home beer brewing

[Kewlb]

Hey, I want to start brewing my own beer at home, I know a few people that do it and their beer always tastes great and is way better then any store bought beer, however I can not get in touch with them to ask them a few questions I have. I would love some input from anyone here that might do it, or knows something about it. The main thing I need is help picking out a starter kit. I would rather not sacrifice quality for cost, but cost is still an issue. Id like to try to keep the kit under $130.00. If anyone can help me pick out a good starter kit (would like it to include absolutly everything I need to make my first batch) I would greatly appreciate it.

I have already checked out byob.com, but compared to others they top thing was way overpriced compared to others that had just about the same thing minus the stuff needed to make your first batch of beer.

TIA for all comments posted.

 

[Ultima200]

I know of an excellent website selling brew kits, that are highly reccommended but im high right now, so PM about this.

 

[Colt45]

i made beer once(never got to drink it though)
all it costed me was maltmix stuff ($10), sugar ($.50), yeast came with the mix. put it in a 5gal. bucket, later syphon it to bottles, add "priming" sugar (to give it carbonation)let it sit.. done!
lol

oh yeah and the amount of sugar effects the amount of alcohol, more = more. but too much sugar will kill the yeast and leave you with horse p!ss

 

[Aceman]

YGPM. My signature says it all.

 

[astriy]

buying a kit is a waste of money. here's what you really need.
1- big cooking pot at least 3 gallons - borrow one
6 feet of tubing
1- food grade plastic bucket with a faucet (I wouldn't reccoment using an old one becuase you probably wouldn't get it clean enough, remember - to make your beer right the conditions have to be close to sanitary, so clean everything your beer comes in contact with with a weak bleach solution)
1- bottle capper, bottles and caps
1- airlock
1- thermometer
1- a 5 gallon glass carboy (getting the big 6.5 gallon one is better)
1- ingredient kit
you can find all of this for ~50 bucks. Ask around a lot of people try to brew beer and just don't have time and have all their beermaking stuff they'd sell or give away. I got all the stuff above plus another carboy and a bottle cleaner and like a 100 bottles for free from some friends.

 

[Nevo]

Kewlb, if you live in or near any reasonably sized city, there's sure to be a homebrewing shop nearby. Drive down there and talk to the staff. In general, you'll find this type of folk honest and they won't try to sell you stuff you won't need. (In general.) They'll also be immensely helpful and have a few beginner books for you.

You can start out with a minimal amount of equipment, and should be able to keep your costs under $130 easily.

Another tip is to find a friend who will share you passion with you. Brewing is a social activity!