Getting into Home Brewing

[eplanajr]

I would love to brew my own beers and have been gaining interest in doing this.

Do you guys have suggestions for my first kit?

What to look out for/look for, etc.

[mneagle]

If you know someone who does it, sit in for a few sessions and see how you like it. Otherwise, I'd start with a book. The 2 most commonly recommended books are Papazian's "Complete Joy of Homebrewing" and John Palmer's "How to Brew". I started with Joy but many people don't care for Papazian's wacky style and prefer the no non-sense attitude of Palmer. Palmer puts a lot of his book on-line as a teaser. Check it out here: How to Brew

 

If you don't have a local brew store, then I'd check out Austin Homebrew Supply on-line. They have a good selection of starter kits HERE and only charge a fixed $7.50 for delivery (which is a huge deal given the size and shape of what's being shipped in a kit).

 

Don't worry about getting a recipe book, there are millions on-line.

[RJRiha]

Your nearest homebrew shop likely specializes in helping people just like you. They make the vast majority of their money selling starter kits. Since you will be likely buying extract kits to begin with (and they are a high profit item), the brew shop has a vested interest in making sure you succeed so you will come back and buy more. Go in and ask questions, drop some cash, and start doing it. After you understand the basics, then a book will help you more than reading it cold.

[JoeR]

Best advice I can give you-

 

1: Buy a 6 or 6.5 gallon carboy. You won't end up losing so much of your brew to blowoff.

 

2: Yeast in tubes. It may be more expensive, but spend the extra cash for the tubed yeast. Worth it every time. Only time to use packet yeast is when you are making a big beer or wine/mead and you need champagne yeast to finish her off.

 

3: An old keg makes a great cheap pot. get the top cut out of it( and a spigot welded on if you feel like going for awesome) 15 gallons of boiling capacity. They also self stir with the rolling boil really well.

 

4: Brewing outside is much more fun that doing it inside.

 

5: Join your local homebrew club, and learn how to judge beer. Judging other beers helps you make yours much better.

 

6: Don't wait until your last 6-pack to brew your next batch

Edited February 20, 2010 by JoeR

[111]

 

6: Don't wait until your last 6-pack to brew your next batch

my biggest problem!