Brewing Getting Started Brewing is a science and an art form. Sure you can start with a recipe that someone else creates, that is science. When you have learned the basics then you create your own recipe, it is an art.
Most individuals start with the science, as they should. Ladies make excellent brewers. Ladies tend to have an attention to detail that makes them excellent brewers. Not to say gentlemen don't, it's that from what I have seen over the years, is that men tend not to follow the recipe. Following the recipe will keep you out of trouble. The recipe is your starting point not your ending point. Learn the basics first then you will be happy you did. The basics will save you lost time and spoiled brew.
The basics: cleanliness, good water, good malt, good hops and good yeast all make good beer. A great brew master makes great beer. Becoming a great brew master should be everyone's goal. To be a great brew master, learn the basics.
So you want to get started. My suggestion is learn a little about beer. Beer history will help give you an appreciation of what has happened before you.
In your reading about beer you should come across the famous German word "Reinheistgebot." This you will want to read as much about as you can discover. "Reinheistgebot" is the beginning of "purity" law. This word "Reinheistgebot" basically means water, malt, hops. It was a way to establish a standard in the tradition of beer making processes and ingredients. It was also a way to tell the consumer what was in the beer, thus truth in labeling.
As you begin to assemble your beer making equipment, you should know that most of the equipment you need is presently in most peoples homes. You can use what is available or you can purchase a brewer's kit. If you are serious about brewing, then it is suggested that you look into a small starter kit. The size of the kit will determine the amount of brew totally that you can brew at one time. You can make less with the kit but not more than the kit is designed to make.
When you go to your local brew shop you will be surprised at what is available. Suggest you visit a local brew shop before going on line to buy on the cheap your equipment. Cheap in brew making can make your first start a disaster. Remember, learn the basics first. At the brew shop, you will find someone who wants you to enjoy your experience of making beer. Also for wine buffs there are wine kits that can be obtained at the brew shop. But we are interested here in making beer, the water of life. While you are at the brew shop, you will find some excellent books on brewing. These books are getting better and better each day, so I do not have a particular book that you should seek to find and purchase. Not only can you gain knowledge at the brew shop, but you will meet other brewers who are all, in my experience, are willing to encourage you. Some may even have equipment they have out grown and are willing to make available to you reasonably or for free. Just remember you can use what you presently have at home but this may require a lot more work and guessing. The equipment is not as important as the individual using the equipment. At the brew shop, they can tell you what equipment to have or get. Let the experts there help you. Make sure that you get the best measuring equipment that you can afford. These will make a big difference in the outcome of your brew. Look at a good set of measuring cups and spoons and at least a one quart well marked measuring pitcher. Get or have a measuring scale that measures in at least one-quarter-ounce/grams increments. A must have is a good brewer's thermometer that measures from freezing of water to boiling of water temperatures. Make sure your thermometer is calibrated. If you want to become a true brewer, you will need a hydrometer, which measures the weight of a liquid compared to an equal volume of water. The hydrometer gives you the specific gravity of the brew and tells you how much sugar has been converted into alcohol. If you use a hydrometer, you will need a tall container that will allow the hydrometer to float without touching bottom. Usually, the hydrometer is made of glass so be careful with this piece of equipment and protect it at all times even when you put the hydrometer away and are not using it. You may want to be able to measure the pH (acidity or alkalinity) of your brew. If your going semi-profession in your brew, you will need to look into either a digital-readout meter or pH test strips. Last but not least, you need a method of recording systematically what you are doing. A log book or notebook works well here but is only as good as you systematically record your particular methods. At this stage of learning to brew, stick to the basics and follow the recipe. This is science, and every change you make has a different result.
Now I have made beer with the equipment I have in my home and the beer was drinkable. But to get the results I wanted I did invest in a five gallon kit. This is more than I can drink so I make a lot of friends who are willing to help out with the drinking and evaluating of the newest batch brewed. What you decide or your budget decides for you will determine the result of your brew. Happy brewing. Drink responsibility.
Radio Show Dedicated to Home Brewers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Brewing_Network
