Getting started with HOMEBREW beer... advice pls!

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markw

Member
Aug 28, 2009
274
I have the full kit/equipment you need to make and bottle cider, i made 1 batch of cider in it and the mrs wont let me make another! can have it cheap, let me know.
 








zfleas

Active member
Aug 8, 2011
383
Worthing
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!).

Home Brew - Wine Beer Making Kits Woodfordes Microbrewery
 


Tom Hark Preston Park

Will Post For Cash
Jul 6, 2003
72,391
If memory serves from the olden days...

1. Buy Tom Caxton 32 Pint HOMEBREW kit plus all specified accessories e.g. large orange bucket
2. Follow brewing instructions to the letter
3. Taste as instructed at appointed time
4. Enlist aid of friend to move large orange bucket to bath
5. Tip large orange bucket at angle into bath until empty
6. Shake fist at sky and vow never to attempt HOMEBREW again
7. Go to 1.
 


maresfield seagull

Well-known member
May 23, 2006
2,317
If memory serves from the olden days...

1. Buy Tom Caxton 32 Pint HOMEBREW kit plus all specified accessories e.g. large orange bucket
2. Follow brewing instructions to the letter
3. Taste as instructed at appointed time
4. Enlist aid of friend to move large orange bucket to bath
5. Tip large orange bucket at angle into bath until empty
6. Shake fist at sky and vow never to attempt HOMEBREW again
7. Go to 1.

The kits are so MUCH better than the stuff sold 20yrs ago its untrue
ps im told Wilko s do some good home brew gear
 








British Bulldog

The great escape
Feb 6, 2006
10,974
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!).

So did you ever get started on the home brew? I must admit after reading this thread it kick started me back into home brewing again.
 




I used to do home brewing but with kids never seem to find the time. Wilkinson's do (did?) a small range of home brew bits and I think they are the only "multiple" to stock such things since Boots left the market. Obviously patronise your local home brew shop if you have one. I did like the Woodfordes kits, the one for Wherry is excellent and often seemed to be on "3 for 2" . One tip I picked up from somewhere is to reduce the water by 1pt per gallon as it will improve the flavour.

I did do a couple of "full mash" brews which are quite a faff but did produce a nice result. Still have all the stuff in the loft so one day perhaps.......
 


keaton

Big heart, hot blood and balls. Big balls
Nov 18, 2004
9,975
I am going to sample my home brew tonight to see if it has improved.

Did a a dark ale, it was first attempt and supposed to be ready Xmas eve but when I tried it it tasted ok but looked and smelled like sileage and was incredibly cloudy. Hopefully an extra couple of weeks in the shed will have sorted it out
 


DerbyGull

Active member
Mar 5, 2008
4,380
Notts
Depending on the initial gravity reading, beer should only take 3/4 days to ferment. Then it's ready to bottle/cask. I meet once a month with fellow homebrewers, we've got a facebook page, 'nottingham brewers'. I suggest if you really get into it then start up a brighton/sussex one and you can swap tips, talk beer etc. We also do bottle swaps, get to sample each others brews :lolol:
 




Woodchip

It's all about the bikes
Aug 28, 2004
14,460
Shaky Town, NZ
I am going to sample my home brew tonight to see if it has improved.

Did a a dark ale, it was first attempt and supposed to be ready Xmas eve but when I tried it it tasted ok but looked and smelled like sileage and was incredibly cloudy. Hopefully an extra couple of weeks in the shed will have sorted it out

No updates? Is it that bad you ditched the lot, or was it that good you've been blind drunk since?
 


vegster

Sanity Clause
May 5, 2008
28,274
I am going to sample my home brew tonight to see if it has improved.

Did a a dark ale, it was first attempt and supposed to be ready Xmas eve but when I tried it it tasted ok but looked and smelled like sileage and was incredibly cloudy. Hopefully an extra couple of weeks in the shed will have sorted it out

Did you not use isinglass finings ?
 








Tux the albion Penguin

Resident Linux User
Sep 2, 2011
879
STADIO DE LA AMEX
I have the full kit/equipment you need to make and bottle cider, i made 1 batch of cider in it and the mrs wont let me make another! can have it cheap, let me know.

I know It's 6 months late but If you are still willing to sell. I may be Interested :)
 




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