First time home brewer!?

Question

I am looking for advice for a novie (first time) home-brewer.

Which kits would be recommended and which recipe would you recommend for a rookie?

Please give details of recipe so I can try it as well!

Answer 1

For your first time, I'd order a kit from NorthernBrewer.com Their kits are very reasonably priced, include wyeast liquid yeast, and they have flat rate 7.99 shipping. Along with many tasty brews. As for which kit or style, pick what you like, stick to something that doesn't require mashing. Steeping of grains would be ok and very easy and will add more character and flavor to your brew. One thing I learned when starting out is to use spring or distilled (purified drinking water). There have been a few articles in brewing mags about extract brewing and using distilled water. Extract already has all the minerals you need for a healthy fermentation. When you use tap water you double up the minerals and it ends up tasting horrible.
Also www.brewboard.com has been a lifesaver with a wealth of information and many knowledgeable people willing to help.
Good luck and welcome to the obsession.

Answer 2

i don't have time for a whole run-with the aid of yet some information are: save all kit (hoses, spoons, fermenters, etc) which will are available touch inclusive of your beer AFTER boiling thoroughly sanitized. the widespread of the yeast you utilize is a extensive element interior the widespread of the great product. do not use any dry yeast . basically use organic liquid cultures designed for this style of beer you're brewing. If achieveable, get a minimum of a 12 oz.. of yeast slurry from a close by brewpub. Brewers are generally distinctly cool and could provide it to you basically for asking (and perhaps a bottle of excellent whisky or wine). do not concern (have a homebrew). Brewing is as common as making hen soup and extra worthwhile. delight in it. Cheers

Answer 3

Find your nearest homebrew shop and explain your situation. The proprietor will bend over backwards to be of help because, if your first effort turns out well, you will be a repeat customer. You will probably be started off on an ale; they are more forgiving than lagers and you can drink them sooner. I got started by making a Brown Ale. I still make the same recipe from time to time.

Papazian's book is the best, IMHO. Another good one is Homebrewing for Dummies.

If there is no local homebrew shop, go to the Brew Your Own(magazine) website. Click on their list of suppliers to see who sells what. If you need advice, you can always try the craigslist.org homebrew forum (forumID=1855).

Answer 4

If you haven't already, I would recommend reading http://www.howtobrew.com and checking out http://www.homebrewtalk.com for more information. I would also recommend picking up a copy of Charlie Papazian's book 'The Complete Joy of Homebrewing'.
Since you did not mention equipment, I'm assuming you already got a starter kit from a homebrew shop. If this is the case, then for your first brew, I would recommend an extract kit. Choose whatever style of beer you like, and something kinda simple. For an idea of how many kits there are out there, check out http://www.midwestsupplies.com or http://www.northernbrewer.com.

Answer 5

Visit http://www.maltose.com and look at the homebrew starter kit. From their, you can purchase recipe kits from over three hundred 'cloned' kits. These kits are copies of commercial beers and are very good.

Answer 6

Check out the forum at www.beertribe.com