Hello from Seattle

[Tim_the_Enchanter]

Hi everyone, I am brand spankin' new to the art of home brewing. A quick bit about me, I'm 31, have lived in Seattle for a little over 3 years now, and am an avid disc golfer. I've been interested in home brewing, well, ever since I first heard it existed when I was probably 12 or so. I helped a guy bottle a batch of beer once, and a little while ago, I was dead set on starting up my own home brew setup. I started buying my beer in bombers so I could save the bottles (and rescuing empties from my disc golf buddies). For some reason though, I got distracted, and never got any equipment. This Christmas though, my dad gave me money specifically to buy some home brew gear--so, now after much delay, I'm ready to start brewin' me some beer!

I plan on doing a good amount of lurking and researching here, and am looking at the "How to Brew" e-book when I can (stealing glances at work). A couple basic questions though--are there any books which are necessary, or at least highly recommended reading? And also, I'm planning on shopping at the brew store up the street from me, they have this beginner setup plus an upgrade kit. I was planning on getting the kit plus the upgrade--does this look like a good way to go? Are there any other accessories that I should get to start off with? Thanks for any help, and I look forward to getting to know you all!

 

[Brewtopia]

Tim, Welcome to the forum! And welcome to the wonderful world of brewing. As far as books go, "How to Brew" by John Palmer is a great resource when just starting out. I'd also recommend "The Complete Joy of Homebrewing" by Charlie Papazian.

That beginner kit has everything you need for your first batch. There is some redundancy in items when you buy the upgrade kit. I'd start with the beginner kit and then decide what items you need to add after the first batch is in the fermenter.

Just remember. Relax, don't worry, have a homebrew!

Also, if you have any questions at all, I'm right down the street at Naked City Taphouse.

Happy brewing, Cheers and welcome!

 

[McKBrew]

Welcome to Homebrewtalk. It's great to see another Seattle area member.

 

[Tim_the_Enchanter]

Wow, just looked through the whole Naked City construction thread--awesome! My friend lives just a couple blocks away from you, I think I'll be stopping in for a pint or few in the very near future here!

As for the upgrade kit there, I guess the thing that grabbed my eye was the glass carboy. In one of the beginner threads, somebody mentioned a glass carboy is worth the extra expense when starting off. Do you agree?

 

[McKBrew]

Wow, just looked through the whole Naked City construction thread--awesome! My friend lives just a couple blocks away from you, I think I'll be stopping in for a pint or few in the very near future here!

As for the upgrade kit there, I guess the thing that grabbed my eye was the glass carboy. In one of the beginner threads, somebody mentioned a glass carboy is worth the extra expense when starting off. Do you agree?

You can decide whether glass is for you or not. Many of us prefer the plastic equivelant Better Bottle Carboy. Quite a few use glass with no issues, and a few people have hacked themselves up pretty bad when a glass carboy has broken. I'd personally recommend substituting the Better Bottles for glass carboys (most online retailers will do that if you contact them), but again it's your call.

Edit: I noticed you are shopping locally. Talk to the guys at the Cellar and see if they will allow substitutions as well.

 

[DragonTail]

Welcome

 

[jmo88]

Cellars homebrew is where I got my starter kit. I think I paid about a hundred bucks for primary, glass carboy, and a red ale kit.

If you are anything like me you'll spend hours watching and sniffing the airlock of that first fermentation. A glorious thing!

Welcome. And if you get a chance, check out mountain homebrew in Kirkland. They have the best selection of grains and hops. Seems more pricey though.

 

[Dionysos911]

Sounds like we have a pretty similar story. In Seattle, new to brewing, got the christmas nudge. I just started my first batch last night. We'll see how it goes.

Good luck!

 

[hotstack]

I got most of my new stuff from both The Cellar (in Greenwood) and Mountain Homebrew (Kirkland).

I don't remember The Cellar having the Better Bottles, but I may be mistaken. Mountain Homebrew definitely does as I stuffed one into a duffle-bag for the return trip to Japan

Prices both places seemed similar, but as jmo88 stated, I think Mountain had more grains and such (at least out on display).

 

[silvervan83]

You got a brother to the south. Cheers from the tacoma area. Nice to see a fellow disk golfer on the site. If you need someone to throw some disks with let me know. Also, If you need some kegs cut open and converted.... let me know. I do about 3 a week.