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I strongly recommend https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Joy-Homebrewing-Fourth-Revised/dp/0062215752/ Charlie is considered by many to be the father of home brewing. This book has so much great information in it. I can't recommend it enough.
Did two stage filtration.
Cut opened a used RO candle which has tightly wound fibers. Removed and boiled them and made a makeshift filter using two plastic bottles.
For the second stage I used another RO filter component, the UF membrane:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084SQPCBP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_A056FK7MD9NAB5Q42JHB
But any RO spare should work. I just got the cheapest one.
Let me preface this answer by saying that the solution depends on how much disposable income you have available and how big of a setup you need.
I don't brew beer, but I like making hard ciders/apple wines and recently grape wine. I built myself an insulated box with a Peltier cooler as an experiment, but my latest setup (while more expensive) is a lot more effective. I commandeered my family's mini-fridge (Magic Chef 4.5 cu. ft. Mini Fridge with True Freezer in Stainless Look-HMTR450SE - The Home Depot) and hooked it through a temperature controller (bayite Temperature Controller BTC201 Pre-Wired Digital Outlet Thermostat, 2 Stage Heating and Cooling Mode, 110V - 240V 10A: AmazonSmile: Industrial & Scientific) set to 60F currently. This setup perfectly fits a 1-gal carboy next to a 2.75-gal carboy and allows me to keep the inside well-controlled even with temps that hit the high-80s outside during the "winter". If you have the ~$230 to spend, or a mini-fridge available, I highly recommend this setup. Once again, though, I don't know if it fits the needs of other brewers as well as it does mine.
I'm reading this currently. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/listing/2690471028214?r=1&cm_mmca2=pla&cm_mmc=GooglePLA-_-Book_15To24-_-Q000000633-_-2690471028214 It's $2 more at Amazon, but is prime eligible. It's a pretty good read. I'm struggling with some of the chemistry talk, but overall, a good read.
I just ordered a set of feeler gauges because I haven’t been happy with my crush either. They haven’t arrived yet but I’ve hear they can help with consistency. I think pro brewers use different mill settings for different grains especially wheat vs barley but I’m not sure about different varieties.
OriGlam Offset Feeler Gauge Set with 16 Blades, Standard Metric Offset Valve Feeler Gauge for Measuring Gap Width/Thickness 0.05mm - 1.0mm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GBZLNBS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_WWNKKK9SVCBS9KX66RVT
The yeast you get from walmart will not make a good wine/hard cider/beer. You need yeast specific to wine/cider/beer for that. If you can order from Amazon, this yeast with a couple gallons of preservative-free apple juice will make a nice hard cider.
If you haven't come across it, I highly recommend Against All Hops. I'm just getting into them, but I'm about to brew my second gruit from that book.
The Bloomers recipe that I'm brewing this weekend uses .25 oz of wormwood at 10 mins for 5 gallons.
My first gruit was also from that book and used Chaga Mushroom and yarrow. Hops are my least favorite part of beer, so I really liked it. Some people say the herbal flavors taste medicinal, but I just found them to be less bitter than hops and let more of the other flavors through.
The Home Brewer's Almanac is also a good book for using unusual natural ingredients.
You need a faucet wrench. When looking straight on you'll also need to turn to the right to loosen the nut. That will let you remove the faucet. To get inside the tower you can pop the cap off by pushing something up from inside. I usually use a wooden dowel with a tap from a hammer. That will get you to the beer nut that's holding the stem on. Once you remove all of that throw away the old lines and soak all the metal parts in your cleaner of choice. Put in new lines an Bob's your uncle.
Grab a copy of How to Brew. It’s considered a classic and will serve you well for years to come.
Also your going to need an apple press if your using real apples to get the juice.
I let mine age 4 weeks minimum. And using champagne yeast will produce a much better flavor than walmart yeast, which I assume is bread yeast.
If you want alcohol fast get a kveik! No yeast ferments faster and as an added bonus you can collect and dry kveik for long term storage because of their origins. Yeah Norwegian farmers were the most impatient group of all brewers. So this book is about as close a teacher to brewing the traditional Norwegian farmhouse ales, and some other Northern European and Russian brewing techniques. There's tons of cultural things talked about, including the fact of how harsh life was in the far north as late as the beginning of the 20th century, 1900s.
Hit up r/mead for recipes. Make sure you're following proper procedure by keeping everything clean and then sanitized before you create your must. Use proper nutrients and make sure everything is sealed up with an airlock or a blow-off tube properly installed to allow CO^2 out and keep bugs from getting in.
Grab a book like the Compleat Meadmaker to help you through the steps. Honey is just so expensive that it's not worth it to half-ass the production of mead. I think Schramm has some peach melomels in there that you could make using your crop as well. For fruit you want some campden tablets on hand to kill unwanted microorganisms that might be on them.
It's significantly cheaper to just use sugar you have at home and weigh it or you can buy corn sugar.
If you want tablets these are good.
I make a raspberry stout with the brewer's best raspberry extract that really works well. Usually 1/2 the bottle per 5 gallons is a nice ratio. Looks like they have a cranberry as well: https://www.amazon.com/Brewers-Best-Cranberry-Fruit-Flavoring/dp/B00IGYFH64
I've made a cranberry ginger cider by making a cranberry sauce with candied ginger. It was a lot of work and have a nice color, but the cranberry didn't quite come through as much as I wanted. It had the tartness, but not quite the berry flavor.
I've oaked it with spirals and chips before with good results.
To maintain some heat, use a seedling heat mat. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074753J5V/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_HRFEK144826HR828B9BS. Just use some bungee cords to wrap it around your ferm vessel and plug it into your inkbird. It'll raise the temp a few degrees.
Also, I use the inkbird connected to my kegerator to control the lowering of my ferm temp.
It takes practice, and everyone has their own set up. Experiment a little and figure out what works best for you. Good luck!!!
I always used Wolverines. Going from dry to wet in rubber boots sucked. Normally lasted about 9-12 months. Granger has some good rubber boots for around $40 but if your feet are wide the steel toe can cut into the side.
Wolverine is having a sale right now. I'd recommend these.
These look ugly, but work really well. Sadly I got a dab of caustic on mine without realizing it and it ate through the leather.
AEGISWARM 6" Steel Toe Work Boots for Men Waterproof, Safety Work Shoes Boots Non Slip Non Oil and Abrasion Resistance Leather Indestructible Boots https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LZCY77X/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_HFNFMJ6YPYHSRVRFD3ME?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Brew Better Beer (Emma Christensen) was great for an absolute beginner like myself. The recipes and instructions are all very straight-forward, with a (non-annoying) amount of repetition.
She introduces you to the basic techniques and steps, with a little background on each. This is not an in-depth explanation of the chemistry, but there's certainly enough there to get you started without overwhelming you.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22889876-brew-better-beer or https://www.amazon.com/Brew-Better-Beer-Making-Pilsners/dp/160774631X
I picked up the 10 gallon and 15 gallon versions of these Concord kettles and have been very happy with them. They make lots of sizes, so maybe you'd get a smaller one for the 3 gallon batches.
I have the 10 gal version of this pot, and have used it to make anywhere from 3-7 gal. Ive probably had this pot for 8+ years now with no complaints. I recently converted it to electric to use as an HLT.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M6DIKBI/ref=twister_B01M5KRVWY?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I use an insulated bag. it can hold a 6.5 gallon bucket with airlock no problem. You simply put frozen water bottles inside to lower the temp. It works great and is nicely low tech. My condo is consistently over 75, but this easily keeps my beer most any temp I want, no electricity needed. There is another brand called Cool Brewing. They’re more expensive but ice can be put in bag directly. This one isn’t water tight but that’s okay with me. Good luck!
Right on! A quick Amazon search lead me to this I don’t know if this helps or not but I hope your leak gets fixed one way or another. Cheers 🍻
I started off with something like this. Not super useful if you really get into brewing but still better than having to deal with bottling and capping when just starting out. Also comes in a size that you can do on your stove. You can typically find these in stores on sale around this time of year too.
I agree with /u/the_beerengineer on consumables - but this is a great shirt (if you know the size) https://smile.amazon.com/T-Shirt-Craft-Beer-Hops-Shirt/dp/B07KVZK1SB/ I wear mine at least weekly.
they make food grade sealers for things like that. ive never used them but i know they exist. check some place like northern brewer.
in fact, https://www.amazon.com/Silicone-Sealant-Adhesive-Original-Version/dp/B01F9HCCFE/
Oh gotcha. There are a bunch of use videos and articles about yeast propagating and yeast ranching that you can watch to learn more. After I grow up the population of yeast, I divide it and refrigerate them in either 50 ml sterile centerfugale tubes or in 1 pint Mason jars depending on size. I buy the centerfugale tubes on Amazon. All in all, It's easier than it looks and is fun to experiment with. As long as you pay extra close attention to sanitation and sterilization you should be fine. Here is a link to the tubes I buy. SPL 50ml Conical Centrifuge Tube PP/HDPE, Sterile,Non - pyrogenic, Non - cytotoxic, DNase / RNase - free, Human DNA - free (Pack of 25) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KXX7NQM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_l0osDbCZ2N2KS
Not OP but check these out. Got a pointer on another forum about AB heat exchangers. Adapt one side to a hose, run the brew in the opposite direction, and it’s drops the post boil down to ~83f during transfer. https://www.amazon.com/AB-Exchanger-Stainless-Heating-Melting/dp/B079VTT4GK/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?ie=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=ya_aw_od_pi
I had a great book on brewing different kinds of beers, wines and various drinks. I lost my copy, but plan to get it again. You might like it, here's the title and author:
Sacred and Herbal Healing Beers: The Secrets of Ancient Fermentation
by Stephen Harrod Buhner | 1 Dec 1998
Not sure if this is exactly what you mean, but me and my brother use this book to keep track of our recipes and trials (we are very particular). https://www.amazon.com/dp/1671700783
It helps you track everything about each batch, and really helps you finesse your recipes if you are looking for a particular taste. Nothing you cant do it a blank notebook but it is already laid out and thus really handy.
Yeah like others have said, you’ll find a lot more advice on r/Homebrewing but I’d say go for it. Having good equipment makes the job much easier. I brew on a Grainfather and I love it.
You might want to start with an extract batch just to get an idea about the process. You can go to you local homebrew shop (LHBS) and ask them for a “partial mash extract kit”. That means that most of your fermentables will come from with dry or liquid malt extract, but you’ll also steep some grains for extra flavor. Brewing an extract kit is like making a very large batch of tea. It’s very easy, but you’ll get the hang of the fermentation process. Checking your SG with a hydrometer, bottling, etc.
After a few of those, you’ll probably want to move up to full grain. Thats a longer process, but it will give you much more control over your final product. And with the Blichmann, you’ll have a much easier time than most folks who rig up a DIY setup to get started.
That being said, there’s a lot more to homebrewing than just your hot side equipment. You’ll also need fermenter(s), racking equipment, bottling (or preferably kegging) equipment, etc. As a lot of folks will tell you it’s a rabbit hole of upgrades. So don’t expect this to be your last purchase lol.
Start by brewing your favorite styles. Every style has its own tricks and techniques- there are a few that are more challenging for beginners (NEIPA, Barleywine, and Lambic for example) but for the most part just pick what you like and keep trying until you get it right.
And get either
The Complete Joy of Homebrewing Fourth Edition: Fully Revised and Updated https://smile.amazon.com/dp/0062215752/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_6mLuFbBC807FY
and/or
How To Brew: Everything You Need to Know to Brew Great Beer Every Time https://smile.amazon.com/dp/1938469356/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_unLuFb9ZPNTK5
There are thousands of books on homebrewing, but those are the two classics that pretty much all of us have read. Cheers!!
So it looks like everyone said fridge, but I’ve also used this insulated brew bag that I found on amazon. If you live in a warmer climate it will help because it comes with slow release ice packs which you can rotate to somewhat regulate the temperature. Their may be cheaper variations of this, but it’s a decent option since a fridge set up can get pricey.
Fermentation Cooler 2.0 version for Home Brewing, Bundle with 4x Large Cooler Shock Ice Packs - Beer Brewing Temperature Control, Keg Cooler, Brewing Bag by Cool Brewing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GDYH99N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_GCKUEb3BQ4VFV
You may want to look at r/HomeBrewing sub. You want to boil at least 2.5-3 gallons if you are doing a 5 gal kit. They make 1 gal kits as well. Start with extract. Get a brew bucket (from a brewing supply store).
Brewers Best is by far my favorite kit. You can go to LD Carlson ( http://www.ldcarlson.com/ ) and get all the supplies you need. You can get the basic equipment you need here https://www.amazon.com/Brewers-Best-Beer-Brewing-Equipment/dp/B006J336US . I started out on this and it lasted me for 4-5 years until i bought my conical.
If you cannot go to a local supply store to get your stuff, you can get the equipment and the kits on amazon. Recipes are more to taste. Brew what you like.
Last bit of free advice, sanitization is the easiest and hardest thing to do. Its easy to do, but its easy to miss a spot. When it doubt, sanitize again. Good luck!
I just got an airlock in the mail, I would recommend it, super cheap but it's well made.
Twin Bubble Airlock and Carboy Bung (Pack of 2) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A6TRKO4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_d2JwcdyQM9mwC
Cheap and effective. Put in aftermarket insoles. I can recommend superfast orange but they're expensive. I'm going to be trying a pair of the Timberland Pro inserts since they're cheap and highly recommended.
Also just fyi /r/thebrewery tends to represent the pro population much better than this sub.
You can buy a braided steel freezer lock on amazon that binds with a strong adhesive cement that locks with a padlock. I bought this one and use it on the freezer door in my lab, it's bonds very securely.
I have a grainfather and although it costs more, I am quite happy.
Once you trust what you are doing , with the bluetooth, you don't have to babysit it. I see the Clawhammer for 120 is $200, the Grainfather Connect alone is $150. You will need one ac cords that I used to call an IBM , https://www.amazon.com/Parts-Express-Edison-Female-Adapter/dp/B0015V1GXS With this you can run your own recipes. WITH the timer functions. :)
If you are going for larger than 5gal. The Grainfather controller is not a viable option. UNLESS you use the heat outlet to power a relay to hadle a isolated 240v line to your element. YMMV and my advice is worth exactly what you paid for it. I just like gadgets. :)
Great point. Here are a few solid book recommendations. https://smile.amazon.com/Complete-Joy-Homebrewing-Revised-Updated-ebook/dp/B00BATINQ8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524309067&sr=8-1&keywords=charlie+papazian https://smile.amazon.com/How-Brew-Everything-right-first-ebook/dp/B009DH2PP4/ref=pd_sim_351_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=7JX2YC33Q853691TBKWV
These got me started. Brewing is a lot of fun, and ultimately really simple. As the author of the first book says "Relax, don't worry and have a homebrew."
I do 10 gallon batches and found an stand up outdoor cooking stove for my batches. I found it at a garage sale for $45. I've been using it for years. Went to this after my first attempt on doing the small batches on the electric stove. Highly encourage an outdoor burner, a stand up one if possible.
I have seen this book in every brewery I've worked in. It's a great resource. Can get a little technical at times but overall it's a book you'll keep going back to.
how to brew is also another good book. Though it does tend to focus more on beer, brewing as a whole is very similar across the board.
Dude. Step back, read this book and then start brewing. It's rough advice, but you will thank me later. How to Brew: Everything You Need To Know To Brew Beer Right The First Time https://www.amazon.com/dp/0937381888/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_D-xByb8KA8EWN
Carboy with airlock. Dried malt extract.
You could get another bottle, some dextrose, and a racking cane to do bottling/carbing, but it wouldn't be that much more.
Buy this, make your drink in typical 2 liter bottles, put normal caps back on.
Overnight chilling is a big chance for wild yeasts to infect your wort. How long have you been brewing? It may be time to upgrade to a small heat exchanger;) They cost about $70.
Ok, BIAB looks like the easiest way to do this. I don't want to buy too much equipment for this just yet. NB has a starter kit, but it looks like I'm only missing the mesh bag and a "mash paddle". What's the paddle for? I guess I have some research to do. Thanks.
Is this the sort of kettle you're thinking of?
If you have the restaurant outlet place. Where I live Cash and Carry easy one to find. You can find SS stir spoon or even large 30 in wood stir paddle for like 12 bucks. May find a cheap kettle. Mesh bag go to Home Depot or something like that look for 5 gallon Elastic Opening Paint Strainer Bags. can get them from amazon also http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C2A9L0Q/