Very new

[Corza]

Hi everybody
So I'm an Aussie living in the south of France and never brewed a thing in my life.
I'm waiting for my online bought home brew kit and yeast to arrive, which has fermentation tub, hydrometer, spoon, sanitizer, airlock and a few other bits but it also comes with a 5 gallon keg.
Is that a bit excessive for a first go, or should I try bottling first, I'm worried about exploding bottles etc, my first attempt is going to be a gingerbeer (cos I can't get it here).
If anyone could share some advice and or links I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks

 

[Corza]

Sorry should have posted this in beginners section like my welcome message I just read says.

 

[Jaxmickey]

I bottled my first batch and learned that I wanted to keg after that. I still have unused bottles, but it really is personal preference. Best of luck!

 

[astacey1403]

I started off with bottling one because there is much less equipment need and it's also much more traditional. If you follow any online priming calculator for your style or a specific carbonation profile you want you should not get any bottle bombs. (Assuming your fermentation is complete) Typically you will see bottle bombs from beer/wort that's not fully fermented or a bug gets in the beer and over produces CO2.

 

[Jaxmickey]

there are calculators here, on brewersfriend.com, and many others. The best advise that I can give is to follow the recipe and instructions exactly as they are printed. It will take all of the guess work out of brewing from a kit.

Best wishes and welcome to the tastiest hobby on the planet!

 

[Barley_Bob]

Hey, welcome to the hobby!

If you think you'll stick with brewing, and you have the resources to put into kegging, I say "go for it!" Bottling is terrible. And you can bottle out of your keg with the right setup. I envy you.

 

[Corza]

Thanks for the info and encouragement I guess I'll just keg and enlist more drinkers if need be and taste permits.