If you had a time machine, what what you tell your beginner brew-self?

[Mdsutton]

Power ball numbers for the next Big power ball drawing!

 

[Echoloc8]

Start making my own recipes earlier. Kits and recipes are great for getting basic techniques down, but I have learned more about beer in general and ingredients in particular from formulating my own recipes.

-Rich

 

[krackin]

The very best way to teach them revenuers a lesson is to take those ........

 

[CA_Mouse]

Start making my own recipes earlier. Kits and recipes are great for getting basic techniques down, but I have learned more about beer in general and ingredients in particular from formulating my own recipes.

-Rich

I agree 100% here. My first kit beers were pretty good (my first brew was a dunkle that no one could believe was an extract kit and that it was my first beer) and a partial mash kit made me realize how much better they could be. I just to All Grain in 4 months and my own recipes 2 months after that.

Mouse

 

[CA_Mouse]

Another thing... nylon stockings make a great trub filter!

Mouse

 

[Epimetheus]

It is easier to use 1/2 inch diameter instead of 3/8 inch for tubing, siphons, bottle fillers, valves, everything. The 1/2 inch diameter costs just a fraction more than 3/8 inch diameter but it has TWICE the flow area. It makes a noticeable difference how fast you can drain a kettle or fill bottles.

Any statements you read here or anywhere that you must get this or that, or must do things their way is suspect. Go with the equipment you have and just start brewing. You can get more or bigger stuff later.

Enjoy it! If you like using Mr. Beer or building brew sculptures, extract, all grain, cloning or striking out on your own, go ahead.

 

[unionrdr]

The problem comes in when spigots use 3/8" or 5/8" tubing,& bottling wands use 3/8".

 

[amandabab]

I hate 1/2 bottling wands. not bad with stubbies, but they leave a lot of headspace in longnecks and some wine bottles.

 

[Erroneous]

I would have to agree that buying more equipment earlier wasn't really an option. Unless of course I remembered those power ball numbers.

I would tell myself to calibrate my brew kettle before doing AG. It is better to get less beer at the right SG then the right volume of beer at the wrong SG. Also talk to your old boss about homebrew so you can get his equipment and get kegging sooner