How do I?

[Jimothy_Bobbins]

Hi all, I have never brewed beer before but have wanted to try it for some time. I have never taken the plunge but having been given a couple of pressure barrels and a big bin with heating element inside I now want to give it a go. I am also collecting some Demijohns this week to have a go at making some wine but thats for another thread...

Want I want to know is, how do I actually do it? I was going to buy this http://www.barleybottom.com/menu/product/&ID=171 but don't know what to do with it when it arrives. Will it have instructions with it? Also, will I need a zillion bottles or do you store it in the pressure barrels that I've been given?

I will take some pictures of the kit I have been given but look forward to any replies in the meantime.

[OldSpeckledBadger]

If you're new to brew I recommend you start off with kits.

[GARYSMIFF]

Yes Start with a kit, Go to Wilkinsons if you have one close by and get your self a Woodfords Werry kit or ask your local HB shop for advice on a GOOD kit, don't expect to brew lager( Euro fizz ) but you can easy get a Stout, Bitter, Mild or Cider kit that is worth the time and effort.

the 2 can kits or normaly worth the extra money as is using Brewing sugar ( DME) with a single can kit, but not the Cider


Good luck, mean time, Bleach out those KEGS

[Jimothy_Bobbins]

Hi Guys, oh right - a kit eh..? Sorry, I thought it would be a case of following some instructions and having a go. I will get a kit to try instead. I have taken some pictures of the kit I've been given anyway. Some of it is do do wih wine making but here it all is anyway. The lids for the pressure barrels need replacing as the inside is corroded on what looks like some sort of valve.

[Jimothy_Bobbins]

Yes Start with a kit, Go to Wilkinsons if you have one close by and get your self a Woodfords Werry kit or ask your local HB shop for advice on a GOOD kit, don't expect to brew lager( Euro fizz ) but you can easy get a Stout, Bitter, Mild or Cider kit that is worth the time and effort.

the 2 can kits or normaly worth the extra money as is using Brewing sugar ( DME) with a single can kit, but not the Cider


Good luck, mean time, Bleach out those KEGS

This one? http://www.wilkinsonplus.com/Home-Brewi ... xR0A%3D%3D#

When you say bleach out those kegs, shall I fill them with hot water then add some bleach or what? Sorry, just want to make sure I get things right and don't over do it with the bleach!

[trucker5774]

Eventually you will want to do "all grain brewing" The kit option is a cheap way to start, without getting into a mess. It will teach you a lot for little expense and wont matter if you decide note to continue. When you are ready to move on there will be plenty of advice here. Read as much from the site as you can then ask again. It's a bit much for someone to answer from sart to finish until you have a good basic knowledge

Bleach...................use cheap THIN supermarket own brand............not the thick or scented type (you wont be able to rinse it away)

Good luck with the new hobby............you will get hooked!

[trucker5774]

...........................and YES..........that kit is a very good starter........makes good beer with little fuss

[Jimothy_Bobbins]

Cheers trucker5774, I will go ahead and order that kit then. Is there anything else I need to buy before I can use the kit? I'm assuming it will have instructions but it would be good if I can order everthing I need before the kit arrives. Do I need a seperate fermenting bucket or will I let it ferment in the bucket that has the giant kettle heating element in the bottom? And when I put it into the barrel and put the lid on do I need one of these Co2 cannisters for it? I'm guessing once the beer is in the barrel you don't take the top off again?

[trucker5774]

Don't use the bin with the element. Save that for use a s a boiler for later in your new hobby. It would be too risky in terms of sanitising it. Buy a fermenting bucket (about £12) Be sure every thing is sanitised with a bought sanitiser or the same thin bleach I mentioned diluted to about 1% in water. Get a long plasic stiring spoon to mix things together and a thermometer (I prefer digital...cheap on ebay) I think you already have a hydrometer. REMEMBER....SANITISE everything properly. Plan ahead and don't rush. It really is very simple, just be methodical

[Jimothy_Bobbins]

Don't use the bin with the element. Save that for use a s a boiler for later in your new hobby. It would be too risky in terms of sanitising it. Buy a fermenting bucket (about £12) Be sure every thing is sanitised with a bought sanitiser or the same thin bleach I mentioned diluted to about 1% in water. Get a long plasic stiring spoon to mix things together and a thermometer (I prefer digital...cheap on ebay) I think you already have a hydrometer. REMEMBER....SANITISE everything properly. Plan ahead and don't rush. It really is very simple, just be methodical

Trucker, thank you very much. You are a great help. I will order a fermenting bucket and thermometer as well as the beer kit. I will also be sure to buy some thin bleach or sanitiser and a long plastic spoon. Do I need bottles or will I store it in the barrels? And do I need the Co2 cannisters for the barrels? Sorry for all the questions!

[trucker5774]

Yeah............sorry, I missed that bit. If you are happy that the barrels are clean and will hold pressure (apply vasaline to the plastic thread and 'O' ring seal under the lid, fill with water and use a CO2 cannister to pressurise, Once sealed brush soapy water around the outside and check for foaming bubbles to detect leaks) If you are not happy with the barrel, replace it or use platic (PET) lemonade bottles. Whatever you decide to will want to prime the brew with about 80 gramms of white sugar. If using a barrel this will give initial pressure (and carbonation) you will need a CO2 cannister as the level of the beer drops in the barrel as you enjoy the fruits of your labour

[Jimothy_Bobbins]

Thanks trucker, I will check out the barrels and see that they are ok when I have bought some new screw on lids for them. Each answer you give me leads to another question and for that I appologise - but what does it mean to prime the brew with sugar?

[Jack Hackett]

For cleaning those pressure barrels (and the boiler bucket) I would suggest using Soda Crystal, bung a kilo in each barrel, fill with warm water and leave for 24hrs, a bit of agitation will help too. If you can get a brush in there too all the better.
Once clean then you can sanitize them when the time comes to use them. I sanitize with 5-10 ml of thin bleach in a gallon of water, rinse well (3 times) to get any bleachy residue of the insides.

All the best with your new hobby

[trucker5774]

Once your beer has fermented it has consumed most of the sugars in the liquid, turning them to alcohol and CO2. At this point the beer will be flat. So, when you put it into a barrel or bottles you need to introduce additional sugar (priming sugar) to allow the remaining yeast to work on it again to produce a little more alcohol, but more important at this point, more CO2. This is what will provide pressure and carbonation.

The easiest way is to disolve about 80g of white sugar in about 150ml of hot water..............cool to 20C and add to the barrel before filling with beer. (do not splash the beer once fermented, as you dont want to introduce oxygen into it) If using bottles, divige the solution between the bottles (a syringe works well)

Now you can see why the guys have suggested a kit..............all grain brewing gets a little more involved, but is still straight forward (once you have a basic understanding)

Remember to sanitise!!!!

[Jimothy_Bobbins]

Thanks very much Jack and Trucker. Indeed I can see now why you guys have suggested a kit to start with. I now have a few things to buy and will have a go with the kit. If I get stuck or have more questions I will return! Thank you for giving me some initial guidance and pointing me in the right direction. I will let you know how I get on.