Any home brewers here?

[wez130]

Hi all, i'm tempted to get a brewing kit and tinkering with home brew. I've just discovered i've got a new found love of these pear ciders etc, and would like to try and brew my own, i'd also like to try lagers too (don't know how that would work though - wouldn't i need gasses for that?

What kit would anyone recommend, and any sites / recipes for a complete beginner? I've got a huge apple tree and 2 plum trees in my garden for a source of fruit, i dare say i could get a supply of pears too.

ta.

 

[Ahleckz]

Big thread about it here: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18157675

I think aceface made his own cider from apples in his garden, it's something I've wanted to do but haven't yet because of the cost involved.
However, I do make a variation of EdWort's apfelwein - http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f25/man-i-love-apfelwein-14860/.

Equipment wise you need -
A fermentation vessel (can be anything, as long as you can put an airlock on it. I use 5 gallon plastic water carriers.
Hydrometer (used to measure the gravity and subsequently work out the alcohol % of your drink).
Syponing pipes (to syphon into bottles).
Bottles (to...umh...put your drink in!)
Themometer (to monitor temperatures)

Then it's just your ingredients. Best to start with a kit (you get a syrup, which you put into your FV with water, sugar and yeast.
Your easiest bet would be to find your local home brewing shop and pop in there. They should be able to sort you out with a beginners brewing kit if you want to spend money which will have everything. Or, you can just find stuff that'll work and go in for the syrup mix and a bit of a chat. They'll be more than happy to help.
I use these guys - http://www.innhousebrewery.co.uk/

My love of homebrewing ended up with me working for a major craft brewer as an assistant brewer for a while last year. My beer is better though.