Making my own home recipe

[Bruiserbrew]

My dad and i just got into making our own beer at home and we just made our first today. Now i know we need to get used to everything and get a feel of exactly what and what not to do. But i would really like to just make our own recipe and kind of deviate from the kits. How do you really find recipes that work and that are successful. For example, amounts for different ingredients, what kinds of ingredients or how to add different ingrediants such as different fruits or juices. Thanks a lot, appreciate the advice.

 

[KYB]

I've only done one recipe that wasn't mine, my first brew. This is what I do and it has worked great. First, be very comfortable with the brewing process.

Now, decide what you want to brew and take a look at the style guidelines for it:
http://www.bjcp.org/stylecenter.php

Then check these out to get a feel for the different ingredients:
http://byo.com/resources/grains
http://byo.com/resources/hops
http://byo.com/resources/yeast

You can also google other sites to get a feel for them.

Then, look at different recipes to get an idea as to what they are like. Then start on your own.

Oh yea, brewing software will help you immensely. I suggest getting a program. I like BeerSmith personally.

Good luck!

 

[Ølbart]

I would recommend a recipe book like Brewing Classic Styles along with the recipe formulation book Designing Great Beers.

Recipes on the web can be hit and miss, but most of the more popular ones in the HBT recipe database are very good, and there are some collections of award winning recipes out there as well.

Also, keep in mind that it's easier to learn from simple recipes than the more complex ones. And they tend to be the best.

 

[Yankeehillbrewer]

+1 on Designing Great Beers. I also like to use the recipe database to get a feel for what ingredients people are using in a given style. SMaSH's are also a great way to learn what certain ingredients bring.