Hiya from Northampton

[Fluffle-Valve]

I'm a 53 year old male looking to brew his own beer. Fed up with paying over the top prices for a pint so I am wanting to brew my own. I enjoy going to the local steam rallies and frequenting the beer tent to try a few different real ales. I also go to Sainsbury’s (it’s on my doorstep ) and sample a few of the ales on offer that they have there. I like Speckled Hen and Abbot Ale and I’m sure I’ll find something similar to brew at home? I haven't a clue where to start, so I'm looking for someone with some knowledge on what to do and where to start. Anyone in Northampton or Northamptonshire willing to invite me round and show me where to start?

Sitting here wanting a beer.

 

[Moley]

Welcome to the forum.

Most home brewers start off with kits, and this is not something you need to be shown, have a read around the forum and ask questions.

Your basic requirements are a 25-30 litre fermenting bucket with lid, a long handled plastic or stainless steel spoon, a hydrometer and a length of syphon tube. You can get all of this from homebrew shops, online suppliers such as forum sponsors The Homebrew Company or Ballihoo, or your local branch of Wilkinson's.

Your first kit will probably be one of the single can types such as the Cooper's range, which require the addition of a bag of sugar. These simple kits can then be improved upon by using ‘brew enhancers’ or additional malt extract in place of some or all of that sugar.

Next come the ‘premium’ two-can kits such as the Woodforde's Wherry which you will also find in Wilko's. Take a look at this topic for guidance on how to brew those. You don't need to add anything to these, apart from water.

If you ever move on to full mash All Grain brewing, then you will probably find local AG brewers who will be only too willing to invite you round to share a brewday and walk you through the process.

 

[BrewDan]

What moley said, welcome to the forum :grin:

 

[bobsbeer]

Don't wait for an invite, although if you were nearer I would, but just get a starter kit and get going. There are three rules to home brew. 1. Keep everything clean. 2 Don't worry. 3 Keep everything clean. 4 Don't worry Opps that's four... Anyway welcome again... If you have any problems, just ask.

 

[pittsy]

welcome , :thumb:

 

[Vossy1]

Welcome aboard :thumb:

 

[Runwell-Steve]

Hi, Welcome to the forum :drink:

 

[31bb3]

welcome to the forum

 

[artyb]

welcome aboard... :

im in New Duston... :thumb:

 

[dennisking]

Hi and welcome.

 

[GuitarJImB]

Hi and welcome to the forum!! :

 

[eggman]

Welcome to the forum :

 

[Fluffle-Valve]

welcome aboard... :

im in New Duston... :thumb:

Me too. Mendip Road.

I've just some brewing stuff (Free) from a friend of a friend.
I really ain't sure where to start and I haven't had the time yet to sort out where to put my brew. I was thinking about putting it in my shed? How warm or at what temperature should it be kept at. Would it be better in the house?

Here's a few photo's of what I got earlier today.

I'm presuming this what I'll be letting the mix brew in?

I got this as well. Not read the instructions on the tin yet... :hmm:

Some pipes

And what is this for?

And the Hydrometer?

 

[RobWalker]

Kegs are for your beer after it has fermented. Co2 gasses your keg to carbonate your beer, hydrometer measures sugar content of water and tracks where fermentation is at :-)

 

[RobWalker]

Further to this you will need a fermentation bucket and airlock...brew your beer in the bucket, transfer to your keg when fermented, allow to clear, drink :-)

Reduced cost is one of the greatest things in home brewing. 15 quid for 40 pints never goes amiss!

 

[Fluffle-Valve]

Further to this you will need a fermentation bucket and airlock...brew your beer in the bucket, transfer to your keg when fermented, allow to clear, drink :-)

Reduced cost is one of the greatest things in home brewing. 15 quid for 40 pints never goes amiss!

So now I need to get a "Fermentation Bucket & Air-Lock"..?
Mix the contents of the tin with the yeast and how much suger? White or brown suger, or don't it matter?
And then just leave it to ferment? For how long and will it be okay in my shed?





Note to self.... "Must get and read more of the forum" ... I'm sure someone else is asking the same questions?

 

[RobWalker]

You do. As for sugar, it will tell you how much on the kit. White sugar is what you want for the moment :-)

 

[lovelldr]

As for temp, shed will personally be too child by itself. You should get a brew belt or create a water bath to keep it a little warmer... Most allies should be brewed around 18'c or above...

 

[Fluffle-Valve]

While googling "Brew Belt" I found THIS telling me how to get started.
I'll be going shopping on Friday to get the rest of what I need to start Brewing.

I'll get a brew belt and I will keep it in the house for now, as it'll be warmer, but may not be warm enough, so hense the belt.
Fermentation Bucket and a Air-Lock is also on my list.

Anyone think of anything else I might be needing?

 

[artyb]

hi ive sent ya a pm,
give me a call and i will pop round and talk ya thru the basics...
there are lots of vids on you tube with kit being made.. heres just one ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tC8gM6yS ... 35B65A294E