Brew your own beer???

[potatoc]

Been searching online for a couple days now and there are so many home brew kits. Haven't found a lot of user reviews however..... I thought it would be a lot of fun to brew up some home brew, sit around the smoker and test er out... Anyone ever try doing this and reccomend a place to purchase equip??

 

[blackhawk19]

Debi has some info on her site
http://www.deejayssmokepit.net/

 

[bigarm's smokin]

Debi is your ticket to sucess.

Terry

 

[dew]

I bought a Mr Beer kit a few years ago. I made a few batches of beer with it and they turned out suprisingly good. There was a store here that was called Good for what ale's you and they sold all kinds of beer and winemaking supplies but they went out of buisness. I havent made any beer since. My one tip for you is dont use tap water cuz the chlorine in it makes for some nasty tasting brew. I bought gallon jugs of purified water from the store to make mine with and it was fine after that.

 

[deejaydebi]

These guys are nice to deal with:

http://www.homebrewheaven.com/

http://www.listermann.com/

http://www.homebrewit.com/

http://www.homebrew.com/index.shtml


This will give you some ideas baout what you may want to do:
http://www.deejayssmokepit.net/microbrew.htm

The downloads page has an 88 page ebook I put together as a guide and brief description of the various methods used in brewing.

BTW you can make a fermentor out of almost any plastic container. I often use large cheeseball containers for 2.5 gallon batches (and for chicken brining).

 

[gypsyseagod]

debi has the great sites down. about to do mine too -great luck w/your batch. p.s. the blue grolsh type bottles are really good quality & the breakage through the mail happens less.

 

[potatoc]

Awesome info everyone.... I have some reading up to do now!!

 

[smoked]

there are a few of us who have done or do still brew....I've not boiled any wort here for some time, would like to but life keeps me too busy right now......even got rid of my keg fridge but still have my corney kegs and all for when I pick it back up........

 

[navionjim]

As an EX semi-pro brewer, don't waste your money on a kit! Get yourself a copy of "The Complete Joy of Home Brewing" by Charley Papzian and read it, (it's informative well written and hilarious!) then scrounge what you need, which you will find isn't much more than a large pot, a five gallon Carboy , some hose, a hydrometer and some bottles. Seriously you will be better off going that way. Buy White's or Wyeast only, stay clean and you can't fail.
Jimbo

 

[placebo]

Now why in the world would you do that?

 

[jocosa]

Check to see if you have a homebrewing supplies place within a decent driving distance, they can help you get all the basic brewing equipment you need, do a little explaining for you and if you like it and stick with it, you'll change out some equipment as you go along.

I've been brewing for 5 years... tried brewing and a smoke session at the same time a couple of weeks ago - learn each separately so you'll have good results in both.

Was long, busy day, to say the least!

Start out with basics and brew what you like. Don't be tempted too much to tinker with the recipes, you'll have time for that later.

I try to shop at the local homebrew places around Atlanta, but some of my favorite online places to shop for brewing supplies are:

http://northernbrewer.com

http://morebeer.com

Both of these sites have forums that are pretty useful for learning about different things. Lots to read and very deep archives at some of these forums.

Debi mentioned Listerman, Dan is a good guy and will answer email; he's got a forum on his site also.

I used to deal a lot with the guys at homebrew.com, but since they sold out to another local HB shop, it's just not the same. They do have some great brew recipes/kits, tho...

Someone mentioned Papazian's book... it's a good book to get you started.

Best way to decide if you want to brew is to find someone who's brewing and go help with a batch - again, talk with local homebrew shops to find out of they're having a demo day or to learn if any local brewing clubs are doing a 'learn to brew day.'