Is there anyone here local to show me the ropes??

[beesley121]

Hi guys,

ive changed my mind again and im not sure if I should get into all grain brewing!! as a matter of fact Im thinking of giving kit brewing a miss too as I still have yet to make a ber that hasnt got a homebrew taste.

is there anyone near widnes, cheshire that would be willing to show my how they make an all grain brew and also if theres anyone that can supply me with a sample of a brew they have made, i would really apreciate it.

[Aleman]

If you find no one more local, I am always willing.

[jamesb]

is there anyone near widnes, cheshire that would be willing to show my how they make an all grain brew and also if theres anyone that can supply me with a sample of a brew they have made, i would really apreciate it.

I'm in Wrexham if you don't find anyone closer. I think there's at least one brewer here on the Wirral.

[BarnsleyBrewer]

Hi guys,

ive changed my mind again and im not sure if I should get into all grain brewing!! as a matter of fact Im thinking of giving kit brewing a miss too as I still have yet to make a ber that hasnt got a homebrew taste.

is there anyone near widnes, cheshire that would be willing to show my how they make an all grain brew and also if theres anyone that can supply me with a sample of a brew they have made, i would really apreciate it.

Get tips from forum members and invest in AG equipment, no need to spend loads, start with 5 gallon and simple recipes, once you've got the technique mastered after half a dozen brews you'll be hooked!!

John

[jamesb]

Get tips from forum members and invest in AG equipment, no need to spend loads, start with 5 gallon and simple recipes, once you've got the technique mastered after half a dozen brews you'll be hooked!!

I agree, but it's so bloody confusing when you first start. Every brewer seems to do something slightly differently. It's a lot better when you've got someone to show you the first time (Thanks Pene!)

[Parva]

I'd totally agree with jamesb. I'd bought all the kit and read books and forums to the death but it still seemed terribly complicated. I managed to arrange a trip to Ianb's one Sunday and actually seeing it done made me realise it's nothing like as complex as it sounds. It really opened my eyes and made me realise how easy it was to do.

I used to brew Geordie kits back in my younger days and they always had that 'homebrew' taste. They were ok and yes, they were cheap but you could certainly tell it was homebrew. This time round I decided just to go for it and having done 5 AG's so far and a 6th 10G brew coming this weekend I have to say I'm stunned at how well they have all come out. I didn't even use a recipe for them, just guessing at hops and quantities and formulating all my own stuff, not had a single bad one yet. I've since caught the shiny bug and whilst I've already spent a small fortune acquiring everything from scratch and it isn't over yet! Still, divorce does have its merits, no SWMBO to moan at me.

[hoppingMad]

Hi Beesley, thats got to be one of the best posts I've seen on any brewing forum and just the sort of thing we should be asking and doing . Its exactly what I would do if I were in your position. There's got to be some one handy, just keep waiting, I'm sure something will turn up.

By the way I almost gave up HBing 3 years ago for just the same reason you gave. Then I came across AG, I can vouch for AG being just what you need. Just hold on, and get a few AG batch's under your belt. You won't be sorry.

[Northern Brewer]

I still have yet to make a ber that hasnt got a homebrew taste.

Your choice of the words 'homebrew taste' reveals the confusion. That 'taste' is largely attributable to the malt extract that kits are based upon. All grain brewing doesn't involve malt extract, so you don't get that 'taste'. By replicating what commercial breweries do, and using all grain, you produce the same flavours that they do (and better).

Blokes do tend to obsess about their hobbies, so hanging around here can lead to the impression that brewing is some kind of black art like flying the Tardis. It isn't. You soak some grains, draw off the liquid, rinse the grains, draw off the liquid, combine the liquids and boil for 90 mins with some hops, adding a few more hops 75 mins in. Leave it to cool, rack to a fermenter, and chuck in a packet of SO4 yeast. Go and do something else for 10 days, then bottle/keg whatever.

[Subsonic]

I have to agree, I had never even contemplated all grain until I went to the States and saw how totally easy it was. Plus the results are simply stunning, you can tailor a beer to precisely what you want and you can replicate and beat most commercial beers. A plastic picnic box or false bottom in a plastic fermentor will get you started. Just go for a simple beer, all you REALLY need is a thermometer. Go for it, you will never look back. Subsonic.

[Carpking]

I made my first AG with FOUR pans, a thermometer, a sieve and a fermenting bucket and it worked out great. You have to have a go as you probably have those things around. You'll never go back!

[pongobilly]

i reckon some one should do a very in depth step by step video of ag brewing and lets get it on this forum, its ok reading the forum for help, but i have to agree it all seems a bit confusing when reading all the threads on ag, because so many people have there own way

cheers

[neggs]

i reckon some one should do a very in depth step by step video of ag brewing and lets get it on this forum, its ok reading the forum for help, but i have to agree it all seems a bit confusing when reading all the threads on ag, because so many people have there own way

cheers

From another "AG brewer wantabie", what a fantastic idea!! Im planning on getting the equipment for xmas from H&G, but a video would really help!

Is there anything already on YouTube that could help for the time being? Ive watched a few, but they seem to be a little overkill. Something simple showing the basics would be best?

[verno]

Similar to the above, a video or even some in depth photos would be great. I am already using 2 pans for my kit brew, one for hops and one for dissolving malt extract. So moving to 4 pans isn't a big step.

I also get a bit confused between grain brewing and the full works. Grain brewing just seems to be producing the kit yourself, is that correct?

[Horden Hillbilly]

If you want to see a simple, but detailed website, click on the uk-homebrew link in my signature. There is a ag brewing section on there with loads of pics & I have had feedback from beginners telling me that it is easy to follow.

[dcq1974]

Stick with the all grain brewing! I know it all seems a little daunting but it really is a great and rewarding hobbie.

If it makes you feel any better - I have a PhD in Chemistry (analysis of alcoholic beverages) and I struggled to get my head around things initially after being a wine brewer for many years. Once a few AG batches have been made, you will be hooked and won't be able to brew enough (pleases the missus!!!)

Enjoy