Should I start making my own beer?

[StageLeft]

I figure making my own beer would cost about 1/3 of buying it. I once tried a batch and it was all ruined because it failed to ferment properly (I didn't follow the instructions. I think 4 steps was too much ) - I'm thinking of going to a brew store and getting told what to buy and what to do. Considering I have no practice is it really reasonable to make home beer based on a kit and have it taste even at all drinkable?

 

[Locutus of Board]

If anyone gets us some good info, I'd like to know as well.

How has anyones home brewed worked and tasted?

 

[slipperyslope]

Well what you have to understand is that moneywise you will save some money but that isn't a reason you should consider it. The time you spend will more than outweight the money you save. You have to clean everything throughly. I mean cleaning everything is THE most important part.

If you do brew you own stuff, after a few batches everything you make will be better than store bought crap. That is why I like making my own brew.

Jim

p.s. If you are they type of person that likes to cut corners on things then brewing is not for you. Cutting corners will just give you a beer that tastes like sh*t and you won't drink. I know from experience. My first batch was AWFUL. I had to pour out 50 bottles of beer(if you want to call it that)

 

[BearX00]

Go for it. if you do it correctly as stated, you will get really good tasting beer and it does have actual cost savings

 

[StageLeft]

The time you spend will more than outweight the money you save. You have to clean everything throughly.

Jokes on you cause I'm outta work! I have a lot of free time

You really find it better than store crap? My particular taste in beer is for things like fosters - I don't like dark beers AT ALL. I hate them. I like a good pale ale standard hick golden drink beer and watch tv sort of beer. So I can make this sort of beer easily?

About the cleaning - my dad has been making wine for years and beat that into me before I tried the first kit

 

[slipperyslope]

If you like Pale ale's then go for it. If you like lagers then I wouldn't really suggest it as much since you have to brew lagers at a lower temperature. Ale's you can ferment at roomtemperature. Lagers you need to ferment at around 55-63C.

I have brewed a few good Pale Ale's in my day. The best beer I have brewed was a Red Ale. Man that beer was SOOO good.

YES once you get the hang of things you will brew beer that surpasses any beer you can get in the store.

Jim

 

[slipperyslope]

I recommend picking up this book if you are going to get started into homebrewing.

It is easy to read and very help. Tells you alot of things not to do as well as things that you should try.

Jim

 

[StageLeft]

Thanks for help! I think I'll see what I can do...

 

[purplehayes]

What's a general start-up cost for brewing small batches?

PH

 

[StageLeft]

Looks to me like a kit with sugar is about $15-20 US and then you need a big bucket and some cleaners and what not - probably not more than another $20-30?

 

[Thump553]

I used to home brew. Ran out of space and time to continue, but it was generally worth it. Even got a ribbon at a state fair for one of my stouts.

As slipperyslope essentially said, sterilization (not just clean, but sterile) is absolutely critical. Washing and sterilizing bottles is a pain in the butt if you don't have a good dishwasher, its also a hit or miss thing then. Trouble is, you don't find about your mistakes until a couple of weeks after you do them.

I'd say give it a try. I made some pretty good brew (and some absolutely horrendous stuff). But don't do it for cost savings, they are pretty inconsequential.

 

[slipperyslope]

Well the start up cost of the equipment alone is about $50. Buckets, scale, themometer, and some other things(like bottles/caps). So initial investment is a little bit expensive.

If you do a kit brew(just pick a type. I personally like Edme Kits), it will cost around $14 then add in the corn suger(I use malt instead) then you will be hitting around $17-$20 for your first batch. That will brew 5-6 Gallons of beer(around 48 bottles).

I must stress that you need to clean everything that has a chance of coming in contact with the beer. There are lots of bacteria that would love to ferment with your yeast that will make the beer awful.

Also try and pick a location where the beer can ferment without being messed with and where the temperature is somewhat constant.

Jim

 

I have 2 homw brew kits.

After you buy all the equipment needed, it only costs about $12 for 2.5 cases of beer.
But money isnt the issue when you are brewing. You should enjoy the time and effort it takes to make your own brew and then get buzzed off of it.

But let my tell you, making a GOOD beer, is REALLY HARD.
The amount of combinations of flavors and thickness you can create are endless.
Brewing is as much an art as cooking.

So I say go for it. First thing you need to do, it go out and start buying long neck bottles. Non twist off ones. You will need about 2-4 cases, so start buying and drinking long neck bud or something of the sort.

 

[Aceman]

I have been a homebrewer for over 7 years. Homebrewing IS NOT cheaper than buying commercial swill. It is however better tasting and a hobby I thoroughly enjoy. You are in control of the brew you want. PM me Skoorb and I can fill you in on the do's and don'ts. Also, you might want to visit:

www.skotrat.com

and check out the chat room. We are the first international online brew club and the site started 6 years ago. Very informative, very good place to hang out. It is a TRUE virtual pub. It can get very technical and then again it can get very rauncy at nights.

 

[LordMaul]

Well, I tried once.

It was very nice, sort of. It was NOT cloudy at ALL after awhile, very nice head to it, but it had a strange, bittersweet aftertaste. That meant I hadn't really sanitized enough...

Still haven't tried again.

I should.

 

[LordMaul]

<< My particular taste in beer is for things like fosters - I don't like dark beers AT ALL. I hate them. I like a good pale ale standard hick golden drink beer and watch tv sort of beer. >>



Ahhhhhhhhh....I see. So what you are trying to say is you love Piss Beer that you can drink while resting the bottle on your sweat-soaked T shirt streched over your gut!