Need some knowledge :)

[Barbell]

Hi guys,

I'm sort of new to all of this. I brewed some, but now I'm starting with real equipment and stuff. I just wanted to ask, what is the best source of info out there? I read Palmer's book and it was great, but I need more. I see all of you discussing things and I have no idea what half of the things is.

Can you guys list some of the most valuable sources of information that you used? Or, what would you tell yourself to read if you were just starting but knew what you know now?

Thanks!

 

[Murph2002]

Randy Mosher's new book "Mastering Homebrew" is a keeper in my book. I read it cover to cover, even the sections I thought I already had an understanding of, and I'll continue to go back to it on a regular basis. Great stuff.

 

[masonsjax]

You're there dude! This forum is by far the greatest source of info available anywhere. Be sure to read the sticky threads at the top of each forum category. Use Google to search for anything you still have questions about like so "site:homebrewtalk.com <topic>". Start new threads if for some reason you can't find the answer in an existing thread. Most importantly RDWHAHB. Have fun!

 

[beergolf]

The books are good. But this forum has a ton of good info, and many very knowlegable and helpful members. Just spend a ton of time reading here and ask questions any time you do not understand something. Someone will chime in in just a minute and help you out. We were all newbs at one point.

When I first started I spent so much time reading this forum that my wife called it my "beer porn".

 

[Spludge]

Be sure to read the sticky threads at the top of each forum category.

This! Before you start digging into a subject hit that specific forum and read the stickies

 

[h22lude]

How To Brew is the best book out there IMO. That gives you all the knowledge you need to start. If that was the only thing you read, you could start making good beers. To get into the more in-depth stuff, you can start reading Water and Yeast by Palmer (two different books) but I wouldn't even think about picking those up for a while.

Searching this forum is the best thing you can do now. Like mason said, any time you have a question can to Google and type site:homebrewtalk.com and then type what you want to ask. This works so well.

When I first started I came on here at least 4 to 5 times a day and just read every post in the beginner section. That may be over kill but it did help me a lot.

 

[brewcat]

This forum. A lot of different experiences and ideas.

 

[mrdail87]

. I see all of you discussing things and I have no idea what half of the things is.

Google is your friend. I mean that in the sincerest way possible. If you come across some terminology you don't know, do the research to find out what it means.

If you've tried that and are still confused, just post your question here. There's plenty of people here willing to help.

Just focus on the basics til you get the hang of it, and then start learning the more advanced techniques and terms. Take your time trying out new things though. Too much at once can feel overwhelming, and too many untested techniques in a new batch of beer can result in some bad brews (speaking from experience).

 

[MindenMan]

I read every book my local library had on anything related to home brewing. Free is good in my book; there is a downloadable version of one of Palmers' (or maybe Papazian's) books available for free. I have been brewing for almost 3 years, and I still ask "how and why" quite often. I currently brew more hard cider than beer these days as it takes hard cider (especially applejack) months to get really nice. That is just my opinion of course, but 40% ABV applejack is really harsh when young, but give it 6 months in the bottle and wow!

 

[Barbell]

Great, thanks guys. I'll make sure to keep reading

 

[Cider123]

Anything , and I mean anything, related to beer will have at least one archived thread on this forum. Be sure to use the "advanced search" feature here, not just "search". Seriously, if type in "brew porter vinegar church donkeys", there will probably be a thread on how to brew vinegar porters in church with donkeys.

Books are not interactive but the threads are. You also get lots of opinions and viewpoints which you weigh and consider and research some more. You can easily spend more time here than actually brewing,