AG advice

[GTOrichie]

can anyone recommend a good book for the total AG begginer to read before starting out, I want to make sure I get the right kit and know how the whole process works before I have a go, something with a walkthrough would be good

any advice would be greatly appreciated

[GTOrichie]

why didnt I think of that

Thanks DaaB

[Horden Hillbilly]

Don't forget to check out these websites as well.

http://www.18000feet.com/

http://uk-homebrew.tripod.com/

[GTOrichie]

nice sites thanks ive bookmarked them for ref, I like to look of that homemade mash tun that should save me a few quid

[booldawg]

I'd read the links on this forum ('technique') before buying a book. It gives a good overview, giving you a good basic understanding of the process as brew books tend to get alot more in depth.

I do own one of the popular brew books but find this forum a much better place to expand knowledge as its up-to-date and tailored to what you need to know at the time

[GTOrichie]

I've had a good look at those sites and searched the forum and I think I understand the process now, the basics seem simple enough (touch wood).

The only things that I'm worried about is the maths and the formulas used as soon as I think I understand it I read another post/site that blows my ideas out of the water.

The other is how I treat the water around here to get it to the correct levels, I intend on fitting a water gem filter aswell but im sure thats not going to sort out the hard water problem we have around here.

Anyway thanks for all the help and patience, I feal alot easier about doing my first AG brew now that I have read the experiences of others on this forum.

[GTOrichie]

You don't need to understand the process, in fact for your first brew it will be beneficial that you don't.

thats reassuring to know

You don't need to understand any formulas or equations except to adjust hop levels for the alpha acid content of your hops (see my calculator).

excelent that makes things alot easier

I'd also avoid the Water Gem water filter unless you know you have low sodium levels in your water. The Opella filter from B&Q is a better option as it doesn't add any sodium ions to the wort. Too much sodium can result in an unpleasant harsh hop bitterness.

I will pop in there tomorrow and get one

Thanks for that DaaB I know all these questions must get annoying.

[Buzz]

You don't need to understand the process, in fact for your first brew it will be beneficial that you don't.

Agreed. I scoured 'The Big Big Of Brewing' by Dave Line prior to making the jump from kits to AG and, to be honest, I wish I hadn't. It seemed to make the whole process so complex and, because of that, I delayed going AG.

IMO its better to jump straight in with a basic recipe and certainly don't worry about water treatment. You'll learn so much more just from getting your hands dirty. Your first brew wont be perfect but, it's unlikely not to be drinkable and worth every hour you put in for the experience you get out.

Once you've got the technique right, you can then start to look more closely at the maths and water treatment if you wish. I did plenty of brews with my hard water (thames water) without any adjustment and made some mighty fine brews (IMO) and have only now started to look at adjusting the PH and such.

Go on, jump in. I wish I hadn't delayed so long and I learned more in one day making a brew than i did in months reading books. That's not to say the books arn't good, just that you might understand them more, once you've got your hands dirty. I certainly did.

[GTOrichie]

The only thing holding me back at the moment is equipment, as soon as I have enough cash to get the kit I will jump straight in and give it a bash (or should that be mash?). The nice people at our local HBC are on the look out for used items for me and im keeping a close eye on ebay aswell .

Thanks to everyone for all the advice and I know its a cliché but "Watch This Space" for more silly questions and progress.

[stevezx7r]

Say it how it is DaaB

Not to hijack the thread but I've decided (again) to go AG too. I currently have a couple of beers on the go, but, once they're finished I'm going to fit a couple of kettle elements and make/buy a hop strainer.

I think I have most of the fundamentals in my head now and can now spare a few hours on Wednesday so I think I should be up and running in a week or so.

I'll start a new thread which will be full of questions re AG.

Cheers,

Steve.

[GTOrichie]

I'll start a new thread which will be full of questions re AG.
Steve.

feal free to use this one if you want to, the title fits

[stevezx7r]

I'll start a new thread which will be full of questions re AG.
Steve.

feal free to use this one if you want to, the title fits

Thanks, will do that.

[Aleman]

you aint going to get it right on your 101st time

Tell me about it

[stevezx7r]

Ok, continuing in the spirit of thread hijacking...

I was thinking, the only reason I so far have been unable to go AG is due to not have a large enough boiler i.e. 33 litres. As I have two FV's (standard 5 gallon) and one placcy cask (5 gallon) and also a picknick cooler box (unsure of the size), could I not use both FV's as boilers - splitting the contents between the two? Both would be setup the same i.e. they would both have kettle heaters and taps.

Would that work?

ta.

[Horden Hillbilly]

Ok, continuing in the spirit of thread hijacking...

I was thinking, the only reason I so far have been unable to go AG is due to not have a large enough boiler i.e. 33 litres. As I have two FV's (standard 5 gallon) and one placcy cask (5 gallon) and also a picknick cooler box (unsure of the size), could I not use both FV's as boilers - splitting the contents between the two? Both would be setup the same i.e. they would both have kettle heaters and taps.

There is a post Here where there was an incident with a standard fermenting bucket splitting while being used as a boiler. It's far better to be safe than sorry & buy a heavy duty boiler which is suitable for boiling for a prolonged length of time.