New here and not sure where to start

[chrisd514]

I have been interested in trying home brewing for a few years but never gave it a shot. I finally decided it's time to start really looking into it. I have done some research and it seems like Mead is the easiest brew to start with. Not sure what equipment or supplies I need to get started. Looking for some advice and maybe an online mentor as I start this journey.

 

[unionrdr]

Meads can take a long time before they're ready to drink. A simple pale ale would be better imo. Check out these sights for beginner starter kits:
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/brewing-basics-equipment-kit.html
http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/brewing/beer-equipment-starter-kits/essential-brewing-starter-kit.html

 

[WayFrae]

Welcome to the forum! If you like beer, in my opinion, you should brew beer. All the information out there can be intimidating but it is really a very simple process that people have been doing for thousands of years. Buy a starter kit and start brewing beer! I am a beginner also, I am bottling my first batch tomorrow. Don't be afraid to dive right in!

 

[Homercidal]

Welcome! I also think that an ale should be the first thing. Mead takes a long time until ready (usually) and requires a bit of skill to get right. Besides beer, the next thing I'd think about is apfelwein. (Apple Wine, or simply pure apple juice fermented with yeast. You just can't get it wrong!)

There are plenty of prepackaged kits you could brew, or check out the beginners section for tips and tricks and just pick out a recipe and brew it.

 

[dkevinb]

By far the easiest thing I've found to brew is hard cider. You can ferment it in the jug it comes in. The second easiest is a simple ale using malt extracts. Mead can be simple to start, but it takes a LONG time before you should drink it. I have a 1 gallon jug I started over Christmas and I'm thinking about cheating and taking an early sip in July. Mead is much more like wine - think in terms of years.

 

[augwld]

I would say country wine. a little labor, but if it sucks, can be turned to vinegar. no waste. 3 lbs fruit,tsp yeast,1 lb golden raisins, 1 lemon, gallon water. stir for 7 days, remove pulp, sit 30 days and tada wine. let it age 6 months and you got settled wine. If it sucks, put in open crock and you have vinegar for cleaning at worst.