New Brewer in Orlando, FL

[bobbyhughes3]

Hey everyone, I'm Bobby (USMC vet, aerospace engineer) and just recently got hooked on brewing after making some Hefeweizen via a Mr. Beer Kit my wife bought me for my birthday. I'm currently researching what kind of set up I'd like to buy to start brewing some popular recipes. My goal is small, 1 gallon batches at first until I gain more confidence (and can show my wife I'm serious and I need the spare room for brewing beer, not a dog bedroom) and then ultimately I'd like to move up into kegging the beer to supply our home bar.

I'm sure it's in the forums (that I have yet to search through, will be doing so tonight) but does anyone recommend joining the AHA? I'd like to go to some home brewing competitions and that seems the way to go, but I'm just asking out loud. I have a ton of questions and I'm sure y'all will see them in my future posts.


Cheers

 

[kccabs44]

Welcome Bobby (thank you for your service). The threads are full of answers for any questions you might have and if you cant find an answer, just ask. tons of people in here with loads of info

 

[friarsmith]

If you haven’t already, check out Home - Central Florida Home Brewers Association and Brewers Anonymous. Two Orlando clubs. It is a great way to learn and (in your case) possibly see various homebrew rigs in action before sinking a lot of money into it.

 

[bobbyhughes3]

If you haven’t already, check out Home - Central Florida Home Brewers Association and Brewers Anonymous. Two Orlando clubs. It is a great way to learn and (in your case) possibly see various homebrew rigs in action before sinking a lot of money into it.

I'll look into those two groups tonight. Thanks so much!

 

[SteveH aka shetc]

I'll look into those two groups tonight. Thanks so much!

Both of very good clubs.

 

[ncbrewer]

Welcome from NC.

 

[bracconiere]

aerospace engineer)

you know brewing beer isn't rocket science though right?

Welcome!

 

[T Murph]

Welcome to the community. Yes joining the AHA is a great place to learn tons about brewing, competitions and judging. I agree with previous post who mentioned your two local clubs. Participating in clubs offer beer related experiences not found elsewhere. Additionally there are several clubs around Central and North Florida. Not to mention Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties. I've had tons of fun participating in Sunshine State Competitions. I'm from the Panhandle.

 

[Bruce Butler]

North Florida? I'm in the Ocala area

 

[Clint Yeastwood]

Welcome. Are you using Hearts Home Brew?

 

[Bruce Butler]

Welcome. Are you using Hearts Home Brew?

No, haven't been there. In general I try to purchase everything and have it shipped to me. Orlando is now a 2.5 hour drive each way.

 

[Hoppy2bmerry]

Welcome from NY, Bobby. AHA member and local Homebrew club member too, I’ve learned a lot through those membership and right here on HBT as well.

 

[Clint Yeastwood]

No, haven't been there. In general I try to purchase everything and have it shipped to me. Orlando is now a 2.5 hour drive each way.

No, I was asking the guy from Orlando.

 

[TBA]

@Bruce Butler Have you tried The OG Homebrew in Gainesville? Great owner and they are very active

https://www.oghomebrew.com/

 

[Clint Yeastwood]

What are their prices like? Hearts sells crushed grain for $1.65/#.

 

[TBA]

While I have been there several times I didn’t buy grains. I am not local there but my BIL is. He shops there and thinks the prices are good. You can probably email from website and ask for a grain sheet/price list. He special orders yeasts, I have done that and really it is the only way I am getting liquid yeasts. Prices on those were standard white labs and omega prices but no shipping cost. He is the only lhbs I have ever been too that even knows what DuoTight is! He has shelf of the stuff. I have been to hearts and others around FL. When traveling I always search for lhbs to see what they and support.

 

[Clint Yeastwood]

Looks like it's an hour away from me, so half an hour closer than Hearts. But they don't have an online shop, so I guess I would have to hang out there while they put orders together.

 

[Bruce Butler]

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@Bruce Butler Have you tried The OG Homebrew in Gainesville? Great owner and they are very active

https://www.oghomebrew.com/

looking forward to it!

 

[jdubdvdt]

looking forward to it!

Paul is a good guy. He is very responsive to emails and calls and willing to make things right from a customer service perspective (any issues with products from vendors, etc). I buy bulk grains from him and share/trade with others when they need grain.

We are in Ocala too. If you are not yet a member, consider joining the Brick City Brewers or Hogtown Brewers.
Brick City is a fun group, not competitive.
Hogtown is a competitive group, fun in a competitive way.

I am a member of BCB.
https://www.facebook.com/brickcitybrewers/
https://brickcitybrewers.great-site.net/?i=1

They just got the website up - and working on keeping it updated. The club meetings will be updated soon once we have our end of the year party. Reach out with any questions to me and I am glad to answer.