Lawrence Brewers Guild

I've been throwing these questions out to Sean, Clint and Ken, but I thought I'd go ahead and post here so all can revel in my n00bness.

I have a feeling that not all kits are created equal. So, if you were going to be brewing your first batch of beer ever, what kit would you get, and where would you get it? (assuming you were going to go the kit route). I know you all have links bookmarked, so a few links would be appreciated.

Second, does the season matter? I've learned enough to know that beer A is a good summer beer while beer B might be better for cooler times. Or does it really matter?

Lastly, suppose you don't have a wad of cash to drop all at once on brewing equipment. If you had to put together a rig a piece at a time, what would be your first purchase? I've asked three people so far and I've gotten three different answers.

glenn

i recently got 2 kits from grapeandgranary.com
and both made some of the best beer ive ever brewed.

as for seasonal styles, darker/heavier beers tend
to work well with cooler weather, but i think you should
brew what you like.

cant help you with the rig question.

good luck.

barry

Glenn,
When you say rig, do you want to move up to AG batches and full boils? What size batches are you interested in brewing?

Glenn wrote:Second, does the season matter? I've learned enough to know that beer A is a good summer beer while beer B might be better for cooler times. Or does it really matter?

It doesn't matter. For a first beer I'd brew the sytle you like.

Blktre wrote:Glenn,
When you say rig, do you want to move up to AG batches and full boils? What size batches are you interested in brewing?

Well, I've never brewed so currently I own zero equipment. With that said, I'd say I'm interested in brewing 5 gallon batches max. Between a few kind souls I have equipment available to borrow/use, but I'd like to not be dependant on these kind souls. Eventually.

AG? full boils? I am teh n00b!!!!

AG = all grain (as in not kits with extract)

full boil = if you want to have 5 gallons of beer,
you boil all five gallons while making it.
many extract brewers do partial boils (3+ gallons)
and add water after the boil is done to bring it up to 5 gallons.

For your first batch, I would suggest a hoppy pale ale or a stout, assuming you like those styles. The hops in the Pale Ale can be very forgiving for the new brewer. Same with the roastiness of a stout. Just pay attention to sanitation and you will be alright. Any of the local stores could hook you up with a decent kit of ingredients.

Glenn,
if you are just talking about doing kit beers only, you really only need a pot big enough to fit on your stove and to boil 3 gallons of wort, a primary fermentor and a secondary container for aging and a crap load of bottles (and a bottle capper).

I've only been brewing since February but I started outside and have never done any stovetop brewing. The way I figured it, I may as well get equipment that can easily be used for an AG setup too.

So, start with the basics...
for a kit beer not using a stove, all you really need is:
-propane burner w/ stand (and propane)
-pot/keg to boil at least 3+ gallons of wort (I recommend a min of 5 gals so if you go AG you won't have to find another one)
-primary fermentor (food grade plastic bucket w/ lid and airlock or carboy w/ bung and airlock)
-secondary aging container (plastic not recommended, but can be used)
-various hoses to move things from one place to another
-your choice of sanitizer and various brushes for cleaning
-timer
-thermometer (recommend digital, use caution as liquid will crap out the probe)

For AG add:
-another pot/keg to heat mash water and sparge water (I did AG batches with one pot and it was a huge pain in the arse. I don't recommend it)
-a second propane burner is helpful but not required. Just adds more work if you don't.
-mash tun (beer cooler, converted boil pot, just something food grade and insulated to keep the temp)
-a place to have at least 2 tiers to allow gravity to move your wort/water for you.

After that you can start your own bar with kegs, CO2, kegerators, a fridge to lager in and other various "gotta have it" equipment.

Enjoy and I hope your first kit rocks!
(mine was an Oatmeal stout from www.morebeer.com and it was excellent!)

Thanks for all the tips guys (and gals?).

I've pretty much decided on an IPA, will research the kits this week. First
time I think I'll just borrow Ken's rig, nothing overly fancy. And I'll be
kegging it too. Since I don't have a kegorator, I suppose I'll have to give it
to somebody that does. Bottles seems like more work than I'm willing to
give at this point. ANYWAY...if and when this happens, whatever I do with
the keg, well...I'd just as soon finish it with some friends. ASSUMING ALL
GOES WELL OF COURSE!!

Thanks again!

when you decide to start putting some vessels togther holler. i suggest getting vessels big enuff to grow into 10g. batches. You think now you will stay at 5g. but id bet a keg that you will change your mind if you go smaller.

a kegorator would be nice, but a spare fridge without the hookups
works fine. another possibility is to keep the keg
in a cool place and ice it in a bucket as needed.

You guys make me proud, you know that?

Proud to a pres/member of such a good guild.