First timer from Northern VA

jhmills1981 · Feb 7, 2013

Hey guys, saw this introduction forum and thought it wouldn't be right to start posting questions without introducing myself first.

My name is Johnny Mills, I'm 31, and I'm from the Northern Virginia area. I work a relatively standard 9-5 and have never really found a hobby to fill my time. Except for drinking good beer.

I would hardly consider myself a beer connoisseur and could barely tell you about the differences in different types of beer. I usually buy Coors Light (blasphemy on these forums, I'm sure). But there is hope! I am seeing the light and trying to change my beer drinking ways!

I had always thought home brewing, but had no clue where to start. So... I decided to just start. I picked up a True Brew Gold Kit to start, along with "The Complete Joy of Home Brewing". This book came highly recommended on Amazon, and I'm very glad I bought it. It has given me a lot of confidence moving forward, and I will be getting the ingredients for my first homebrew (a pilsner I plan on calling Johnny Pils), on Monday.

Thanks for all of the community here. I have read some of the posts and everyone has always been so helpful and generous with their time and knowledge.

I look forward to meeting you all.

Sincerely,
Johnny Mills

sikkingj · Feb 7, 2013

jhmills1981 said:
Hey guys, saw this introduction forum and thought it wouldn't be right to start posting questions without introducing myself first.

My name is Johnny Mills, I'm 31, and I'm from the Northern Virginia area. I work a relatively standard 9-5 and have never really found a hobby to fill my time. Except for drinking good beer.

I would hardly consider myself a beer connoisseur and could barely tell you about the differences in different types of beer. I usually buy Coors Light (blasphemy on these forums, I'm sure). But there is hope! I am seeing the light and trying to change my beer drinking ways!

I had always thought home brewing, but had no clue where to start. So... I decided to just start. I picked up a True Brew Gold Kit to start, along with "The Complete Joy of Home Brewing". This book came highly recommended on Amazon, and I'm very glad I bought it. It has given me a lot of confidence moving forward, and I will be getting the ingredients for my first homebrew (a pilsner I plan on calling Johnny Pils), on Monday.

Thanks for all of the community here. I have read some of the posts and everyone has always been so helpful and generous with their time and knowledge.

I look forward to meeting you all.

Sincerely,
Johnny Mills

Let us know how your first brew turns out. You may also want to consider smaller batches initially (1gallon). I would also suggest that you buy a kit for your first batch (morebeer, midwestsupplies, Austin homebrew supplies,northern brewer).

Again the best of luck!

-John

jhmills1981 · Feb 7, 2013

I am going with Muntons Connoisseurs Range Export Pilsner initially. The salespeople at homebrewing.org were very helpful. Though I have already been corrected on using an ale yeast with a Pilsner. I have a lot to learn about beer in general. I think that will actually take longer than learning how to brew! ha.

Thanks for the warm welcome.

Airborneguy · Feb 7, 2013

Welcome to the site!

jhmills1981 · Feb 7, 2013

Thank you very much, Airborne.

Cyclman · Feb 7, 2013

A lager is a tough first brew, may not turn out how you want. A hefeweisen ale or blonde are similar beers, much easier for a first timer. No worries about ferment temps, will come out great!