Anyone else here brew beer or mead at home?

That idea stinks :D

A Guy
 

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You doubted the OZ growing up, didn't you?! ;)
 

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I looked behind the curtain ;)

A Guy
 

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I'm such a beer fan and the whole process really interests me but I just don't know where to start or how much time/money it'll require. Any tips for a beginners? I love touring breweries and trying all different types of craft beer...
 

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Welcome to Windows EightForums, Sammy388. It’s good to have you aboard. :)

You came to the right place. Art or others will have you up and running in no time.
 

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Sammy388,
Welcome aboard! There are many, many places on the web to set info about homebrewing, but I would suggest that you find your nearest homebrewing supply store and start there. Getting the "right stuff" to start brewing costs $200-$600, with the $600 getting you the better brew kettle, natural gas burner (outdoors only) and a nice copper wort chiller. Buy the good stuff and it will last a long time. I'm using the same gear for more than 20 years and everything still works great! I put my beer and mead into 5 gallon Corny kegs instead of bottling it and that works much better!
 

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Thanks for all the info! Yeah, I suppose investing in quality equipment makes more sense. That's impressive that it's lasted you 20 years (and that you've been brewing your own beer for that long!) Just wondering, was the first batch you ever made actually drinkable? I have a feeling the first few times I try it'll come out tasting strange lol. Good idea to store the beer in 5 g. kegs, I guess bottling can be much more demanding (with such smaller bottles and all).
 

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Sammy388,
Yes, every batch I've ever made (about 125) has turned out great. I follow a few basic rules:

1. Always do a full boil (versus a partial boil and adding tap water afterwards)
2. Use a wort chiller to get the wort to pitching temp
3. Use the best yeast I can get
4. Put the beer into a stainless steel keg (aka Corny keg) after fermentation has been completed
5. Use good sanitation techniques during the entire process
 

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Wow, okay, that definitely makes the process more enticing if each batch is good! I'm sure there are tons of variations you can do once you're more established. That's what i'm looking forward to...my own version of BrewDogs or something ;)
 

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