Homebrew crew here?

[clerksrat]

I started my first batch like 2 weeks ago an IPA. Not expecting much, but it was a fun first batch.

[unclephilly]

Get into it. It ROCKS! I have and I make 15 gallons at a time usually once a month. Save some up and then have people over...good times.

[CaseLogic]

what all does it take, money and supplies-wise, to do this?

[kendan]

I made some wine once, but it didn't turn out like I wanted, not very dry.

[unclephilly]

Money, a bunch of big assed pots, a fermenter, a local brew store, beer (for when you make beer), cigars, spring water, more beer, and Baseball on tv.

[CaseLogic]

Money, a bunch of big assed pots, a fermenter, a local brew store, beer (for when you make beer), cigars, spring water, more beer, and Baseball on tv.
how much time does it take and how much money does it cost?

[clerksrat]

how much time does it take and how much money does it cost?

You can buy the pre-ordered stuff from a homebrew store for usually like 90+ to get you started, and ingredients vary or you can do a box set for like 30+. I recommend having the home brew guy working put together a recipe for you or going online to get one. Other than that it's not bad. Remember it takes time to ferment so things like bottling supplies you buy 2-3 weeks after starting the batch. The key following list I have used for my process:

Primary Fermentation period (week 1)
Huge ass Stainless Steel Pot for wort
5 gallon bucket or carboy for primary fermentation
20"+ spoon
Bleach or Sanitizer
Thermometer
Hydrometer
Airlock with stop (some choose to go blow-off tube route, I didn't this time but will next to see if it changes flavor)
Ingredients (mashing bag probably needed if you have dry malts)

Secondary Fermentation (week 2 & 3)
Racking Cane for siphoning
Siphon tube (about 5-8' depending how much you need)
5 gallon bucket with a spigot

Bottling Day! (week 4 & 5)
(24) 24oz Bottles or 48 12oz Bottles
Bottle Caps
Bottle Capper
Bottle Brush
Bottle Filler
Siphon tube to connect spigot to bottle filler if not same size as cane

I might be missing something I'm not sure since I'm kind of doing this on the fly, but essentially those are the must haves at those periods. beer crew can add what I missed

[clerksrat]

how much time does it take and how much money does it cost?

Oh and I have some good connections to hardware stores and such so I'm kind of at a cheaper rate, but so far for everything for first batch from wort to bottle I paid 100ish. First day requires most work, but the rest is usually like 1hour to sanitize, and bottling takes more time, but thats tonight or tomorrow so I won't have a good time frame yet.

[CaseLogic]

damn maybe I'll hold off for a little bit :eek3:

[clerksrat]

damn maybe I'll hold off for a little bit :eek3:

Yea I'd recommend doing plenty of reading first. I did some heavy research for about 3 months and light research like 9 months before. I didn't want to invest all the money then lose interest. I recommend this site to really give consideration for it.

http://www.howtobrew.com/sitemap.html
It's author of what home brewers call "Homebrewing Bible", the 1st edition (they are on like 6th or 7th now I think), but it's a really good way of explaining what happens in fermentation, and what is key to making a brew.

[Adam West]

In

:wavey:

Have a few batches under my belt. I want to do an imperial sometime soon.

[clerksrat]

didn't get around to bottling yesterday damn Final Four, but I am expecting to do so today :wiggle:

[jsnSnoBords]

nice

[unclephilly]

how much time does it take and how much money does it cost?

Time: 3 hours for 15 gallons, fermenting about a week or two, bottling about 3 hours, fermentation in the bottle 2 weeks, drinking...slowly so you can enjoy the juicey goodness.

[clerksrat]

about 1 week post bottling gonna crack the first one next sunday :cool:

[Nitroholic]

mr. beer ftw

[Ice]

can u guys post some pics of ur set-ups?

[Ice]

i really wanna get into this

[Adam West]

can u guys post some pics of ur set-ups?

I will when I build my new set up. I'm moving soon. :o

I hope my grains and shit are okay. I really don't want to have to rebuy some of this shit. :wtc:

This weekend though I did carbonate more of my apple cider. The rest I am trying to bump up the ABV a bit. Mainly for fun, not sure if I will drink the stuff. :oopsie:

[clerksrat]

can u guys post some pics of ur set-ups?

Im going to start a new batch soon. I'll take some pics then. Right now it's just a couple 5 gallon buckets, tubing, and some various other odds and ends.

[clerksrat]

I will when I build my new set up. I'm moving soon. :o

I hope my grains and shit are okay. I really don't want to have to rebuy some of this shit. :wtc:

This weekend though I did carbonate more of my apple cider. The rest I am trying to bump up the ABV a bit. Mainly for fun, not sure if I will drink the stuff. :oopsie:

how you plan to up the abv?

[Adam West]

Kinda distilling. :o

Just kinda. :o

[clerksrat]

I couldn't hold back anymore and busted open a bottle tonight. It has been sitting for about 10-11 days bottled. Clearly needs about another week, but damn oh so good. Rather happy with how the batch has come out.

[Adam West]

Yeah the hardest part is waiting :rofl:

[clerksrat]

Yeah the hardest part is waiting :rofl:

suriously I think I can hold off a week now that I got my taste. Probably going to start a new batch this weekend.

[jjski78]

suriously I think I can hold off a week now that I got my taste. Probably going to start a new batch this weekend.

Just buy a 12 pack of your favorite variety Sam Adams to tide you over. Homebrew beer is freakin awesome though. Gotta love beer that's cloudy with a touch of sediment. It screams handcrafted.

[el capitan]

i need to get into this.

[clerksrat]

starting a new batch this week. Thinking of a summer brew. Probably do an apricot APA or a Belgium Ale

[Adam West]

starting a new batch this week. Thinking of a summer brew. Probably do an apricot APA or a Belgium Ale

Nice!

I am thinking of doing a peach cider next. I have 2 primary so I can do a cider or wine and then a beer.

[Adam West]

Six malt amber ale is doing pretty good so far.

[Brewster]

Done about 6 batches, enjoying it.