Howdy! How do I start?

[beer30]

Well, I am new. So new that I don't own any home brew equipment yet. I have been doing some homework, and found many online stores offering kits. Since I have yet to brew my first beer, I want to get started right. I am just trying to avoid buying a kit, only to find out I should have bought this...or should have also bought that...

I just want to start brewing. Seems like a lot of fun. Goodness knows I am enjoying reading about it....


Anyone have any advice? What should I start with? Somtimes plugs are frowned upon on message boards, so you can email me with supplier specifics if that makes sense.

-beer30 -

 

[user 4295]

The first thing I always do when someone would like to get started in this hobby is to point them to where I got started. There is an online homebrewing book written by a very well respected homebrewer named John Palmer. His book is called How To Brew. Click on the link and take some time to thoroughly read it from front to back. I also recommend also getting the new edition in hard copy. It will answer a lot, if not all of your questions. After you have read it you will have definitely have more specific questions that you can come back here and ask. Everyone here will help you get started in the right direction. Reading his online book will help you to ask the right questions.

John

 

[the_bird]

Most of the beginner kits out there are very good. If you have one in particular you're eyeballing, shoot us a link and we'll take a look-see. From what I have seen of the various providers, most of the kits are basically the same, there are just some minor price differences. Some people have their own preferences for different providers; morebeer.com, austinhomebrew, northern brewer are three that come to mind that all have their adherents in these quarters. Me, I got my kit as a present from the wife, she bought it online but I don't know where.

You also might want to check out any local homebrew stores in your vicinity. Usually a bit more expense (maybe not after factoring in shipping), but if you have a good one they'll hook you up with a good kit and help you with ingredients. HBSs are a little hit-or-miss, though; some are great (mine), some are terrible.

What kind of beer are you thinking of starting with?

EDIT: A basic starter kit like this would serve you well.

http://www.northernbrewer.com/starterkits.html

I'd just add a secondary fermenter (either glass or a Better Bottle) to the basic kit. Read Palmer's book, you'll learn a lot (including why two-stage fermentation is important).

 

[beer30]

Thanks John-

I have read 1/2 of John Palmers' online book and will finish it in a day or two. I will buy the hardcopy, 3rd addition per your advice. Thanks. I am also reading Dave Miller's Homebrewing Guide. I will definitely have more questions...but at this early stage, most everything is making sense on paper....of course that might change once I am brewing...

-beer30

 

[beer30]

What kind of beer are you thinking of starting with?

EDIT: A basic starter kit like this would serve you well.

http://www.northernbrewer.com/starterkits.html

I'd just add a secondary fermenter (either glass or a Better Bottle) to the basic kit. Read Palmer's book, you'll learn a lot (including why two-stage fermentation is important).

Thanks for the advice

I am under the impression that Extract brewing is a good starting stage for me after what I have been reading (Palmer's online book & Dave Miller's Homebrewing Guide). Pale Ale is a frequent beer in my fridge...so that's probably what I will brew first. I can see myself brewing Stouts, IPAs and others as I go. I am interested in the Deluxe Starter Kit found at the link you provided above. I want to brew using two stage fermentation.

 

[user 4295]

Here is a link to a great online supplier that is only about 200 miles from you in Concord, CA. Kind of a drive but you could save on shipping ordering from MoreBeer. There is also Williams Brewing located an San Leandro, CA. MoreBeers prices are a little better though. There are many other ver good online vendors, but any savings may be lost in the increased cost of shipping form another state.



John

 

[the_bird]

Thanks for the advice

I am under the impression that Extract brewing is a good starting stage for me after what I have been reading (Palmer's online book & Dave Miller's Homebrewing Guide). Pale Ale is a frequent beer in my fridge...so that's probably what I will brew first. I can see myself brewing Stouts, IPAs and others as I go. I am interested in the Deluxe Starter Kit found at the link you provided above. I want to brew using two stage fermentation.

That's a good-looking kit, too. Wasn't sure how much you were thinking of spending.

 

[david_42]

Extract brewing is the place to start and a beer you like is the best choice. In fact, austinhomebrew.com has kits for a huge number of clone ales and I've had very good experience with them.

Stick with dried yeast until it cools off outside. Even with a cool pack, people have been having trouble with dead yeast this summer.

 

[user 4295]

Hey, I was just doing a little Google search for home brew suppliers closer to you and I found a place called The Beverage Company located right next door to you in Anderson, CA. From looking at their website, it looks like they have everything you could ever want or need to get started, and the prices look real good considering that you won't have to pay for shipping.

It is always a bonus to have a local homebrew supply (LBHS) near you. You can get advice from the owner or other patrons, and if you have an emergency and need something for a brew session already in progress, you don't have far to go.

John

 

[beer30]

Hey, I was just doing a little Google search for home brew suppliers closer to you and I found a place called The Beverage Company located right next door to you in Anderson, CA. .

John

Gee Wiz- Thanks John! I am going to drive over there today. Thanks for taking the time to find this supplier for me. I really appreciate it!

 

[beer30]

Thanks for all the info!

 

[beer30]

That's a good-looking kit, too. Wasn't sure how much you were thinking of spending.

Yeah....it's going to cost a little, but I expect to enjoy this hobby, so I am going to treat myself to the best starter kit I can get. What the hell...

 

[the_bird]

Personally, I don't feel the need to use glass for the primary; there's so much CO2 being produced, O2 permeability is pretty much a non-issue. Plus, you usually only do the primary for 7-10 days. You could do the basic kit and just buy a 5 gallon carboy to be your secondary fermenter (that's what I do). Buckets are a lot easier to work with than carboys.

You also might look into the Better Bottles before buying anything. They are PET plastic carboys, which means they are supposed to be perfectly good for long-term aging (very, very low gas permeability). Lots of people like them, because they are a LOT lighter and they are safer; many people around here have cut themselves pretty badly (or at the very least made a terrific mess) when they accidentally dropped a full carboy even a couple inches.

One of the online companies gave you the choice of glass or Better Bottles in their kits, can't remember which.

Not saying that glass isn't a fine choice, I only own glass - but you might explore the BBs before making your investment. When the time comes for me to get another secondary, I'll prolly go with a BB.

 

[the_bird]

Oh, and YOU WILL enjoy this hobby - er, OBSESSION.

I'm not sure what's more addictive, alcohol or the homebrewing process!

 

[user 4295]

Gee Wiz- Thanks John! I am going to drive over there today. Thanks for taking the time to find this supplier for me. I really appreciate it!

My pleasure! I have found home brewers to be among the most helpful and resourceful people I have ever met. I had many people help me when I was first staring out and I intend to return the favor as often as I get a chance to. Google is your friend!

John