The art of beer brewing

[magmanl337]

Recently a friend and I started brewing beer, both out of curiousity and to see how well we would be able to brew.

We started with an Amber Ale, and I must say it turned out quite well on taste. The only problem with the first batch was that we didn't mix the bottling sugar correctly, so there were consistency issues with all the bottles. Some were almost flat, while others kept foaming for 1-3 minutes (Some even 10!). We've got a better set up this round and next we will be trying to brew a stout. Any input from fellow brewers out there? Sort of a do's and don't's list of tips to give us aspiring brewmasters?

I must say to anyone out there considering to brew beer, it is a lot of fun and taking that first sip after 3 weeks or longer of waiting is very satisfying. Also with brewing yourself you can brew exactly to your own taste.

Here is a picture of the label for our first batch of beer, tell me what you guys think.

[B.A.M.]

I always wanted to try something such as this as it seem that it would be fun. Here is a link to a show (from the shadows) that did an episode on brewing beers might give some insite.

[maxama10]

How much has it costed all together so far? I like the label

[magmanl337]

How much has it costed all together so far? I like the label

The first batch of beer cost about $20 bucks for 2 gallons of beer. The whole set up was only about $30 bucks, but we bought a better set up. We went to a brewing shop yesterday and bought a starter kit that was $85 bucks, and it included all the gear we needed to make 5 gallons of beer, including all the ingredients for the first batch. After you have the initial set up, it costs about $30 bucks to make 5 gallons of the best beer you've ever tasted.

[DSR75]

I've never brewed beer before but I do know all about brewing that very intoxicating clear liquid!! In the words of George Jones "My eyes bugged out and my face turned blue , ooooh WHITE LIGHTNIN"!

[maxama10]

Inspired me to call some buddys they said theyd pitch in. So went to talk to the parents and they said no... Go figure...

So Ill have to wait until I go to college I suppose.

[magmanl337]

Inspired me to call some buddys they said theyd pitch in. So went to talk to the parents and they said no... Go figure...

So Ill have to wait until I go to college I suppose.

It is perfectly legal for you to brew and buy all the ingredients. The worst thing that could happen is you'd get grounded. Do they drink beer themselves? Perhaps you could make it a family night and brew some

[Dubstar112]

Funny, I watched a special on History channel tonight about brewing beer. Im eager to try this. My mom did a few years ago, and it came out bitter and high alc%. I dont know what went wrong if any thing. My friend got a kit for the holidays. He has yet to start it.

[magmanl337]

My mom did a few years ago, and it came out bitter and high alc%. I dont know what went wrong if any thing.

Nothing went wrong, some beers are meant to be bitter, and they usually have high alcohol content. She may have put too much hops in, but some people actually prefer bitter beers.

[maxama10]

It is perfectly legal for you to brew and buy all the ingredients. The worst thing that could happen is you'd get grounded. Do they drink beer themselves? Perhaps you could make it a family night and brew some

Well they said they would do it with me, but that takes the fun out of it, for the most part . I guess itd still be fun. I was just looking forward to making it with some friends.

[magmanl337]

Well they said they would do it with me, but that takes the fun out of it, for the most part . I guess itd still be fun. I was just looking forward to making it with some friends.

Making it with them first would make them more comfortable with the idea of you brewing beer. Just take it as a loss for now and just have some fun with your folks brewing. Eventually they might allow you to brew your own. You could even set up a "family competition" to see who among you can brew the best beer. Hope you guys have a great time.

[Muzikman]

My father and I brew. We got quite the setup and to this day still trying to perfect the methods. Brewing is pretty easy, doing it right is pretty hard. There is a lot of science behind it, but all in all, the key of he game is to make sure everything is clean. To discrib brewing to someone I would have to way it, 80% waiting, 15% cleaning, 5% brewing.

We keg all of our beer then bottle from the keg (groggers). This take a bunch of work out of the proccess.

Biggest suggestion, stick with Ale based beers. Much easier than a Lagar and takes a lot less resources and time.

We have brewed over 50 gallons so far (6 gallons at a time). We are stepping up to brewing 15 gallons at a time starting with the next batch.

If you have any specific questions, let me know I'll be glad to answer them.

[Altimas]

Im interested in brewing my own is there a website that will help me get started and also another where I can buy all the supplies I need? Thanks!

[Pneumagger]

This sounds like a fun thing for when company comes over. I mean, how cool is it to say you made the beer everyone is drinking for the big game?

Plus... you can't beat $30 for a few gallons of good beer.

[kosmo]

We have brewed over 50 gallons so far (6 gallons at a time). We are stepping up to brewing 15 gallons at a time starting with the next batch.

15 gallons at a time? Do you have a couple carboys or did you find a really big one? Also, what all would be necessary in order to have a continuous supply of kegged beer at a rate of consumption of 1-2 gallons a day, and do you have any idea how much that would cost?