New to Homebrewing

amwarrior15 · Apr 16, 2012

I am new to homebrewing and have been reading How to Brew. I can't get started until another few months and am going to read a couple more books, since I can't get started on any hands-on learning yet.

I am planning on doing a Dogfish Head Indian Brown Ale clone recipe that I found on here. It calls for some specialty grains. Just wondering if this would be a good recipe to start with? And if there are any tips or suggestions anyone has. Thanks!

kapbrew13 · Apr 16, 2012

Welcome!! Get the proper equipment. Hydrometer, waterproof thermometer, save bottles, large enough stockpot. Takes notes during the brew day. And have fun.

TopherM · Apr 16, 2012

If I were you, I wouldn't dive into a clone brew.

Some of the more simple style brews can be more forgiving, so you'll make a better brew to get you started. They also typically have more basic ingredients, so you can focus more on your process for the first few brews and not have too many things to worry about at once.

Go check out one of the larger online retailers, like Midwest Supply, Austin Homebrew, or Northern Brewer, and get a basic packaged kit. If you like Brown Ales, just stick with a basic brown ale, english brown, etc. for your first brew, and focus on sanitation and the brewing process.

Once you have 2-3 batches under your belt, then branch out into the clone brews and start learning about the contributions each ingredient makes to the brew.

Good luck!

Genjin · Apr 16, 2012

Clones can be fun, but for a first batch, a basic kit or recipe will serve you better. Until you get your process down, you won't likely get very close on the clones.

I've found browns, porters and stouts to be very forgiving. The chances of having a tasty brew that family and friends will enjoy will be very high with those styles IMO.

Good luck and welcome to the addiction!

amwarrior15 · Apr 16, 2012

Good ideas. I guess I should wait until I have an idea of what I'm doing, rather than try a clone that doesn't turn out well. I think I'll try a Nut Brown or American Brown kit from Austin Homebrew.

homebrewdad · Apr 16, 2012

Welcome to the hobby! I love brown ales, and they are a forgiving style - off flavors that might be faults in some styles are perfectly fine in a brown.

I recently put together an article for newbie brewers, you might find it useful. Common Sense for Homebrewers. It answers some of the most common question that new brewers ask.

jetsfan4ever80 · Apr 16, 2012

I brewed my first batch around three weeks ago and bottled it up yesterday. So the experiences of my first brew are very fresh in my mind. I would have to agree with the consensus that it's best to start out with an easy recipe. My first brew was a major learning experience despite all the prior research I had done. From nearly forgetting the yeast and priming sugar to my odd reading for my original gravity, there were a lot of things that left me a little flustered. I would recommend getting your process down before venturing into tougher brews. Best of luck!