100% newbie with some questions.

GoldenPhoenix · Mar 5, 2012

Hey there.

I hope you'll all bear with me, i'm totally new to this and therefore have some (probably quite silly) questions.

First, I give, where the heck is the glossary? I've seen it referred to but can't find it no matter how hard I try, not even with the search function.

Second, is it possible to use Milton to sterilize equipment? I'm guessing a Milton soak followed by some incredibly good scrubbing should do it. The back of the bottle says it kills yeasts and all kinds of nastiest after just 5 minutes.

Third, if you were just starting out, what one bit of advice do you wish someone would give you?

I'm sure there were more, I guess I'll ask them as I remember them.

pittsy · Mar 5, 2012

hi how you doing , yes u can use milton but scrub first with sponge for a simply clean and rinse then use miltons no sponge or cloths then rinse a few times you can even use a weak bleach but make sure you rinse well .not sure i know what you mean by glossary, are you on about the how to guides ? And the best advice is get a better yeast if your doing kit brews as the yeast you get is often crap and good beer is all about good yeast

GoldenPhoenix · Mar 5, 2012

Hey, thanks for the help pittsy.

I'm going to start off using just some plastic pop bottles, unfortunately funds are very tight so getting a proper vessel will have to wait a couple of weeks. For the same reason my first attempt is going to be a rough 'n ready brew with bakers yeast. It's all i can get right now.

By glossary i meant a list of terms that are used that a layman might not understand, I've seen something like that referred to and even called "the glossary", i've even seen a post or two suggesting terms to be added to it, but i can't seem to find a post.

calumscott · Mar 5, 2012

Glossary... up ^^^^^^ there... right to the top...

...now, left a bit, left a bit, bit more, there you go. Third button down.

Milton - heard it mentioned, never used it but to be fair if it can purify what comes out of babies then its probably going to do the job.

If your brewing kit needs scrubbing then you're probably getting something wrong... unless of course you've inherited it from a garden shed which I understand happens quite frequently. In that case I would go with a big long soak to loosen any crud then some gentle wiping/sponging. Scrubbing is going to cause scratches (I'm assuming plasitics here) which are ideal hidey holes for nasty stuff.

Best bit of advice for a n00b? For beers and ciders at least it is: leave it the hell alone!!! If you brew according to the kit recipe or if you've taken the extract or AG plunge follow your plan properly and, at the point where you pop the airlock in, just leave it the hell alone. No "I'll just have a check to see if it's doing anything", no "I'll just have a check to see if it's finished", no "I wonder what the gravity is".... Leave it alone!!! Give it a good week and a half before you even think about whether it's ready or not. And after you bottle it or keg it... Leave it the hell alone!!! Give it plenty of time in the warm to carbonate then plenty of time in the cool to condition, only after a good month should you be thinking "I'll just try a cheeky sample to see how it's getting on"...

Patience, when it comes to brewing, really is a virtue.

GoldenPhoenix · Mar 5, 2012

calumscott said:
Glossary... up ^^^^^^ there... right to the top...

...now, left a bit, left a bit, bit more, there you go. Third button down.

There it is!

:hmm: How in the world did i miss that. Epic fail. Thank you so much, for the advice and for the location.

Incidentally i think a facepalm emote is needed.