New from Southeast Louisiana

[Brewntang]

Hello all,

New here from South Louisiana. I have been lurking here and many other beer sites for a while but just starting to develop my plan for a brew kettle, Conical fermentor, and keezer builds. I am new to homebrewing but want to jump right into all-grain. I plan on attending some events at local supply stores to get my feet wet but I want to get my post count up here in the hopes that I can gain some knowledge and maybe some good deals in the classifieds sections. Once I develop some good recipes, I was thinking of entering some competitions. Favorites are American IPAs, Stouts, and Berliners but thinking I may get into Sours after a while. anyways,

 

[ncbrewer]

I hope you get some brews going soon. Welcome.

 

[Brewntang]

I hope so as well. Shooting for the end of the year or early next year depending on my work schedule. Thanks!

 

[Gerry_P]

Welcome from, er, Southeast Louisiana!
Brewstock in NOLA is a very good shop. Go see them if you haven't already, they're nice people and their prices are very reasonable.

This would be a good time to mention that you don't need a bunch of fancy equipment to start brewing. My all-grain setup, including a cheap stir plate and a fermentation chamber jacket thingy, but not including kegging stuff, cost me about $250. Here's a picture of the 3 fermenters at Traquair House Brewery, brewers of arguably the best strong Scotch ale in the world. You'll note the absence of anything electronic or stainless steel. (Pic stolen from the AHA board.) Cheers!

 

[Brewntang]

Thank you. I have heard about Brewstock and will be paying them a visit soon. Right now I am focusing on a setup that will require less maintenance/replacement over time and for simultaneous ferms/kegging. Happy brewing

 

[MindenMan]

Just a suggestion... I have a low budget "ghetto" setup and still produce top shelf beers. If you don't already have one, wait until turkey fryers go on sale after Thanksgiving; around here they are $20.00 each on sale. Buy two just in case you want to deep fry a turkey sometime without affecting your beer brewing. The burner they use is $50.00 on average (if bought separately) and they come with a 30 quart pot and a long stem thermometer as well. Burner and pot 20 bucks, that is a no brainer for me.
Welcome to your newest addiction. I mean hobby...

 

[Brewntang]

Good idea! Not sure I can wait lol. Addiction is the correct term lol

 

[brew703]

Check out LA Homebrew in Baton Rouge. They are always brewing on Saturday and they have been helpful in getting me started.
I also second Brewstock but they do not brew often and for me hands on experience was more beneficial.
You may want to look into BIAB. its how I brew. Less equipment to buy.
Good luck.
Also I have not come across much equipment for sale in Louisiana in the classifieds. Once in a while there's some equipment.
Wait til black Friday for equipment. Also most important is fermentation control. make sure you have that.

 

[Brewntang]

I plan on doing BIAB as well! I like the people in LA homebrew. I came in with lots of questions and they were very helpful. I am going to see if I can nab a miniature upright freezer as a ferm chamber on Black Friday if I can wheel and deal on Craigslist.

 

[numberspace]

The guys at LA Homebrew are awesome in BR. I would recommend joining one of the several home brew clubs in the area too. One thing to consider for SE Louisiana is ground water temperature during the summer. It made chilling with a DIY 50ft immersion chiller painfully slow. Had to upgrade it.