Homebrewing

[thebbqguy]

Do any of you brew your own beer?

I've been using extract kits for a few years, but switched to all grain for the last batch of pale ale and it turned out great.  I converted a 10 gallon Rubbermaid water cooler into a mash tun with a brass ball valve and a stainless steel hose. It works great.

If you haven't tried it yet, you don't know what you missing. I don't know that I can ever look at BW and ML the same way again. It's actually cheaper to make your own and the quality is 20 times better. I think you'll recoup the expenses for supplies after about the 4th or 5th batch you make. 

[texanron]

Currently I do not brew my own but I know a couple of guys on here do. A friend of mine and I are planning on diving into the process but life challenges keep getting in the way. I would appreciate any start up tips you might have. What is BW and ML stand for??

[thebbqguy]

What is BW and ML stand for??

Sorry Budweiser and Miller Lite.

[thebbqguy]

I would appreciate any start up tips you might have.

I'm no expert, but as with most hobbies it's better to spend a little more in the beginning than nickle and diming later.  Your best investment long term will be a good quality stainless steel brew kettle. You can check restaurant supply stores to save a little money by buying a gently used one, but this is probably your biggest bang for your buck in the beginning. Or, if you don't want to spend quite that much, an aluminum kettle from Wal-Mart will also work. A turkey frying kettle works well. (Stainless is better.)

A basic brew kit can be purchased from a place like MoreBeer.com

Link to beginning home brew kit:  http://morebeer.com/view_product/15910/102142/Personal_Home_Brewery_%232_-_Deluxe

Link to a nice brew kettle: http://morebeer.com/view_product/8419/beerwinecoffee/Heavy_Duty_Brew_Kettle_-_With_Ball_Valve_32_Quart_8_Gallon