Getting started with HOMEBREW beer... advice pls!

[gullshark]

I've been interested in homebrew beer or cider for a while now, I've been asked what I want for xmas so thinking of getting a homebrew starter set.

Anyone got any experience of doing homebrew? I'm a complete newbie to it all and I don't want to google 'starter set' and buy the first one I see - are there any that come recommended that are < £100 ? although saying that I found http://www.the-home-brew-shop.co.uk/...arter_kit.html that looks pretty decent to my untrained eye.

I generally prefer ale to lager, but I guess I can make lagers and bitters using the same equipment? (obv not at the same time!).

 

[Matrix10]

If they are still available Dave Lines books are brilliant, the one on brewing beers from known breweries. Has even a recipe for Harveys!

 

[Chief Wiggum]

HOME BREW FORUM - JIM'S BEER KIT Index page

 

[Poyetry In Motion]

My advice would be to release the air lock quite frequently. Don't let the gases build up, otherwise you'll end up with 30 litres of home-made cider soaking into your dining room carpet and subsequently you sleep in the spare room due to pissing your wife off....

 

[Willy Dangle]

Pop along to Johnsons Home Brew Shop, Gratewick Road, Worthing. Small independant brewing shop. They were always very helpful when I was into it, they mail order as well but worth the initial chat to get you started.

For me the key was stay away from the quick brew stuff better to be patient. Make two or three batches so you are drinking the 1st whilst making the 3rd if that makes sense. Dont drink it too early...patience young man.

See link

Google Maps

 

[Sausage]

Be strong. Resist the temptation to tuck in before it's properly brewed.

 

[Nibble]

Isn't there a homw brew supplier/shop on one of the side streets between The Level and London Rd. If they are still there pop in.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

I tried to make homebrew as a student. I made 20 odd bottles of cider which was a virulent orange colour and most of it hit the ceiling the second the bottle was opened. A total f***ing diasaster.

Good luck.

 

[maresfield seagull]

My advice would be to release the air lock quite frequently. Don't let the gases build up, otherwise you'll end up with 30 litres of home-made cider soaking into your dining room carpet and subsequently you sleep in the spare room due to pissing your wife off....

At what stage do you recommend this?

 

[vegster]

Pop along to Johnsons Home Brew Shop, Gratewick Road, Worthing. Small independant brewing shop. They were always very helpful when I was into it, they mail order as well but worth the initial chat to get you started.

For me the key was stay away from the quick brew stuff better to be patient. Make two or three batches so you are drinking the 1st whilst making the 3rd if that makes sense. Dont drink it too early...patience young man.

See link

Google Maps

Wise words. Try not to go at your brew first chance you get, leaving it for an extra couple of weeks allows it to settle and mature. I used to do 40 pint batches of Brown Ale and it always became lovlier nearer the end of the batch every time.

 

[vegster]

I tried to make homebrew as a student. I made 20 odd bottles of cider which was a virulent orange colour and most of it hit the ceiling the second the bottle was opened. A total f***ing diasaster.

Good luck.

I can see the obvious reason.....

 

[PHCgull]

my tips from four years of home brewed cider (so, totally non exhaustive)

1. start with something very simple/unambitious. Cheap apple juice from lidl can make very passable cider
2. be scrupulous about cleaning / sterilising stuff
3. be patient about tucking in to it
4. get a hydrometer, which measures the original gravity (ie alcohol content) in some circumstances you may want to stop stuff continuing to ferment as you may end up with 11% deathbrew that is dryer than a witch's tit - like i did last year!
5. use the internet - there are loads of brewing forums, people who do this all the time are literally gagging to help




EDIT: the place off london road (baker st i think) is next door to strudwicks? cycles, in fact they appeared to be one and the same establishment last time i went there. good for supplies (bungs, campden tabs etc) not great for advice IMHO

 

[maresfield seagull]

I've been interested in homebrew beer or cider for a while now, I've been asked what I want for xmas so thinking of getting a homebrew starter set.

Anyone got any experience of doing homebrew? I'm a complete newbie to it all and I don't want to google 'starter set' and buy the first one I see - are there any that come recommended that are < £100 ? although saying that I found http://www.the-home-brew-shop.co.uk/...arter_kit.html that looks pretty decent to my untrained eye.

I generally prefer ale to lager, but I guess I can make lagers and bitters using the same equipment? (obv not at the same time!).

WOODFORDES do or used to [depending on who you listen to] a complete kit Many places will still rustle up
a similar deal for about £60 upwards [check whats offered though] Just got back into it recently myself got a Wherry kit on the go and the early samples prompted me to get another barrel and try the Nelsons Revenge Both maturing at the moment just need to resist the sampling
Patience really is the key though

 

[PHCgull]

| The UK's largest community of homebrewers and wine makers all in one friendly place.

good shop, good forum

 

[Poyetry In Motion]

At what stage do you recommend this?

It's hard to be exact, but the time to really watch is once the airlock starts to fill with bubbles. I watched mine for 2 weeks and religiously released the gases. The one time I didn't pay attention ( I went out for 3 hours ), I forgot to release the gases and when I returned.....the new dining room carpet was awash with 7.5% apple juice!

 

[maresfield seagull]

| The UK's largest community of homebrewers and wine makers all in one friendly place.

good shop, good forum

That was where i got my new kit from
I didnt have too much trouble
A few emails sorted it out
But it seems others have had some Bother
So have a dig about before parting with your hard earned cash

 

[Jeep]

I have had loads of successes at homebrew in the past. It is great to invite a few friends round and if you don't poison them with the BBQ, you get a 2nd chance with the homebrew!

For me the tips are always leave it a little longer than it says on the instructions, keep the fermenting bucket warmer than it says on the instructions (can't go far wrong with the airing cupboard), get a barrel (there is something very satisifying about having your own barrel of beer in the garage!) which allows you to attach a gas canister to the top to keep the pressure up.

My favourite was MUNTONS GOLD HIGHLAND HEAVY 40p 3kg which is available from http://www.art-of-brewing.co.uk

Happy brewing

 

[maresfield seagull]

It's hard to be exact, but the time to really watch is once the airlock starts to fill with bubbles. I watched mine for 2 weeks and religiously released the gases. The one time I didn't pay attention ( I went out for 3 hours ), I forgot to release the gases and when I returned.....the new dining room carpet was awash with 7.5% apple juice!

demijohn ?
bucket /fermenting bin?

 

[maresfield seagull]

That was where i got my new kit from
I didnt have too much trouble
A few emails sorted it out
But it seems others have had some Bother
So have a dig about before parting with your hard earned cash

To be fair they were doing a deal recently
that would suit you on the kit [and some] i mentioned earlier
BUT it seemed too good to be true imo but i could be wrong
You might be waiting a while as they do first come first serve
[you pays your money an takes your chance]

 

[Poyetry In Motion]

demijohn ?
bucket /fermenting bin?

bucket with tap. I got them from biggerjugs.co.uk
http://www.biggerjugs.co.uk/