Comments on: Can you help with my home brewing questions?

By: nickdlny

nickdlny — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:52:59 +0000

Hey, I'm am brand new to the home brewing world as well. I did find this online though: http://www.howtobrew.com/intro.html That should get you set up with everything you need to know, but there is still equipment to buy. I'm from the other side of the lake so I'm not too familiar with Chicago. I have got most of my stuff off of an ebay store that I found. You should check them out to get into a kit: http://stores.ebay.com/The-Bruhaus-Brewing-And-Wine-Supply More specifically, at that ebay store, you can get into a 5 gallon (or more) kit that would make you at least 48 bottles (12 oz. each) of beer: http://cgi.ebay.com/Complete-Deluxe-Home-Brewing-Equipment-With-6g-Carboy_W0QQitemZ360112855598QQihZ023QQcategoryZ38172QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem Assuming that you have nothing at all to start brewing, you should be able to get everything you need to brew your first batch for between $100 and $150. That's for everything, reusable glass bottles, brewing pot, all the ingredients, and everything else you need. The brewing for dummies book will have a list of stuff that you need to get started. Most of that stuff will be in the kit on ebay (or any other good kit for that matter). After your first batch, the only thing you should have to buy is new bottle caps and ingredients for whatever kind of brew you want to make. I bought that Mr. Beer kit at Meijer when it was on clearance for $20. It did what it was supposed to do; but it was only 2 gallons and I would hardly call that making my own beer. For the experience, it wouldn 't be a bad way to go if you didnt' mind investing some time and resources. It won't be all that you need to continue to enjoy brewing and drinking your own beer. You'll be buying another kit later. Happy brewing!!! Hope this helps.
References :
ebay and that one dude's online book.

By: R.

R. — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:08:59 +0000

A Mr. Beer kit, while very simple to use, really won’t provide you with a true hands on brewing experience. It’s basically adding hot water to pre made mix and ferment.

I always advocate supporting your LHBS (Local Home Brew Shop), so check in your area. There are several excellent web shops that not only provide the best equipment & ingredients, but also have great knowledgeable staff & good FAQs:

For a simple, all-in-one kit (but far better than Mr. Beer)
Cooper’s Homebrew Kits: http://www.justhomebrewit.com/coopers/

Two of the best brew shops online:
Northern Brewer: http://www.northernbrewer.com/

Williams Brewing: http://www.williamsbrewing.com

Better Reading the the Dummies book:
John Palmer’s "How to Brew" – http://www.howtobrew.com

I hope this helps you on your way to making that "Ultimate Brew"!

Quri0us,
Brew/Webmaster
http://www.justhomebrewit.com
References :
http://www.justhomebrewit.com/coopers/
http://www.northernbrewer.com/starterkits.html
http://www.williamsbrewing.com/Home_Brewing_C198.cfm
http://www.justhomebrewit.com

By: oikos

oikos — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:43:59 +0000

If the Nachel book doesn’t have any sources, try the telephone directory. You can also go to http://byo.com to find links to advertisers. It might pay to make your first purchase on line. You want a real kit, not a toy one like Mr Beer. Sometimes, you can get a good deal on eBay.

Read the book and you will have a much better idea of what you are trying to do.
References :

By: Dann G

Dann G — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:56:59 +0000

go to http://www.byo.com and look for some homebrew shops in your area.
References :

By: Jeff Says...

Jeff Says... — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:38:59 +0000

A Mr. Beer kit will make a small quantity of average beer. Nothing great, and the directions aren’t really good. (I’ve tried using one).

http://www.morebeer.com has some great deals and free shipping. They have starter kits with everything you need, including great directions.

If you need more help you can talk to anyone at a homebrew shop and they are usually more than happy to share information. Also, try to find out if there is a local homebrew club and join them for a brewday.

Enjoy the hobby!

Oh, and if you have an MP3 player, try downloading some Podcasts to help you learn. Podcasts like Basic Brewing Radio and The Brewing Network.

Also, check out How To Brew by John Palmer. It’s one of hte best reference guides out there.
References :
http://www.morebeer.com
http://www.basicbrewing.com
http://www.howtobrew.com

Homebrewer for a number of years.

By: dogglebe

dogglebe — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:23:59 +0000

Avoid the Mister Beer kit. It makes low quality beer. Find a local homebrew shop and buy a real homebrew kit. Try Bev Art Homebrew & Wine Making Supply, 10035 S. Western Ave, Chicago, Il 60643

References :
11 years homebrewing

By: sunybuni

sunybuni — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:14:59 +0000

It may not be in Chicago, but you can order online through: beerbeerandmorebeer.com
References :

By: Cister

Cister — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:03:59 +0000

I am not in the USA, but after googling, I found this: Brew & Grow - www.altgarden.com 1824 N Besly CT, Chicago - (773) 395-1500 Bev Art Brewer & Winemaker Supply - bevart.com 10033 S. Western Ave, Chicago - (773) 233-7579 http://chibeer.org/links/
References :