Member of the Month

KilaTsunami
October, 2024

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

Home Brewing

profile picture
Bmo.
Posts: 4907 - Karma: 2,667
Making a new thread because the others are really old and clogged with stuff i dont want.

First off: lets get this cult going again! https://www.newschoolers.com/cultnews/5001/Craft-Brews

I'm creating this thread to hopefully inspire some of you to go out and start making your own beer. I made my first batch (Belgian White) and it came out great! My buddies who have a fair amount of experience were pretty impressed. If you college guys are going home for break soon, its the perfect time to do the cook for your summer beer!

Questions:
-looking for ideas for my summer beer. thinking either a red beer or a raspberry flavored white beer. thoughts?
-need to get myself my own cornelius keg and stop borrowing my friends. have any of you bought one offline, or should i look locally?


Only have to be 18 to brew! If any of you are interested and wanna know how to get started brewing your own beer, post in here or feel free to PM me.
Feb 14 2013 3:48PM
135 1
profile picture
vincentlee223
Posts: 1571 - Karma: 382
Well that link I put up is a store that is pretty close to me in Toronto. I'll definitely head over there to get some pointers and ask whats the best way to go at it. I really want to make a nice hoppy beer but my friends aren't a big fan.
Feb 17 2013 12:16AM
1 0
profile picture
Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
vinnies really seems to answer to emails a lot. quite a few people ask him about recipes for beers and he really helps out. My sister lives in WA and her husband is a beer guy so they may be able to get me a couple bottles of something.

I have an oud bruin I made about 2 months ago. going to let it sit for about a year. I threw in roselare in secondary. hopefully if I get some RR i can use the dregs to get some more critters hoping around.
Feb 17 2013 3:43AM
1 0
profile picture
Bmo.
Posts: 4907 - Karma: 2,667
went home this past weekend so I decided to do a cook. picked up a brewers best kit at my local beer store, had almost the exact ingredients as the recipe i had picked from a beer forum, and it was on sale so why not? haha. This is my second kit from brewers best, and if its anything like my first, then it should be delicious. Highly recommend!

Irish ale kit
Click for larger image

The wort, seconds after i dumped the first round of hops in

Click for larger image


sitting in the carboy in my basement. She'll be ready on easter sunday!
Click for larger image
Feb 25 2013 12:31PM
1 0
profile picture
timmi
Posts: 12874 - Karma: 3,460
Okay so I've got the premade ingredients for an IPA. IPA's are a usually a little too hoppy for me, so I'm wondering what some thoughts are on what I could add to mellow out the flavour a bit? I'm thinking some raspberry extract.
Feb 26 2013 12:32AM
1 0
profile picture
Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
fruit and hops are not exactly the best flavor combination.

what about IPAs do you not like? the bitterness or the hop flavor? If you want me to work with you a bit you can pm me the ingredients and I can change some things up for you.
Feb 26 2013 1:35AM
1 0
profile picture
Bmo.
Posts: 4907 - Karma: 2,667
Click for larger image

stoked to go home this weekend and have some of my new beer!
Mar 18 2013 9:00PM
5 0
profile picture
Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
my brother in law sent me a a bottle of consecration. That is some good stuff. basically beer wine. but I saved the dregs and I pitched it in my sour. hopefully it will help.
Mar 18 2013 11:15PM
1 0
profile picture
Bmo.
Posts: 4907 - Karma: 2,667
been researching home-distilling Moonshine for the past few days. I have all the equipment so I think I'm gonna give it a go this summer. Lets hope I dont kill myself!
Apr 15 2013 12:50PM
1 0
profile picture
Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
you'll go blind before you die.
Apr 15 2013 2:04PM
1 0
profile picture
Bmo.
Posts: 4907 - Karma: 2,667
as long as you make the right cuts and know what to throw out, its fine and perfectly safe. Double distilling will make it way more pure too. I've read a ton of chemistry shit about boiling points of different alcohols, so hopefully i can get it right. we'll see how it goes.
Apr 15 2013 2:07PM
1 0
profile picture
Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
good luck
Apr 15 2013 2:21PM
1 0
profile picture
Bmo.
Posts: 4907 - Karma: 2,667
haha thanks. I'll send you a jar
Apr 15 2013 2:22PM
1 0
profile picture
vincentlee223
Posts: 1571 - Karma: 382
Receiving a jar of shine in the mail... seems legit.

Not sure if it has been in this thread yet but what are the economical savings of home brew? Basically, how much would it cost to brew a 24 of simple IPA. I want to figure out the payback period of all the fixed costs.
Apr 16 2013 5:14PM
1 0
profile picture
Bmo.
Posts: 4907 - Karma: 2,667
startup cost: $150-300 based on how nice and what kind of equipment you're using
fixed cost (ingredients): $20-35 per 5 gallons/55 bottles, based on recipe

Making beer is about half the cost of buying it in-store, so after a couple batches your equipment pays for itself. The equipment is easy to sell on craigslist if you need money/lose interest, at least in my area

fairly inexpensive and rewarding hobby to get into IMO.
Apr 16 2013 5:30PM
1 0
profile picture
vincentlee223
Posts: 1571 - Karma: 382
perfect breakdown, thanks!

Yeah I'm pretty excited to start it up next year. wooop.
Apr 16 2013 7:40PM
1 0
profile picture
Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
I would say start the start up cost of around 150-300 would be pretty accurate.

however if you buy in bulk and reuse your yeast you can make a 5 gallon batch for less than 20 bucks.

however if you find yourself at the point where you are buying in bulk and doing all those techniques you may also find yourself buying more expensive equipment so your cost savings might be minimal.

basically you may get lucky by making a few good batches but to get to the point where you are consistently making great batches that are equal with commercial quality you will probably be so obsessed that you are spending a lot more than anticipated on more than just brewing equipment. spending money like books, equipment, tickets to brew fests and club fees.

some people can however do it simply for years but they are rare.
Apr 16 2013 9:16PM
1 0
profile picture
vincentlee223
Posts: 1571 - Karma: 382
honestly, since i'm in uni and I tend to play drinking games with chugging involved, the beer I make won't have to be amazing. I'm in Canada, and 24 tallies of coors light is 48 bucks. If I can even get remotely close to a $1 a beer, I would be happy.
Apr 17 2013 12:48AM
1 0
profile picture
Bmo.
Posts: 4907 - Karma: 2,667
That's insane. You'll save a ton
Apr 17 2013 12:53AM
1 0
profile picture
AT-AT
Posts: 3281 - Karma: 3,256
It's so nice out here in buffalo today. Has me itching to make a nice summery beer, maybe with some lemons. Does anyone have a recipe for something like a lemon ale?
Apr 17 2013 1:09PM
2 0
profile picture
Blake.P
Posts: 9894 - Karma: 3,585
I would definitely do it then. I don't know if its worth it for me when I can get a 30 rack of stones, pbr, or coors light for $20
Apr 17 2013 1:14PM
1 0
profile picture
cheaaaaaa
Posts: 830 - Karma: 630
HEY! im moving back home to buffalo after this semester when i graduate college. Where do you get your homebrew stuff? Ever go to Niagara Traditions Homebrew?

Speaking of summer ales, were brewing up a kolsch beer (along side a Dub IPA). Its crisp and somewhat citrusy beer... go to consumer bev and try a "Fruh Kolsch"
Apr 17 2013 1:24PM
1 0
profile picture
AT-AT
Posts: 3281 - Karma: 3,256
hmm maybe I'll try one of those, thank you.

I have learned everything I know about brewing from those guys at Niagara Traditions. They are real nice people and knowledgeable to say the least.
Apr 17 2013 4:01PM
1 0
profile picture
vincentlee223
Posts: 1571 - Karma: 382
24 tallies of PBR is still 45 bucks.
Apr 18 2013 2:10PM
1 0
profile picture
Bmo.
Posts: 4907 - Karma: 2,667
It's official, I have the coolest summer job ever: Brewmaster's apprentice at Custom Brewcafters, a microbrew just down the street from my house. #stoked
Apr 25 2013 10:43AM
2 0
profile picture
Brodo_Swaggins
Posts: 136 - Karma: 172
That's sick! Have fun.
Apr 25 2013 11:21AM
1 0
profile picture
Randy_Quench
Posts: 5447 - Karma: 4,343
im sorry for you.. 24 tall PBRs would cost me 20$ and some change where I live.
Apr 25 2013 11:28AM
1 0
profile picture
Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
#jelly
Apr 25 2013 11:47AM
1 0
profile picture
Randy_Quench
Posts: 5447 - Karma: 4,343
i lied/typod, it would only cost me 30 and change. 5 bucks a 6er.
Apr 25 2013 11:49AM
1 0
profile picture
vincentlee223
Posts: 1571 - Karma: 382
I think you did the math wrong. There are 4 six packs in a pack of 24, so it would be more like $7.50 for a 6er
Apr 25 2013 2:38PM
1 0
profile picture
Randy_Quench
Posts: 5447 - Karma: 4,343
like the guy above me said, in NH a 6er is 5 and change. a 24 would be even less per beer. YEEHAW
Apr 25 2013 5:40PM
1 0
profile picture
vincentlee223
Posts: 1571 - Karma: 382
but you said a 24 pack would cost you 30 bucks...
Apr 25 2013 7:05PM
1 0
profile picture
Randy_Quench
Posts: 5447 - Karma: 4,343
I said 24 cans would cost me 30 bucks. as in 4 6ers. the corner store I buy my beer at doesnt sell 24s of pbr tallies.. bummer.

but this thread has taken a serious turn. pbr is the farthest thing from home brewing. Does anyone have any tips for someone on a serious budget looking to make a mediocre first brew this summer? Im talking cheapest possible, dont care if the outcome isn't exquisit. Anything will be better than the college budget brews I've been drinking all year.
Apr 25 2013 8:58PM
1 0
profile picture
Bmo.
Posts: 4907 - Karma: 2,667
I'm not the person to ask about cheap kits but you could probably pick up a kit that will crank out 55 bottles for about $50. it'll be much cheaper the next time around
Apr 25 2013 8:59PM
1 0
profile picture
stizzle
Posts: 371 - Karma: 623
Got everything bought and installed for my nitro setup in my keezer. In a week I'll have my tank of beer gas and the choclolate milk stout will be enjoyed how it should. Not really a question or anything... just came here to gloat haha.
Apr 26 2013 1:20PM
1 0
profile picture
Chewy.
Posts: 4113 - Karma: 4,856
I'm getting a kit off craigslist. But I was just curious what's a good yet easy first beer to brew?
May 8 2013 1:38PM
1 0
profile picture
Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
extract, all grain or partial mash?
May 8 2013 1:47PM
1 0
profile picture
cheaaaaaa
Posts: 830 - Karma: 630
I cant tell you what to make, but check this out


http://www.themadfermentationist.com/2012/02/11-mistakes-every-new-homebrewer-makes.html
May 8 2013 1:51PM
0 0
profile picture
Chewy.
Posts: 4113 - Karma: 4,856
Extract
May 8 2013 2:42PM
1 0
profile picture
Bmo.
Posts: 4907 - Karma: 2,667
Trying to find a CO2 tank 5-10 lbs (steel or aluminum idc) and a double gauge regulator for less than $100. can anyone help me out?
Jun 1 2013 9:38PM
1 0
profile picture
Bmo.
Posts: 4907 - Karma: 2,667
Also can someone (Tinga) list off the equipment needed to do a full grain beer? i'm ready to move on from extract and i'm a little confused
Jun 1 2013 9:57PM
1 0
profile picture
Aenigma
Posts: 11256 - Karma: 424
Huh, I'm bummed I didn't see this thread before!

I've been brewing all-grain for about a year now, and have made a new beer every 3-4 weeks during that time. I just racked a rye IPA into secondary tonight, and tomorrow is another brew day! I made a chocolate espresso porter this winter that turned out absolutely incredible, so I'm bumping up the gravity on that one a bit and letting it bottle condition a few months before fall comes around and I'm in the mood for dark beers again. This time, I'm shooting for a 1.10 OG, so it'll take that long for it to really age enough to be good.

Brewing is definitely an awesome hobby, and although it might not save me a ton of money, it sure looks great financially when compared to skiing, biking, or fishing! With most of my beers (which are never light) I'm spending about $40-60 per batch, so right around $1 a bottle. The difference isn't big if you're usually drinking pales or ambers, but when I go down to the grocery store and eye the $7-15 bottles of IIPA's and Imperial Stouts, then it starts to make a lot more sense. The more you drink, the more you save!
Jun 1 2013 10:03PM
1 0
profile picture
Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
well there are many ways to do it and you need to figure out which way works for you.

are you doing full boils? if not you will need a kettle large enough for full boils.

assuming you have everything needed for extract batches you could go all grain simply by doing some brew in a bag batches. all you would need is a grain bag.

but basically you need to figure out a way to contain the mash for a certain time period at a certain temperature and then be able to drain off the wort while leaving the grain behind. then you also need a way to hold sparge water while you are putting your wort somewhere else.

Jun 2 2013 12:20AM
1 0
profile picture
Bmo.
Posts: 4907 - Karma: 2,667
...I'm still confused. Yes I have everything for extract. Do you need a grain crusher or something? My coworkers at the brewery were talking about their grain setups and I got really confused and just kept nodding my head haha
Jun 2 2013 12:40AM
1 0
profile picture
Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
good point.

we want access to the inside of the kernels but we don't want to shred the husks so you need to grind the grain within a certain tolerance. some homebrew stores will have mills so when you buy your grain there you can use their mill.
Jun 2 2013 4:41PM
1 0
profile picture
Bmo.
Posts: 4907 - Karma: 2,667
Just found out my store has one!
Jun 2 2013 7:48PM
1 0
profile picture
stizzle
Posts: 371 - Karma: 623
I wish there was a way to quote multiple replies but I'll try to remember your questions.

For the CO2 cylinder I would definitely get aluminum. I only say this because I've had some moisture problems in my keezer even with dehumidifiers and theres a chance the steel could rust. I bought my own cylinder I just get refilled but you can do tank exchanges through places like Airgas if you don't want to buy the tank.

If you don't have a large enough pot for full boil like Tinga mentioned I think that is an upgrade you should make before going all grain.

For a mash tun, Im using a 10 gallon home depot water cooler with a false bottom. The false bottoms run about $35 and the coolers about $20. I added on a weldless ball valve for another $20. There's other setups you can run so spend some time looking at DIY cooler mash tuns. If you want some pics pm me.

Like Tinga said, you don't need a grain mill if you're homebrew store has one. Getting one is on my list of upgrades but its not a high priority yet. I'm lucky that my store has one that you can adjust to whatever spacing you want.
Jun 2 2013 7:56PM
1 0
profile picture
Bmo.
Posts: 4907 - Karma: 2,667
^thanks man! Can you post some pictures or links so I know what you look for?
Jun 2 2013 8:54PM
1 0
profile picture
stizzle
Posts: 371 - Karma: 623
http://loudmouthbrewer.wordpress.com/2013/01/02/loudmouth-brewer-mash-tun-10-gallon-cooler-conversion/

Here's a link to a DIY Mash tun almost identical to mine. His prices are a bit inflated but its a good visual. For any fittings or valves you need go to Bargainfittings.com By far the cheapest stainless equipment I've found.

Jun 3 2013 9:28AM
1 0
profile picture
Bmo.
Posts: 4907 - Karma: 2,667
decided to go with the brew-in-a-bag approach, as this is my last summer home and I can't spend the money. Also I just dropped $130 on a brand new TapRite 5lb co2 tank and regulator.

Last week a couple guys at the brewery brought their home brews in, and one was a pale ale with citra hops and it was phenominal, so i looked online and found morebeer.com has an milled all-grain kit with citra hops! how perfect is that?? and then in order to qualify for free shipping I needed to spend a little bit more so I grabbed the grain bag and a sweet stout. I'm so stoked right now, I can't wait to brew!

Click for larger image

not my pic, but my exact setup (except ball-lock)
Click for larger image
Jun 22 2013 5:46PM
1 0
profile picture
cheaaaaaa
Posts: 830 - Karma: 630
citra all day!!!! its an awesome hop for any summer beer or ipa. i had a half oz left over from my xipa so i put it in my amber lager (@3min) and couldn't be happier with the result
Jun 23 2013 12:37AM
1 0
All times are Eastern (-5)