Hello from Bolton

tbert33 · Nov 12, 2012

Evening everyone. Im Tom from Bolton and im looking to get my teeth into brewing my own.

I already have a bit of kit from a previous attempt... i used to have an allotment with rediculous amounts of raspberries so i had a go around two years ago. It didnt go to plan so i stuck all my gear in the loft and forgot about it.... until now.

I have at my disposal:

x5 glass demijohns
x40 or so glass bottles
x1 5 gal fermenting tub
x1 keg
x1 heat belt

and other bits and bobs like a corker sterilising tablets etc.

I've read on a threat about a raspberry wine made from some polish cordial so im going to give that a go tomorrow.

As im a complete novice though i have a few questions. Would caster sugar be ok to use and would baking yeast be ok to use?

I'm also a bit of a baker so caster sugar and yeast are never far away in this house so if i can get away with using them i can reduce the cost of my alcohol even more.

Really looking forward to starting my new hobby and learning more.

Regards

Tom

dennisking · Nov 12, 2012

Hi and welcome Tom, not the one to help with your wine queries as I'm a beer man but I'm sure others will be along to help.

tbert33 · Nov 12, 2012

Thanks dennisking. Wjen i first got my kit i also tried a porter but it was so vile... im sure it could have killed a small nation thats why im more of a wine guy BUT im not one to say never. There is a homebrew shop in Bolton called Spittingfeathers im thinking of going there on the weekend to see what i can get my hands on. I may pick up a beer kit. is there any that you can recommend?

dennisking · Nov 12, 2012

Browse our kit review section viewforum.php?f=58

PD · Nov 12, 2012

welcome
As a novice beer maker you want to really stick with the main recognised manufacturers, but your in luck, between them they make most styles of beer.
As a rule 2 can beer kits are far superior but cost a bit more ( but you don't have to buy any extra sugar )
You will need a 30 litre plastic fermenting bucket at least.
So its not really something to do at the drop of a hat, browse the forum and read the How to's so you get an idea first. However the kits are easy to do.

For wine making you need to use a wine yeast of the type for that sort of wine. Bakers yeast is inferior for wine making....save it for the bread.