Getting started with homebrew beer advice!

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Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2002
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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...int_5_gallons_English_Bitter_Starter_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!).
 
You might want to take a look at this thread.

Or if you want to try something a little complex take a look here.

Either way, La Cuisine (the food and drink sub-forum) is the place to be!
 
Most starter kits will incluse a fermenter (basically a big bucket) and barrel and a beer kit (sort of half made beer). You add water to the kit in the fermenter and when it's done put it in the barrel to condition. Then you drink it. Most starter kits will include a good quality kit like Woodfordes Wherry. After doing 2 or 3 kits including the one off costs for the starter equipment wou will be down at around the £1 a pint mark. A typical good quality kit cost £22 and makes 40 pints.

You're local home brew shop will probably be able to help you out with a starter kit and getting to know them they'll be available to give you advice too.

edit: to do lager well the fermentation needs to be refigerated apparently, ale is a lot more straightforward.
 
I would recommend either:

This or this .

The Wherry kit is a classic, and is how many home-brewers start off. The other is more of a "premium" starter kit, with a much better barrel (altho I'm not sure on the beer).

Honestly can't go wrong with a wherry kit tho. You'll have a really good pint in 4 - 6 weeks.
 
In terms of technique, buy lots of Campden tablets and make sure EVERYTHING that comes into contact with the beer or anything involved is sterilised first.
Most homebrew that tastes crap is because of dust/germs that get inside and infect it.
 
They above stater kits are good for your first brews as you can use the fermenting bucket and barrel when you move on to full mash brewing. :)
 
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