Hello from a newbie (and two quick questions)

[Nuggs]

Morning Brewers!

Long time fan of drinking, I've always fancied having a go at brewing it myself.

Having taken some advice from a local homebrew shop, I'm thinking of kicking off this new hobby with a MicroBrew, which (I am reliably informed) contains: Wheltonhurst Barrel complete with 8gm Bulb Gas Injection system, Bucket, Hydrometer, Trial Jar, Thermometer, Spoon, Siphon and a Woodfords Wherry Bitter all malt beer kit.

Is that a good one for a beginner or will it all just end in tears?

Also, to avoid domestic disharmony, I'd like to do all my brewing in the garage. Now I know that's not going to be warm enough for the initial fermenting stage, so is there any other equipment available to help keep the brew at optimal temperature despite the cold surroundings?

Thanks in advance all.

[Lillywhite]

Regarding your equipment I would invest in a separate FV and then transfer your brew to the keg for secondary fermentation and dispensing. As for the CO2 bulbs, many people have problems with these and I would recommend investing in the larger Hambleton Bard Super S30 gas cylinder. It really depends if you have a fairly local stockist for the exchange refills.

Garages are OK for primary fermentation but you need to ensure that the temperature will be at least 18C and ideally 22-25C which is a problem in winter and cooler weather when you'll need a heat belt and possibly wrapping your FV in a thick woollen blanket.

[OldSpeckledBadger]

I agree that if possible go for the S30 gas system. It works out much cheaper in the end. Another way of keeping the FV up to temperature is to use a fish tank heater which has the advantage of being thermostatically controlled.

[joel_m]

Hi

If its this kit.
http://www.the-home-brew-shop.co.uk/aca ... _Kits.html (3rd one down)

It comes with an FV (fermenting bin) It was the kit I started with and you will add to it in future. But in answer to your question yes it is a great starter kit with everything you need to brew a decent pint and find out if enjoy brewing.... Be warned it is addictive though!

[Nuggs]

Hi

If its this kit.
http://www.the-home-brew-shop.co.uk/aca ... _Kits.html (3rd one down)

It comes with an FV (fermenting bin) It was the kit I started with and you will add to it in future. But in answer to your question yes it is a great starter kit with everything you need to brew a decent pint and find out if enjoy brewing.... Be warned it is addictive though!

That's the one.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'll look into picking up an aquarium heater - they look surprisingly cheap. Which is nice.

Can't wait to get brewing

How long does it take from start to enjoying the perfect pint?

[joel_m]

probably 6-10 days in the FV .. then 2-6weeks in the keg.

To be honest first brew won't make it to 6 weeks.... neither will your second unless you get another keg! lol
But Wherry is a decent pint even when a bit green. If you are anything like me you will probably hold off for a week or so before you try it... then your consumption will go up and up until you're thinking bugger need to get another one on so i can refill as soon as this runs out! lol

[Lillywhite]

How long does it take from start to enjoying the perfect pint?

For a Wherry in a keg up to 10 days for primary fermentation and then a minimum 6 weeks in the keg.
Any earlier then the beer will not be fully matured and still green.

I finished some Wherry that was kegged in the New Year only the other week. The last 10 pints were like nectar.

The key to all this home brewing marlaky is patience and you need to get rolling stock of beer so 2-3 kegs are the bear minimum.

[ledmil]

Hi,

I have the same kit that joel_m mentioned and that does include everything you need. Only thing I went for extra was an extra FV with tap (because I knew I'd make a mess siphoning).

I am now drinking my wherry, which had a week primary and has now been 3 weeks in the keg and I'll have to agree that it is definately getting better with time so patience (or lots of kegs) is a good thing.

Hope you have fun.

[lollypopp]

Yes brew hard and many, I have two kegs, and it's not enough? if you want to give it a chance to become what my mate calls the real Mc coy! my trouble is I start panicing when the keg I'm drawing from starts getting low, as for the sparklets (C02) I went down that road, a total waste of money, get the Hambledon S30, cost me £20. but now I own the bottle, the refill will only cost, £5, it just cost's for awhile, whilst you get set up, then when you've got this done, it's just the most expensive thing of all, "TIME" If you have plenty of that, then no problem, I don't! but I do love my brews, can't help holding up my glass, and thinking!!! I made that, but good luck with your brewing, do post from time to time, so we can all see how you're getting on, after all, that's what we're all on this site for, and a laugh?

[joel_m]

Like you I run 2 kegs and it isn't enough as it always seems the beer is coming into its own when I'm getting to the end of the keg.
I've been thinking about buying another... but 3 seems excessive...

[Lillywhite]

... but 3 seems excessive...

Four is the optimum number and then you'll have fully matured beer all the time.

[crafty john]

Like you I run 2 kegs and it isn't enough as it always seems the beer is coming into its own when I'm getting to the end of the keg.
I've been thinking about buying another... but 3 seems excessive...

I have four kegs and hundreds of bottles, if you bottle 6 bottles from each brew and keg the rest you can put the bottles away and forget about them until they are properly matured.

[mshergold]

If you're thinking of buying an aquarium heater, I'm sure that there's a thread somewhere on JBK about the power ratings etc to look out for. Oh, one other thing, someone on the forum (I can't remember who) bought one on Ebay from a seller in Hong Kong and was disappointed with it as it was cheap because it was a cheap one made in China rather than a decent heater at a bargain price.

[Nuggs]

Thanks for all your help guys.

I picked up my MircoBrewery this morning. I can't wait to get started, I've set tomorrow morning aside to kick-off the first brew

One numpty question: the FV's airlock is just two bits of plastic, one which fits inside the other. Presumably, I need to fill the outside of the bit which fits in the top of the FV with a bit of water so it remains properly airtight? The instructions don't even mention the airlock...

The chap I spoke to in the shop recommended a Young's Brew Belt to help get the brew up to temp in the early stages.

I'll let you know how I get on!

[Scotty]

I wouldn't even bother with the airlock Nuggs, if the FV has a hole in the lid to accept one, just cover with a clean tea towel or similar. If not, then seal the lid and crack it open slightly to allow the co2 to escape.

As for heaters, the aquarium heater will do just fine