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[Alfie]

I’m trying to get back into home brewing beer after about 30 years lapse. My motives are money or lack of and wanting to have beers I like to hand.

To explain, I’ve a long relationship with beer but over, say, the last 5+ years I’ve got sick of spending hard earned cash on trying new beers that, for the most part are way too hoppy for me or have wired adjuncts.

I used to love trying all styles from all over the world but am much more cautious now. I know it comes down to each person’s palate but over a certain level of hops, all I get is a kind of iodine dryness that obliterates any other flavours I might like.

So, in a bizarre twist of economics, I’ve sprung for mostly second hand bits and bobs to get going:-

Grainfather (very dirty but cleaning up ok)
Hoppy (grrrr) 50l stainless fermenter
Sparge water heater

I need to find a supplier for stuff that is value for money? If anyone has a trusted online or West Yorkshire shop, I’m currently after a few metres of silicone pipe. The stuff on the cooler looks well past its best.

I can’t afford to join the forum as a paying member, working for the NHS, I’m nowhere near using Food Banks but this is very much a ‘Spend to Save’ operation.

Thanks for any feedback.

 

[Bigcol49]

Hi @Alfie
Welcome to the forum.
I've started a conversation - envelope icon, top right.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Welcome to the forum

I can’t afford to join the forum as a paying member, working for the NHS, I’m nowhere near using Food Banks but this is very much a ‘Spend to Save’ operation.

No worries its a voluntary contribution to help with the running costs many members use the forum regularly and never upgrade.

 

[treebeard]

Welcome back to brewing Alfie

 

[KVSV]

I think Malt Miller got good prices on grain and other stuff, you can even buy 25kg bags. Though got to be careful. I bought one bag of pale ale malt and one bag of wheat, and while pale ale was gone in no time, using up all wheat was not easy and restricted me on planning next brews.

 

[Alfie]

Thanks for that. Had a look at their very slick website. Will bear in mind what you say. Weizen is one of my favourite styles and I’m hoping to have a go at one.

 

[KVSV]

if you don't mind the smell of WLP380 fermenting plus all the foaming and overflowing :) I love wheat bear but family not happy at all when it's in a fermentor:)

 

[Alfie]

LoL, it’s all in the detached garage/brewery!

 

[marshbrewer]

I often get my grains and yeast from Morley Homebrew in Leeds if that's any use.

 

[Alfie]

Ah! I went there last week for a grain paddle and bottle brush. It was close to closing and the guy behind the counter was into his snooker on the iMac so I didn’t get time to browse but will get back to check them out. He seemed very knowledgeable though. Cheers.

 

[airymary]

Barley Bottom in Keighley is pretty good for kit, like your silicon pipe, etc. I gather they're more a trade supplier than homebrew, but they have lots of useful stuff, and reasonable delivery charges - cheaper than a trip to Keighley! For regular supplies, I'll echo the Malt Miller recommends, and add the Homebrew Company - use the .co.uk site if you want to pay in £s, or the .ie site to pay in €s (check the exchange rate when ordering!).

Don't forget your local Wilkos - handy for basics, sterilising solutions etc. A friendly local micro-brewery is often a cheap, accessible source for 25kg of base malt.

Cheers,
Chris

 

[Manxnorton]

hallow Alfie,
welcome my m8.
Bri