly Lager or Cider which just comes in a tin pour in the contents, sugar and water, fairy basic I assume.

I am looking to get some Ale brewed ready for the summer nights to sit next to my BBQ food, providing UK gets a good summer this year!

I have the basic equipment - Fermenting Bucket, Barrell (with pressure cap), Bottles (plastic & glass), Demi Johns, few others bits and bobs required for brewing.

Hoping that being said I have what is needed for brewing. Do I have everything that is needed to start Ale brewing?

Thanks all

 

[madscientist451]

You need a pot to boil your brew, a BIAB bag, grain for brewing,a thermometer, hydrometer, sanitizer like star-san, a capper and caps for your bottles
and a copy of the book "how to brew" by John Palmer. (online version is available free.

 

[flars]

Do you have a good cleaning compound for your equipment? A no rinse sanitizer to use after the equipment is cleaned? A boil kettle that is large enough for a partial boil or full boil? A good heat source for the boil volume you plan? A hydrometer to check specific gravity? A thermometer to use when rehydrating dry yeast? A flask or jar large enough to make a starter for liquid yeast if you will use liquid yeast?

 

[Neil Catterill]

Thanks for the replies.

madscientist451 - I will check out that book. I do have most the equipment you mentioned apart from the BIAB Bag & grain as never brewed with these before.

Flars - I have a couple of what you mentioned. I don't have anything for boiling the brew up as I have seen online before. Doesn't seem like I have much to start this off. I will read the book as mentioned above and have a look I think.

 

[flars]

Don't know where you're located but sign up for NB emails for offers like this.

https://www.northernbrewer.com/promotional-categories/20-off-equipment

 

[tgolanos]

A fairly basic BIAB equipment list:
40L brew pot (at least 40L, bigger is better)
large grain bag that fits pot
brew spoon or whisk (to stir clumps out of mash)
grain mill*
hydrometer
thermometer
heat source (LPG burner, electric element, etc)
30L fermenter vessel
air lock
grains, hops, and yeast (dependent on recipe)

This is just what I can think of off the top of my head. There are tons of others bells and whistles you can buy, but might not be necessary for someone starting out. Look to see where your nearest LHBS is. They may have beginner BIAB kits that includes everything you need.

*A grain mill isn't 100% necessary when starting off, as most LHBSs mill or double mill grain free of charge. The crush you get can be underwhelming though, so having your own mill means better control of your conversion efficiency.