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re: Homebrewing: Supplies/ Starter Kits
Posted on 4/5/11 at 9:43 am to Fratastic423
Posted on 4/5/11 at 9:43 am to Fratastic423
quote:
I'm all about supporting the local economy and all but RSH is closed at the moment and I don't think many people would recommend Bootleggers. So online is the best option IMO.
Sucks that there's no dependable supplier in the area. I was just going by what I found on a search site.
I guess we're just spoiled here in Bham.
2
Posted on 4/5/11 at 9:43 am to BugAC
Yea no good local options.. (I havent been to Marcello's though) Getting things fast I find Austin Homebrew to work very well for me.
The makers of your kit makes some really nice kits to start with. True Brew extract kits produce pretty good extract beer. They are very simple though which you should stick with for your first beer. Dont run off and make an IPA..
Stick with a Pale Ale or Wheat. Then see if you like it and dont mind the cleanup and sanitizing routine. Then check out the custom recipes AHS or northern offers. They offer many clones as well.
For your first beer though use the K.I.S.S. method though. Take your time, have patience and you will enjoy a fun hobby.
The makers of your kit makes some really nice kits to start with. True Brew extract kits produce pretty good extract beer. They are very simple though which you should stick with for your first beer. Dont run off and make an IPA..
Stick with a Pale Ale or Wheat. Then see if you like it and dont mind the cleanup and sanitizing routine. Then check out the custom recipes AHS or northern offers. They offer many clones as well. For your first beer though use the K.I.S.S. method though. Take your time, have patience and you will enjoy a fun hobby.
Posted on 4/5/11 at 9:46 am to thebhamdawgfan
quote:
I guess we're just spoiled here in Bham
The fact that you have better options in a place where homebrewing is illegal amazes me.
ETA: Actually, it shouldn't amaze me. Good ol' BR.
This post was edited on 4/5/11 at 9:47 am
Posted on 4/5/11 at 9:47 am to Fratastic423
quote:
I would just pick a recipe kit from NorthernBrewer and go from there. Find a beer style that you like to drink and buy that one.
This. Excellent way to learn the ins and outs of crafting a recipe. Another good book to read for learning the nuts and bolts of homebrewing is "Designing Great Beers" by Daniels. Really gets into the "why" of many methods and ingredients.
Posted on 4/5/11 at 9:47 am to thebhamdawgfan
quote:
I guess we're just spoiled here in Bham.
Posted on 4/5/11 at 9:48 am to Catman88
quote:
They are very simple though which you should stick with for your first beer. Dont run off and make an IPA.. Stick with a Pale Ale or Wheat.
Yeah, i want my first brew to be simple. So i get the technique down. The book suggests starting with an ale.
I haven't gone too far into the book, but am i right in thinking that lager's require fermenting longer and in cooler temperatures, somewhere between 60-64 degrees?
Posted on 4/5/11 at 9:49 am to Catman88
quote:
I havent been to Marcello's though
They've got an OK selection of ingredients. Would probably work well if you need an ingredient in a pinch. Their equipment was overpriced though...unless I absolutely needed it that day I'd still mail order it.
Still though, better than Bootleggers or that place out in Denham Springs.
Posted on 4/5/11 at 9:50 am to BugAC
quote:
am i right in thinking that lager's require fermenting longer and in cooler temperatures, somewhere between 60-64 degrees?
More or less. Stick to ales at first. For lagers you'll need a way to ferment at cooler temps and then a spot in a fridge to lager the beer after fermentation is complete. You'll get there eventually if you really want to.
Posted on 4/5/11 at 9:50 am to Grilled Bald Eagle
Are there any good supply stores in New Orleans? My girlfriend lives there, so going down there isn't a problem.
Posted on 4/5/11 at 9:52 am to BugAC
quote:
but am i right in thinking that lager's require fermenting longer and in cooler temperatures, somewhere between 60-64 degrees?
I ferment lagers below 60, 55 or so. I ferment my ales probably around 68 for normal ales, higher for Belgian ales.
While lagers are not necessarily harder beers to make, they require specific temp controls, which most people do not have to start off with. Ales are always the first go to since typically they can ferment into the 70s.
Catman is right about the True Brew kits, they are pretty good.
Posted on 4/5/11 at 9:53 am to BugAC
quote:
Are there any good supply stores in New Orleans? My girlfriend lives there, so going down there isn't a problem.
Brewstock is fantastic. Aaron can get you setup with everything you need asap if you wanted to go that route. I drive down to NO just to go to his store.
Posted on 4/5/11 at 9:53 am to BugAC
What about hydrometers and thermometers? I'm assuming the kit i looked at includes this, as it is a necessary part of brewing, but are there any that you would recommend to use, instead of the supplied ones?
Posted on 4/5/11 at 9:54 am to BugAC
Posted on 4/5/11 at 9:59 am to Fratastic423
quote:
Brewstock is fantastic. Aaron can get you setup with everything you need asap if you wanted to go that route. I drive down to NO just to go to his store.
Just checked out their website. This seems like the place i'm going to go to pick up my supplies.
Posted on 4/5/11 at 10:00 am to thebhamdawgfan
quote:
For all:
LINK
The problem with that list is theres no differentiation between a LD Carlson dropship shop and a real shop worth going to. Bootleggers and the Denham Springs places are the former...stay away...
Posted on 4/5/11 at 10:01 am to BugAC
The hydrometer in that kit is also a thermometer I believe.. I broke that one a long time ago but it was a decent one enough.
There isnt really a Mercedes of hydrometers they are pretty much all the same. Now you may eventually want a refractometer when (if) you get into all grain brewing.
There isnt really a Mercedes of hydrometers they are pretty much all the same. Now you may eventually want a refractometer when (if) you get into all grain brewing.
Posted on 4/5/11 at 10:01 am to Fratastic423
To get started nicely, with a glass fermenter and a kit to brew your first batch, I think you can probably do it for under $150.
Typical starter equip kit: ~$75
Glass Carboy: ~$35
Ingredient Kit: ~$35
Some of the items can carry a heavy shipping fee. It might be worth paying a couple dollars more locally and saving on shipping.
Typical starter equip kit: ~$75
Glass Carboy: ~$35
Ingredient Kit: ~$35
Some of the items can carry a heavy shipping fee. It might be worth paying a couple dollars more locally and saving on shipping.
Posted on 4/5/11 at 10:02 am to BugAC
quote:
What about hydrometers and thermometers?
I have a brewing buddy that has never used his hydrometer because he never has cared about the readings, but then I use mine all the time and actually bought a better reader the other day. Hopefully that comes in soon because I am waiting on that to brew again.
Hydrometers are all the same. Just ensure that the thermometer that you use works properly.
Posted on 4/5/11 at 10:04 am to BugAC
quote:
somewhere between 60-64 degrees?
Most lagers you do at a temp lower than that mostly in the 50s. You pretty much have to wait until winter in LA to think about a lager if you dont have a freezer with a temp control setup.
OH and BTW 'blow off tube' google it and have one ready just incase. Many people are still cleaning stains off their ceiling for not being prepared.
Posted on 4/5/11 at 10:06 am to BugAC
I brewed an Imperial IPA for my first try. It was fine. I doubt it's any harder than any other beer so don't worry about that. Brew what you like.
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