Questions for the home brewers...

My wife has recently lowered her opposition to me brewing my own beer so I'm trying to learn about getting started, figure out exactly the kind of room I need in the house, and equipment I would need to buy before she changes her mind.

I don't know a lot about brewing beer but I do know that I want to be able to make beer in as traditional a manner as possible and I prefer ales to lagers. So, I'm thinking full boil, no syrups or other short cuts. I also know that my desire to not take short cuts means I'm going to need to have some reasonable control over temperatures and cleanliness, and that the first batch may not be that great.

Can anybody give me some advice? I'm looking at some beer making kits offered by morebeer.com as a possible starting point, but I don't know what I need. Also, is there a book out there that would walk me through the process in an understandable yet complete manner?

One more thing: Is there a class in the Bay Area I could take to get me closer to the advanced beer making levels quicker?

Tester here!

Jay, you should get a hold of bennetdanville. He makes the best homemade
beer.  After our fishing is done. He provides us with his homemade beer and it
is always a big treat.

Jedmo

Jay you can find kits on line. The link below is the one I got. Good thing you like ales they are way simpler to make. As for bottles the flip top (think grolsh) bottles are great but expensive. If you really wanna save cash you can re-use any non twist off bottle but 12 oz bottle mean quite a few bottles. I have an extra car boy (glass water cooler jug) that you can have when I see you again. As for room you don't need much. I actually ferment mine in the tub in our seldom used 2nd bathroom (in a bucket then car boy) all you really need is a place that has pretty stable temp. Garages can work but most get to cold or to hot during the day. The only other advice I have is find a local place that you can buy your ingredients from. The packaged kits may have been sitting around. You are only using 4 ingredients so freshness REALLY matters. I have yet to get stuff from this place but they can 'build' you a recipe for any brew
http://www.yelp.com/biz/moreflavor-los-altos

Here is a pic of the kit that I have
http://www.homebrewers.com/product/1000/Beer_Making_Starter_Kit_with_Ingredients.html

But it looks like this place has a way better deal and you can get the car boy in the deluxe version (and its cheaper)

http://www.homebrewit.com/aisle/2010

Ok, strike while the iron is hot (and the wife is in an agreeable mood!)

You happen to have the best supply store in the north state a few minutes away at the Napa fairgrounds.

http://www.napafermentation.com/

Online, after some trial and error, I've found that the best by far is Northern Brewer - also be sure to check out the forums there for tips/recipes etc.

http://www.northernbrewer.com/

I highly highly recommend using a malt extract for your first few batches.  There is a lot less equipment, fewer steps, you can infuse specialty malts with a partial mash done on the stovetop and oven, and have a greater chance at success, especially starting off.

I recommend investing in a kegging system as soon as possible.

Really though, go to Napa Fermentation.  Spend an hour or more just asking questions, sign up for a class, and be prepared to drop some cash.

I get all my supplies here   http://www.thebeveragepeople.com/

Its in Santa Rosa so not too far from where you are and its a great place.   They are extremely helpful and definately have everything you need from starting out to taking your brewing to the next levels.   

Ive been brewing for several years now.. started with a setup like the deluxe brewing kit on this page:

http://www.thebeveragepeople.com/beer-brewing-equipment-kits.html

and pretty much made beers from pre measured packages like these

http://www.thebeveragepeople.com/beer-brewing-ingredient-kits.html

.. they always have about 20 different packs in stock.   Its a great way to get started and makes great beer!

I still make those once in a while but for the past year or so have been doing all grain brewing and buying my supplies separately.   Im even growing my own hops in the backyard, though I only grow one variety so far.   I also moved from bottling my beer to kegging it and build a 3 keg keggerator out of a chest freezer..  nothing like going.. Hmm..  think Ill go out in the garage and pour a beer!      Homebrewing is a lot like kayak fishing.. always something new to pimp your setup or some new way to rig something up.

Here is the homebrewing forum I read.. lots of info here!   http://www.homebrewtalk.com/

Also, LOTS of youtube videos on homebrewing.. this guy



has some good tutorials.  Let the brewing begin! 

Start with a kit, its easy and fun.

I started last January. I think the best route is to go with a partial mash first (I am still doing). Get the hang of it and understand the science behind it. SF Brewcraft has good kits and are very knowledgeable, but not close to you.  will eventually try the full grain route, but the 3 batches I have made so far are very good and I can't imagine they'd get much better with the added work. We'll see. Good luck, its the hobby that gives back. One tip I was given when I started, never take brewing advice from a thin guy, the fat guys have more experience. Makes sense

You absolutely need to download all of the Brewing Network Podcasts. They are on itunes. The shows are Brew Strong, The Session and Can You Brew It....

The guys that are on those shows are some of the best homebrewers in the nation and the info that they give, although very detailed is top rate.

I think those guys did a podcast on sanitation as well.. a little dry in spots but good info.   

The Brewing Network is definitely very detail orientated, sometimes dry, but the guys are pretty crass so it makes it a bit more fun. These guys are uber beer dorks that breakdown every aspect of the brewing process.

Also, the book How to Brew by John Palmer is a great starting point. It clearly explains the entire al grain process (as well as extract, partial mash etc..) in an easy to understand way for the novice and then following chapters really break down the process to its finer points. After reading How To Brew, the Brewing Network shows make a lot more sense.

I really enjoy brewing and if you have any questions don't hesitate to PM me. Also may want to check out this forum www.homebrewtalk.com

Happy Brewing!

Also, the book How to Brew by John Palmer is a great starting point. It clearly explains the entire al grain process (as well as extract, partial mash etc..) in an easy to understand way for the novice and then following chapters really break down the process to its finer points. After reading How To Brew, the Brewing Network shows make a lot more sense.

This is definitely a good book!  Its in the bookstores and brewsupply shops in its second version but hes also made the first edition available online for free.. good place to start!

http://www.howtobrew.com/

Wow, great information from everyone! I'm feeling more confident with all of this extra info to work with.
I appreciate a lot of the sites you guys provided and I'm definitely thinking that I want to start out with a "kit" where everything I need comes all at once, then I can add to it or upgrade as I go.

From what I am reading, I'm still leaning toward investing in one of the more expensive kits that will allow me to do a "full boil" method right away. I figure if my wife will go for it, I'd like to get the best kit I can afford even if it means that I'll have to build my skills before I really use every part of the kit.

What do you think of this one? http://morebeer.com/view_product/15912/102142/Personal_Home_Brewery_%234_-_Bottling_Super_Deluxe

Morebeer.com has a shop only 15 minutes from my house and seems to have a pretty good selection and a lot of educational materials. Does anyone have any experience with morebeer.com?

Sounds like fun Jay! I helped a friend brew some years ago-mostly Laura & I washed & sanitized 12 oz bottles for an entire afternoon.

Waiting for the creation to properly ferment & get some carbonation was tough! The beer turned out good though, even for a first attempt.

Jay, you should get a hold of bennetdanville. She makes the best homemade
beer.  After our fishing is done. He provides us with his homemade beer and it
is always a big treat.

Jedmo

I'm confused is it she or he?