Another Hello from South Wales

[jahutchi]

Hi All,

I have been a member for a little while now but just sitting in the background watching and learning.

I thought it was about time I said hello.

A bit about me – I’m based in Newport South Wales. I’m 33 and relatively new to all this but have done quite a bit of background reading.

To date I have done one kit which was bought for me as a Christmas Present. This has just finished conditioning. It’s a Youngs BrewBuddy starter kit – Its OK but nothing special.

I’m now contemplating next steps. I’m collecting bottles for my next brew which will be another Kit in time for Christmas. But what’s next from there?? :wha:

Having been watching all the posts on here and the Dark Side is already calling. I have already priced up boilers and mash tuns from a number of suppliers. I have a copy of Graham Wheeler's "Brew Your Own British Real Ale" and I can't wait to try some out.

My main dilemma at the moment is will the extra investment in kit and time give me the rewards I'm hoping for. :pray:

I would be keen to hear your thoughts on what's best to get started:
I’m not adverse to DIY so, I’m wondering do I attempt to build (for low costs) or buy (to get set-up quickly) - I'm looking to start with a 25 litre boiler and cool box style mash tun
also
Do I try to start on a small scale with household equipment to see what the results are like or am I more likely to get poor results without a boiler and mash tun?

Cheers all

James

 

[Moley]

My main dilemma at the moment is will the extra investment in kit and time give me the rewards I'm hoping for. :pray:

(Mole does his his best ‘nodding dog’ impression) Oh yes :thumb:
Kit beer is drinkable but will always be kit beer. My AG is the best beer I've ever tasted, and I would expect every other AG brewer to make the same claim about theirs.

I’m not adverse to DIY so, I’m wondering do I attempt to build (for low costs) or buy (to get set-up quickly) - I'm looking to start with a 25 litre boiler and cool box style mash tun
also
Do I try to start on a small scale with household equipment to see what the results are like or am I more likely to get poor results without a boiler and mash tun?

If you aren't averse to DIY you should be able to make a coolbox mash tun fairly quickly and with change out of £20. I can't advise on the boiler as I use a very large stock pot on a gas hob, but 25 litre sounds a bit restrictive to me.

You could try smaller brews using household equipment, but I would recommend that you just go for it on full scale.

All the help, information and support you will need is right here.
Welcome to the forum :

 

[Tony]

Nice to meet you!

Oh yes.. do as Moley suggests, go full scale. If you are able to afford it, go full-scale from the start - or you'll have a pile of redundant gear that you wish you'd never bought.

Good luck with it, and all the help you could possibly wish for is right here... it's an Aladdin's Cave of useful advice with friendly banter!

:

 

If you are looking for a "Brew length" of 23 ltrs you will need a boiler that will hold 38 ltrs.
23 for the length + 5 for boiled boiled off losses + 10 to prevent boil over.

Welcome to the Forum :thumb:

 

[31bb3]

Welcome to the forum
I started off my AG brewing with 1 30ltr FV with a emersion element in and a ball valve tap jon guest fitting reducer to take spinny sparge which i bought a bit expensive tbh
you can make something similar with a normal FV using tesco kettle elements a lot cheaper
I would recommend a 60ltr FV for extra dead space all you do is use boiler as HLT when a strike temp then transfer back into boiler for initial boil and adding hops a bit long winded but it will get you started hope this helps :thumb:

 

[jahutchi]

Thanks for all the feedback.

I have already been looking at all the threds in great detail. I have now purchased a coolbox and some elements so now it really begins...... :party:

I'll keep you posted and I'm sure to have questions

Cheers

James

 

[evanvine]

Wewlcome to the Forum

 

[highwayman]

If you are able to afford it, go full-scale from the start - or you'll have a pile of redundant gear that you wish you'd never bought

He's so right....I wish I had done this in the first place fortunately I was able to sell my redundant gear..but..we all learn from our mistakes Anyway Welcome :thumb: