Which Technique?
All grain brewing is the method used by professional breweries and is the the
pinnacle of homebrewing technique to which all real enthusiasts aspire. Of the
techniques described here it is the most demanding in terms of equipment,
knowledge and time - but if you want to make a beer that rivals (or even
surpasses) good commercial real ales, this is the way to do it!
Partial Mash
Partial mashing involves most of the skills of all grain brewing but in a
simplified and less time-consuming way. Results can be very good indeed.
Extract is a much simpler and quicker method of brewing which requires less
equipment than the previous two methods, while still allowing the brewer to
control the flavour of the brew to suit his or her own taste.
The easiest and quickest method of all requiring only the bare minimum of
equipment, and usually producing an acceptable pint. With kits you are largely
dependent on the manufacturer of the kit, and there is only limited scope for
customising the brew to your own taste. However, this is the way virtually all
homebrewers started out, including me, so it can't be that bad! |
