Newbie from FL

[cembros]

Hey Guys,

Newbie here from Boca Raton FL. I have thought about brewing my own beer for a couple of years now and have just decided to take the plunge. I am a complete novice and don’t know too much outside what I have seen on a couple of youtube videos. I have been enjoying craft brews for a couple of years now, trying just about anything I can get my hands on. Now, it’s my turn! I ordered a how too book from amazon titled “How to Brew: Everything You Need TO Know To Brew Beer Right The First Time.” Hopefully this will give me some good insight. Next step is to pick up some equipment and ingredients. I was thinking the best bet would be to go for a kit that includes just about everything I need but I have no clue where to start. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I look forward to interacting with everyone, this is really exciting and I can't wait to start brewing!

 

[Seven]

Welcome to the obsession!

 

[user 84304]

Welcome, welcome. I live in Hobe Sound myself, but frequent BX Beer Depot in Lake Worth. Welcome to the obsession, as stated above

 

[cembros]

Thanks for the welcome. I found beer bx and thought I might head up there but I wasn't sure if was worth the trip, about a half hour. Do you think I could buy all I need to get started there? How are the prices?

 

[cembros]

I was just on their website and I think I'm going to sign up for their homebrew class this sunday. I may pick up some equipment there too if the price is right.

 

[user 84304]

Yeah they're the best. Corey and Sally know their stuff and the classes are fun. Friday nights they do a "Tiki tasting" from 7pm-11pm and have some great stuff on tap/in bottles. Small, friendly atmosphere and I frequent it just about every Friday night(except the next two, as I'll be out of town).

 

[cembros]

Ah crap, misread the dates. Class was yesterday, they don't have any upcoming classes posted.

 

[user 84304]

Missed your other post, and YES they're very well stocked and knowledgeable. Prices are good, but don't expect dirt cheap, they're fair. Support local business! Oh, and they do have a rewards program as well(just ask) and signup for the monthly newsletter email, as you'll get to know the happenings and such at the BX(they do tons of food/beer pairings, competitions, events, meetups, etc. there).

By the way, they're doing a porter/stout/spiced ale homebrew competition on December 4th. You can come even if you don't enter a beer and just drink samples. $10 for the tasting alone, I'll be there, I recommend you come have some fun.

 

[user 84304]

As for the classes, they're monthly or so, just call or check the website under the Events calendar. Looks like the next class is actually on National Homebrew Day! Nov. 4th.

 

[cembros]

Thanks Hops, maybe I will stop by Friday. I am way to impatient to wait until next month to get my brew started lol, so I think I will stop by tomorrow after work and get started. Will they have everything I need, like a kit?

 

[user 84304]

Oh yeah, they have varying kits available depending on how big you want to start. They have it all. Good luck and good brewing.

 

[cembros]

I think I will head out there tomorrow. Thanks for the advise.

 

[user 84304]

No problem. Tell 'em "Jamer" sent you. They'll know who it is.

 

[SwampassJ]

I'll second taking a class at BX. Prices are fair but it's a tought decision when it's 40 minutes each way on what I want to do. Lots of cool people hang out there on Friday nights and on their comps sometimes they turn into all day cook outs.

 

[cembros]

Ok made my way to BX tonight. From the outside it looks a bit shady but once you walk inside it is GREAT! A couple of people were inside having some brews and everyone was really friendly. Picked up a brew kit with a brown nut ale recipe. I got my how to book in the mail today so it's time to study. Let the fun begin. I will keep everyone informed once I begin.

 

[user 84304]

Good stuff man. Yeah, the outside has its rugged charm, but inside it's beer heaven

 

[cembros]

Ok so i went through with my brew on Sat and I think everything went well. I just opened bucket to check on the beer and I think it smelt a little funny, almost like cheep wine. Also, there was a buildup of what looked like hops formed a ring about 1/2 an inch above the beer. Should I be worried? Should I shake it up to get the ring of hops back in the beer?

 

[kappclark]

Welcome to HBT

 

[cembros]

Here is a picture. Problem?

 

[user 84304]

Here is a picture. Problem?

Nah, you're fine. RDWHAHB.

 

[bludgeon]

Welcome! I'm a new Florida brewer too. North in 95 a ways in south Daytona. Anyway, congrats on the purchase and the decision to brew! We have a homebrew store up this way too in new Smyrna but its 30 minutes away as well. The experience and advice in the store is worth the trip as are the slightly higher than Internet prices in my opinion. Supporting the local business is just a bonus!

I've just bottled my first batch so I by no means know for sure, but that ring is normal from what I've seen. Wait til you see the yeast cake, that shocked me!

 

[passedpawn]

Here is a picture. Problem?

No problem. Good luck Noob from FL.

 

[cembros]

Sweet, thanks brother. I hadn't seen that in any pictures so I was a bit worried. I assume it happened during the fermentation process.