Simple first brew..

[RicciR]

Hi guys,

I've been lurking around for a while and checking out the beginners info etc, just decided to post a direct question here.

Last week I went to a friend's and used his Coopers home kit and we prepared a lager brew which is still chugging away at the moment.
I had so much fun doing it that I want to go out and buy my own Coopers kit this week,
I've read a few posts and most seem to agree that this is a great easy way to start.
My question is, and sorry to be "that guy", but I notice some recommending using different yeast to the packet one that comes with the kit and a few other things, like malt and not Dextrose sugar?

I'm a bit confused.

My main problem is that I don't want to stuff up my first brew,
And I would like, if possible to make my first brew good enough that I actually enjoy it and not something that I want to throw out or have to struggle through drinking.

I realise a lot of the game is down to me getting the process right, and that's cool.. but can somebody please suggest to me an idiot proof recipe or set of tips (if in fact most recommend substituting ingredients in the kit), that I can go with to make my first brew a great experience?

Or please direct me to a post that has covered this?

Thanks in advance, and sorry for being a pest!


:fro:

 

[ILuvIPA]

You've asked some pretty broad questions. . .FWIW I recommend at this point in your brewing career stick with the kit. You can use it to focus on technique, get familiar with your equipment, sanitation practices, what to expect from the ferment, etc. As you said, you want your first brew to be good. . .stick with something tried & true (a kit.)

You can learn a lot brewing a few kits. During that time read Palmer's "How to Brew" and keep reading this forum. Just my 2c. Cheers!

 

[alek]

Read at least Section 1 from Palmer's How to Brew.

That said, if you like APAs, they are pretty simple to make. Also, pay a visit to your local homebrew supplier, look at their kits and recipes, and ask questions.

 

[rwinzing]

I agree stick to a kit but get your kit from one of the websites like :Northernbrewer, Austinhomebrew, midwestsupplies

Their kits are fresher come with different yeast options and produce very good beer. Austin Homebrew has a huge selection and resonable shipping

 

[152Sumo]

Read at least Section 1 from Palmer's How to Brew.

That said, if you like APAs, they are pretty simple to make. Also, pay a visit to your local homebrew supplier, look at their kits and recipes, and ask questions.

I just brewed an APA (fermenting right now) and it was pretty simple. Some steeping grains, simple hop schedule, and no dry-hopping. If you are interested in doing steeping grains with extract, don't be intimidated. It is pretty simple to follow. The hardest part for me so far is patience and trying not to worry. Good luck.

 

[RicciR]

Just wanted to say thanks to all who replied,

Very common sense answers,

And yes apologies again I know my question was "broad", I hate being "that guy" on forums, but I was really a bit lost.

I took the first poster's advice on board and I bought a Coopers kit and have my first brew going at home now that I put together yesterday,
I'm going to read the suggested links and I need a capper so i'm going to visit my local home brew shop (although I have been warned before that sometimes these guys don't give the best advice)..

Super excited about my first brew, and worried as well that things will go wrong!
Checked it this morning and the temp was at 22 degrees with plenty of condensation on the lid, I'm making a mexican cerveza which I bought seperately from the kit with the sugar that it recommended on the can, rather than use the one in the box which may have been sitting there for a while which was a larger.
(I thought cerveza was just beer hmm.....)

Regardless I'm already having fun, a bit impatient however
Hoping my brew turns out drinkable,

Any tips for the old hands for anything I should look out for?

So far i'm just worried about the temp, EG not falling below 20 or going above 27 deg.
Also I put my gravity tester inside the keg, I know i'll have to open it to check but I was recommended I do this for a couple of reasons.

Off to do some reading,

Cheers again guys!