bigdavem69
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I am going to brew my first batch ever using a kit of Altitude Amber with some steeping grains. Anyone have any advice on how to avoid common noob mistakes?
First brew
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Let the mistakes come, everyone makes them. Just accept that they happen and move on 
Winters49441
Well-Known Member
Just clean & sanitize really well. Relax & have a beer. And lastly document- temps, dates, Gravities, etc.
Kits are generally easy to brew so i would make sure to keep constant fermentation temps (mid 60's for two-three weeks). Other then that not much you can do to screw it up. Also make sure all equipment is clean and sanitized. Good Luck, I'm sure you'll be fine!
jmlabeck
Well-Known Member
I don't remember any more where I saw it, but I read that homebrewing really has only four rules.
1) Sanitize
2) Sanitize
3) Sanitize
4) Be Patient
I think that pretty much sums it up.
1) Sanitize
2) Sanitize
3) Sanitize
4) Be Patient
I think that pretty much sums it up.
bigdavem69
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Thanks for the tips, do bottles just need to be sanitized or sterilized? Also, I live in an apt so I worried about keeping the fermenter in the temp range, what about a water bath for it, does it make a difference?
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Sanitizing is what most of us do - not sterilization.
Swamp cooler (water bath) is perfect. I put my carboy in a bucket with cold water and add new water every so often. Many put ice in the water to cool the water, too.
Another thing to keep in mind is to make sure that when you steep the grains you don't overheat them which can add unpleasant flavours.
Brent
Swamp cooler (water bath) is perfect. I put my carboy in a bucket with cold water and add new water every so often. Many put ice in the water to cool the water, too.
Another thing to keep in mind is to make sure that when you steep the grains you don't overheat them which can add unpleasant flavours.
Brent
TheBrewCoach
New Member
Hey bigdavem69,
Here are, in my opinion, the 4 most common mistakes of new brewers and how to avoid them. Hope this helps!
Mistake #1 Do not underestimate the importance of sanitation! Sanitation is arguably the most important step in brewing a batch of beer. Bacteria can and will ruin beer. Unfortunately, many new brewers do not take the time to learn about proper sanitation. More importantly, they do not take the time to practice proper sanitation procedures. Invest in a good sanitizer like Star San. Follow the sanitation instructions and on your sanitizer bottle.
Mistake #2 Pay attention to temperature! This is necessary during both brewing and fermentation. Maintaining the correct temperature is vital to achieving a good result, which is great beer. When brewing, follow the temperature guidelines on your beer kit instructions. During fermentation, follow the recommended temperature for the yeast strain selected for the brew.
Mistake #3 Yeast! Use good quality yeast, and use enough for a good fermentation. DO NOT USE CHEAP OR OLD YEAST. Yeast is extremely important in achieving a great tasting beer. Check your beer kit to ensure it contains a reputable brand of yeast. As a warning, some beer kits come with a small 2.0 gram or 5.0 gram packet of generic dry yeast taped to the lid of the malt extract cans. DO NOT USE THIS YEAST. Instead, invest several dollars to purchase additional yeast, which will replace the cheap stuff. Several of the more reputable yeast companies are Wyeast, White Labs, Fermentis and Danstar. Any of the aforementioned would be a fine choice for yeast.
Mistake #4 Impatience has killed batches of beer! Take your time and read the instructions on your beer kit. Get some affordable, yet quality equipment, and find a good pre-packaged ingredient kit. Take your time brewing, and let the beer completely finish fermenting before bottling. Relax and enjoy the process and you will be brewing great beer in no time at all.
Hope that helped!
TD
www.getstartedbrewingbeer.com
Here are, in my opinion, the 4 most common mistakes of new brewers and how to avoid them. Hope this helps!
Mistake #1 Do not underestimate the importance of sanitation! Sanitation is arguably the most important step in brewing a batch of beer. Bacteria can and will ruin beer. Unfortunately, many new brewers do not take the time to learn about proper sanitation. More importantly, they do not take the time to practice proper sanitation procedures. Invest in a good sanitizer like Star San. Follow the sanitation instructions and on your sanitizer bottle.
Mistake #2 Pay attention to temperature! This is necessary during both brewing and fermentation. Maintaining the correct temperature is vital to achieving a good result, which is great beer. When brewing, follow the temperature guidelines on your beer kit instructions. During fermentation, follow the recommended temperature for the yeast strain selected for the brew.
Mistake #3 Yeast! Use good quality yeast, and use enough for a good fermentation. DO NOT USE CHEAP OR OLD YEAST. Yeast is extremely important in achieving a great tasting beer. Check your beer kit to ensure it contains a reputable brand of yeast. As a warning, some beer kits come with a small 2.0 gram or 5.0 gram packet of generic dry yeast taped to the lid of the malt extract cans. DO NOT USE THIS YEAST. Instead, invest several dollars to purchase additional yeast, which will replace the cheap stuff. Several of the more reputable yeast companies are Wyeast, White Labs, Fermentis and Danstar. Any of the aforementioned would be a fine choice for yeast.
Mistake #4 Impatience has killed batches of beer! Take your time and read the instructions on your beer kit. Get some affordable, yet quality equipment, and find a good pre-packaged ingredient kit. Take your time brewing, and let the beer completely finish fermenting before bottling. Relax and enjoy the process and you will be brewing great beer in no time at all.
Hope that helped!
TD
www.getstartedbrewingbeer.com
mlyday
Well-Known Member
Besides the stuff people have said above. If your going to be brewing this on a stove top then make sure it can boil the 2-3 gallons the kit will require. This was a big problem with my first brew on the stove. Try it with just water a few days before.
Make sure you thoroughly mix the chilled wort & top off water to get a more accurate OG reading.
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