New here, quick intro inside

[fezzman]

Hello all. I've been lurking these forums for about a month or so now. I figured it was about time for me to step out of the shadows.

I'm 33, married and living in the Sunshine State (FL). For years I have been on a mission to try virtually every type of beer I could get my hands on. I can appreciate most any brew, except for BL (kack). Old Speckled Hen and Boddingtons are two of my favorite ales. My wife and I attend the Guinness events regularly (irishpints.com). Though, sometimes I find myself craving a bottle of ghetto malt.

I decided that I wanted to take my love for brew one step further and try my hand at brewing. I've not yet bought my first kit but am finally ready to purchase one. I wanted to do a bit of research first before buying. I've already opted to go with a kit that comes with at least one carboy as opposed to two buckets. I currently have my stainless boil pot and am removing the labels from my bottles.

With luck I'll be able to make the 1/2 hour drive to my lhbs on Saturday. I'm anxious to get started. :rockin: After that, prepare yourself for my flood of noob questions. I'll search before asking though.

 

[Fatabbot]

Welcome to the best, and most rewarding, hobby I've ever found. Well, it's tied with taking my bass boat out every weekend.....

 

[BrewStef]

This really is the best hobby, welcome to the boards.

 

[fezzman]

Thanks for the welcomes. I'm growing more anxious to start with each post I read.

 

[homebrewer_99]

Welcome. I'm glad to hear you've been doing your research first.

 

[fezzman]

I have my first question which may save me a bit of label removal. Are both of these bottle types adequate for capping? I'm not so sure about the one on the right where the top is shaped sort of like an 8. It seems as though the glass may be thinner on top than on the other bottle.

Thanks.

 

[user 574]

When I bottled I couldn't use the one's on the right with the red-handled capper and get a good seal. Had to do with the second lip down that was shorter than the one on the left.

 

[homebrewer_99]

Just use a little more muscle on the crimper.

As long as it's not a twist-off (and you'll read about some people using them anyway) it'll be good.

There are some bottles that do not seal well due to the different diameters of the opening. Once you find those - toss 'em.

 

[fezzman]

Thanks for the quick replies. Fortunately, I have more of the bottles on the left.

There is a local brewery near me, the Florida Beer Company. They currently have cases (24) for only $12 a pop if you buy them at the brewery. They ran out of the proper cases so they are selling them cheap out of different boxes. Thats' where I've been getting most of my bottles...making them empty one at a time.