Home Brewing

[x2percentmilk]

I'm thinking about starting to brew my own beer this summer. Anyone on here have any experience? Im looking for some tips and pointers.

Also if anyone has made anything unique :)

[sublime_whatigo]

Start trolling the homebrew forums and saving bottles now. I've got a few batches under my belt, around 6. Just don't expect to make a beer like your favorites without tons of experience.

[UTRacerX9]

I did it a few times in college, have a friend of mine who still does. The biggest hassle for me was removing all the residue from it when it was done. I know they have some pretty sophisticated home systems these days that largely eliminate a lot of the problems, but I used one of those "Mr. Beer" type kits. For the time and effort (not to mention all the room tied up in the fridge for a few weeks) I didn't think it was worth it. Still, it was fun to try.

[green-lantern]

I've done one batch a few years back. I'm wanting to start doing it again here soon. I got a pale ale kit a few months back but just haven't had time to screw with it. I used bottles before but I have some coke kegs I'm going to use now. BTW grolsch bottles work great if you can find a bunch on craigs list or something.

[Maximal]

I've had a kit sitting in my pantry for probably a year now. I really need to get some of that made and bottled up here. Starting out with a kit like that is probably your best bet to start. You can pick them up with everything you need and a simple ingredient kit from most homebrew stores.

[zelstin]

My parents let me brew a Mr. Beer kit when I was 14 (before I acquired the taste:drink:)...nothing since then. If I were to do it again, I'd piece everything together myself. Some of the kits are too small to be worth the trouble.

[sublime_whatigo]

i started with this kit. Learn To Brew: Carboy Homebrew Kit with 6 Gallon Carboy (http://www.learntobrew.com/store/item/38jqq/-_Equipment_Kits/Carboy_Homebrew_Kit_with_6_Gallon_Carboy.html)
Ended up spending a bunch more on little things, not to mention gas driving to 2 different homebrew stores and a few other places. I would start with at least the Superior brew kit. Also austin homebrew has some great extract kits for beginners.

[x2percentmilk]

Awesome, thanks guys. It does sound like quite a bit of time and work, but Im hoping its worth it. I cant drink cheap beer, so im hoping this stuff is good enough to make it worth while over time.

[sublime_whatigo]

If you really want great beer its going to be a very addictive hobby, that usually means it going to cost more per batch than buying at the store for some time.