Do any of you make beer. If so to what level do you go.?

Question

Is it from syrup or grain. What kit do you use?

Answer 1

i have made beer....a lot of beer actually. I'm not quite sure what you mean by level?

If you are just getting started, buy a True Brew equipment kit. A lot of places push Mr. Beer, but don't fall for it. Mr.Beer kits are 2.5 gallons while every other kit is geared for 5 gallon batches. Meaning once you by Mr. Beer, you must always buy Mr. Beer.

There are beer kits that use malt extract exclusively (syrup) and they turn out decent beer. But you can also use all grain. I prefer all grain because I'm a control freak and I enjoy the ability to manipulate every little aspect of the process.

Your best bet in choosing a beer kit (cause there are a BUNCH out there) is to find your local home brew supply store. Here's a directory:
http://byo.com/referenceguide/supplydirectory/
BYO (Brew Your Own) Magazine is also a good resource while you are on their site.

Cheers and Good Brews!

Answer 2

I brew my own beer at home. I don't know what you mean by level, but I steep grains, add malt extract syrup, hops, etc. In the past I've used "Brewer's Best" kits and followed instructions, but this fall I will be making a pumpkin ale that comes from a recipe. Maybe a Christmas ale too.

This winter, if all goes well, I will create my own concoction from scratch. Wish me luck!

Answer 3

I usually use a combination of malt extract(syrup or powder) plus grains. My base is the extract then I use 1-2 lbs of specialty grains to take it places I couldn't get to otherwise. I don't really do much of a mash with the grains just crush them and put them in hot water for 30 mins or so. That technique gives good results without the hassle of a full grain or even partial mash.

Answer 4

I'm sorry this isn't really an answer to your question, but it is an anecdote that i always remember........ My dad used to brew his own beer and i recal being woken up one night when i was about 4 years old due to the big plastic beer keg thing he kept in the cupboard exploding and bursting through the polystyrene ceiling tiles in the kitchen. The fire brigade were called by the elderly couple upstairs as they got such a fright and thought it was a gas explosion. I remember my dad almost in tears at the loss of all his beer, and crawling around on all fours on the kitchen floor trying to suck up the beer. The whole kitchen was flooded and the ceiling has never been the same. So be careful, as the thing absolutely blew it's top without warning!!!!!!

Answer 5

i used to make beer and the best i found for my taste was from boots chemists they have bitter and larger in 3 sizes they do an economy which has 1.6kg of wort (syrup) normal 1.7kg and special 1.8kg i try ed all but the 1.8kg was the best in my opinion follow the instructions on the can ,make sure everything is sterilised add the sugar put in a warm place for a few days check with a hydrometer when ready put into a barrel ( rota keg or similar) add some more sugar (i think it was a tablespoon, i used to put a bit more in it makes it stronger) for the secondary fermentation leave for a week then drink it (watch out it will blow your head of) happy drinking PS im going for one now all this typing has made me thursday (joke)

Answer 6

I brewed with extract for seven or eight years and then switched to all grain after getting some of the equipment from a friend. Stupidest mistake of my life.