Getting ready

[Duckman1]

I think I am ready to get the stuff to start brewing up some beer. Looked around and did some research.
I am looking at a kit that contains all the basic tools and gadgets needed to start. Looking for some opinions on the fermenting vessels it comes with.

1- fermenting bucket and lid
1- bottling bucket with spigot
1- 5 gal. carboy

Ferment in the bucket, rack to the carboy to clarify, then to the bottle bucket to fill the bottles. Does this sound like a good set up?

I understand plastic buckets aren't the best for fermenting but the ease of use makes them appealing for the first few batches.

Any suggestions for first/easiest brews to start with?

Thanks for the help!

[specificgravity]

I think I am ready to get the stuff to start brewing up some beer. Looked around and did some research.
I am looking at a kit that contains all the basic tools and gadgets needed to start. Looking for some opinions on the fermenting vessels it comes with.

1- fermenting bucket and lid
1- bottling bucket with spigot
1- 5 gal. carboy

Ferment in the bucket, rack to the carboy to clarify, then to the bottle bucket to fill the bottles. Does this sound like a good set up?

I understand plastic buckets aren't the best for fermenting but the ease of use makes them appealing for the first few batches.

Any suggestions for first/easiest brews to start with?

Thanks for the help!

If the kit doesn't contain these I would add them:
Auto-Siphon
Hydrometer
Star SanThe auto-siphon makes racking a breeze in comparison to a regular siphon.

The hydrometer is good for checking your gravities and if you are bottling it is even more important because bottling before fermentation is complete is a sure fire way to make "bottle bombs". I don't bottle and still check my gravities for recording keeping and keeping tabs on fermentation.

I would add the Star San because it tends to foam up and get into every space possible whereas the One Step that is usually included with kits does not. This is merely a personal preference as both work very well.

As far as which beer to brew first I would look at any micros that you are a fan of and then go after that style. Just make sure to stay away from lagers as they are a whole different beast when it comes to fermentation and temperature control. If you can't pick a style then I would say go after an American amber. It's a very middle of the road style that is easily made.

Welcome to the addiction. ;)

[Northbound]

If the kit doesn't contain these I would add them:
Auto-Siphon
Hydrometer
Star SanThe auto-siphon makes racking a breeze in comparison to a regular siphon.

The hydrometer is good for checking your gravities and if you are bottling it is even more important because bottling before fermentation is complete is a sure fire way to make "bottle bombs". I don't bottle and still check my gravities for recording keeping and keeping tabs on fermentation.

I would add the Star San because it tends to foam up and get into every space possible whereas the One Step that is usually included with kits does not. This is merely a personal preference as both work very well.

As far as which beer to brew first I would look at any micros that you are a fan of and then go after that style. Just make sure to stay away from lagers as they are a whole different beast when it comes to fermentation and temperature control. If you can't pick a style then I would say go after an American amber. It's a very middle of the road style that is easily made.

Welcome to the addiction. ;)

:yeahthat:

All of that is great advice!

To that I would add a bottle filler you can use it with an auto siphon, they only cost a couple bucks http://www.northernbrewer.com/bottling.html. I tried the spigots, it was more work and I picked up trub while bottling, just a personal preference.

Pick up a cheap spray bottle and terrycloth towels at the dollar store, you can mix Star San with water then spray your equipment.

While we’re talking about Star San, I’ve used it for years, works great, however, BE CAREFUL Star-San will ruin the finish on counter tops and is hard on stainless steel. Make certain you cover those surfaces, I use plastic garbage bags topped with terrycloth towels.

[Airoh]

[QUOTE=Northbound;2042530]:yeahthat:

All of that is great advice!

To that I would add a bottle filler you can use it with an auto siphon, they only cost a couple bucks http://www.northernbrewer.com/bottling.html.


With the auto-siphon and bottle filler you can bottle from the carboy. It's a neat and clean way to bottle your brew.

[Duckman1]

Thanks for all the help and info! Hope to go get the equipment this weekend.