A steep learning curve

[oldtimer]

Do you know, I love this forum, although it can be a bit daunting.

I am a newby, I have done the kits and am now onto my third grain brew. But oh how I wish I could learn more.
I have read several books but they all seem to say the samething ( or at least the ones I have read do). I study this forum to the point where my internet server cries 'enough is enough for this month' to read what you guys say.
I am an old man ( very old) and us old un's don't always absorb information as quick as you young un's, a bit like when you was a kid. And to be honest guys I feel like am drowning in information, but not understanding it all.
I have GW's book and read it so many times, but even he implies we are all experts and I certainly am not.
I don't like to ask too many questions on here because if I don't understand the answer, I don't like to ask again because it makes me feel like a prat.
Some say," just go for it and experiment" well yes I will when I know what I am doing. Experimenting at this stage could end up with me throwing a load of beer away ( perish the thought) and that could prove very expensive for a pension.
So what I would like to know, can anyone suggest a few good books that deal with an idiot or better still, is there anyone in Norfolk/Suffolk who I could go to and talk face to face.
Better still, is there any sort of course one san go on?
My present set up is a home made jobby as described on here, but at some point I would like to upgrade to a proper boiler etc. But again where is the cheapest place to get things like this. Plus sooner or later I want to get onto bigger brews. BUT FIRST I need to learn, it's sooooo tempting to jump in with both feet.

Hope someone can help

[fisherman]

Hello old timer,
Ithink I would advise you to buy a Salifert alkilinity water test kit once you know your alkilinity post it on this site and someone will advise you on dosing of CRS and DWB additions to make your water suitable for brewing . Liquor I think is the most important item in brewing, most of the books I have Iv'e had for twenty years or more but I dont think books have kept up with brewing, hops and malts we use now wern't available then.Keep recipes simple make a mashtun out of a cooler box. Make a cheap boiler Copper kettle sell plastic bins and cut the hole out free for a element and tap.Don't spend loads to start with. Buy all the materials and goods online. much cheaper on average than HBS. We all make mistakes take it slow dont;t panic when things go a bit haywire check temeratures at least twice, stir all liquids before taking the temerature. Take it slow it works out faster in the long run.
It really is a great hobby
The best of luck

[KERNELM]

Keep jumping in oldtimer. Sounds like you have done the hard part which is building an all grain set up and brewing the first few batches! How did they turn out?

As for books I have only used two "Beer and brewing" BY Dave Laine and John Hendra" and the other I gave away. Its an old book, but all the content is there and was much better than the other book. Its covers all the brewing process and worked for me.

[greenxpaddy]

Hi, did you get your temperature control working?

Send me a message and you can call me anytime you need advice. It's only 7 months ago I knew nearly nothing.

It's really very simple with the right equipment and good planning, but if you are obsessive like me it can become a bit of a marathon.

[oldtimer]

Thanks Guys

I think what I need most is someone to hold my hand and say ' there, there ' it will work out. ( Just like I'm a big kid).

But thanks Fisherman, I got my buckets etc from Ian @ copper kettle. He has been very, very good and gave me a lot of guidance. sadly he is not always easy to get hold of. But never-the-less I got faith in the guy.

My first three brews seemed to have turned out ok Kernelm, or at least they tasted alright to me. The first one I did was Cotleigh Barn Owl ( with the guidance of Ian at Copper Kettle). Now I am not a pale ale drinker but it tasted ok to me. Plus I had the brother- in- law down this week from Gloucester. He is a Rep for a well known brewer, he tasted it, thought it great. In fact he took a couple of bottles home with him and I asked for a honest opinion when he had drunk them. He phoned me the following night to say he REALLY enjoyed them, they suited his pallet really well, and asked for another five gallons please. So I guess that says something.

Oh Paddy, what fun we had with this temp controle, I think I got the wrong one because we could not get it to work properly. When it said the brew was too hot, the alarm went off and it turned on the fridge AND the heat pad. But after a lot of fiddling and fudging about, we managed to work out it only controlled one i.e. heat or cool. The upshot is I have plugged into heat and set at 20c with the light bulbs etc. It's all in a fridge that is not on, just used as a secure airtight box. It seems to be working ok now, but I will upgrade and get the proper jobby.
Thanks for offering help. you might regret that, I hope I don't become a pain in the what's it, but I can't be sure of that.

Many thanks guys

[InsideEdge]

By the sounds of the feedback you are getting it should be you giving us the advice!

[oldtimer]

ONE DAY maybe QNE DAY I might be in a position to offer some advice, but that's a long way off.
Right now I don't know my arse from my elbow where brewing is concerned. But I am doing everything I can to learn.
Cheers fella's, keep it coming.

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FV Old Hooky
Keg 1 Muntons Stout
Keg 2 M/T
Keg 3 A concocted bitter ( no name)
Bottled Cotliegh Barn Owl
Chablis type wine
Merlot type wine
California White ( Kit)