Noob Needs Info!

[moonfolk]

Hello all! I am interested in trying my hand at brewing beer at home, and so found this app to help me reach into the ether for information, advice, and general comments about the process and required resources for making said beer.

I just recently moved to NYC and was wondering what hardware I would need and where to get it. I'm looking to make small batches (Like 3-5 gallons; I assume that's small) and would like to know what you guys consider to be the best book on the subject.

Beer types I'm most interested in crafting: IPA, Porter, Stout, Double Bock, Barleywine, Old Ale, and ESB. I'm interested in trying anything though. As you may have guessed, high ABV beers are what I love, so "Imperial" recipes would be great!

Also, the simplest method of bottling would be cool. I like the idea of growlers or something larger than 12 ouncers, though, if that is easier, I'll definitely just fill a bunch of smaller beers.

I'd also really like to increase my beer knowledge, home-brewing aside, like food parings, specific types, and history.

Cheers! I look forward to sharing my results often!

-Lester

 

[davis119]

This site is a wealth of info. Search and your will get lots of info. Every one is always using info from "josh palmer" book/site.

Im assuming u are going to start with extract recipies.
All u need is a 20qt pot and a basic starter kit..... (buckets. Siphon ect)

You can't bottle in growlers. But u can do 22oz......

 

[xxKDDxx]

I would get a good 5 gallon starter kit from your local brew shop or online. I prefer the deluxe starter kit from Northern Brewer and they have a good selection of extract kits. As far as books go I have read How to Brew, Tasting Beer, Radical Brewing, and Designing Great Beers and have found all of them very informative. I think How to Brew is the best as far as an insructional book goes. Tasting Beer is more about the history and styles of beer, as well as food pairing and judging or tasting beer. For bottling I would go with 1 liter grolsch or EZ Cap bottles. Filling and capping 2 cases of 12oz. bottles is a royal P.I.T.A.

 

[moonfolk]

Wow that was fast! Thanks, I look into the brewing kits and books. Quick question, is an extract recipe made with canned worts? Is that what you mean or something else? I've also seen powdered extracts and I'm curious as to why either would be preferred over non-extract. Thanks!

 

[jerryboy]

Welcome to HBT and your journey.

You will find many advocates of John Palmer's "How to Brew ", I read "The Joy of Homebrewing ". Either should be adequate in combination with this site. I think a Google search will help you to find your LBHS.

I don't think there is so much to fear with bottling as others will say. It can be a pain to clean them all but diligence pays ten fold here. Also, most kits should come with a bottling bucket.

If I can make one suggestion, look into both extract and AG before buying your kit.

edit : extracts come in dry and liquid form. Many like AG, cheaper batches (req more hardware) and more flexibility.

 

[momobono]

If you're in a small NYC apartment (I'm in a small Boston apartment) I'd agree with your 3-5gal batch size. Equipment-wise, a two-bucket system and 5gal (20qt) pot should do it to start.

Quick question, is an extract recipe made with canned worts?

(Malt) extract is concentrated sugary syrup or powder that begins as barley and ends in a simple, effective way to make beer. Wort is made of those extracts, plus hops (or anything else you want to put in there), boiled in water. Definitely get any/all of the books mentioned to better educate yourself. Happy Homebrewing!

 

[rifraf]

"How to Brew" by Palmer is a must. It's a relatively quick read if you stick to the extract section and he answers a ton of questions about what extract is, why you do stuff and how to do stuff.

 

[unionrdr]

Bottling can be an enjoyable part of the brewing process. You just have to get the tools needed & a good process that works for you to make it go quickly & easily. The process part will come from experience,& won't take long for you to learn what is needed to make it go smoothly.
You can watch my bottling videos for some ideas. Or check out revvy's posting in the stickies for his method. Both are good ways to make bottling more enjoyable.
I still use the 20qt (5G) SS stock pot I started with for 3 gallon partial boils. I typically use 3lbs of plain DME & 1 pre-bittered can of LME with a couple ounces of hops for my average ales. See my recipes for how I use them.

 

[Tall_Yotie]

Welcome!

As said above, get a basic starter kit (I usually recommend the bare-bones, 2 plastic fermenting bucket with standard accessories), and have a large boil kettle. 3 gallons is a minimum, so if you have a large stew pot you should be fine.

Extract brews are where you want to start; you make your own wort from the extract, steep grains to add special flavorings. You will be doing partial-boil, so no need for a 7.5 gallon bucket right away.

Great thing is that the beginner kit can be used the entirety of your time with the hobby, and add equipment if you want to get more advanced.

If you want to learn about food pairing, there is a great section in the book "Tasting Beer" by Randy Mosher.

 

[rifraf]

Oh and whatever you do, get a hydrometer!!

 

[StanJohnson]

Here's a link to Palmer's book. I bought the book but the first edition is free online.

http://www.howtobrew.com/

Also, read this about fermentation. It will answer a lot of your questions:

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f39/fermentation-can-take-24-72-hrs-show-visible-signs-43635/

Also, here's another good one about bottling:

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/bottling-tips-homebrewer-94812/

I consider these all to be must reads.

 

[ScoRas]

As far as a cheap alternative to bottling, I suggest checking out the tap-a-draft and/or mini keg system threads on this site. See what appeals to you.