Starting Out

[andrewjames]

Starting out on the Right Foot

Finally, I'm home after a 6 month deployment to Iraq, and am anxious to start homebrewing. While away I have gained an incredible interest in brewing my own beer. I live in SC and tomorrow I'm headed to Columbia for dinner with friends, but am interested in what I can find out there as far homebrew shops. I found Bet-Mar on the internet, but other than that, not much. Is that a good option, or should I perhaps order online through beerwine, midwest... honestly I don't know, but would appreciate some input on where I should go for supplies and equipment.

I'm also wondering what books are best for reference. I purchased Radical Brewing by Randy Mosher, while deployed, but was looking for something a little more helpful. I will most likely go with Charlie Papazian's JOY OF HOMEBREWING... are there any others that are a must have?

I'm sure you get post's like this often on here, therefore I apologize for any old questions. I'm simply excited to get started, and want to know everything necessary to start out on the right foot.

[Wilson]

Welcome home man!

Papazian's book is very good, I started out with Homebrewing for Dummies and still glance it every once in a while. I dont know anything about Bet-Mar, but have used Midwest Supplies in the past, they've got a good beginners kit for around 80-90 bucks, as well as Austin Homebrew. Good luck, and ask away with any questions.

[corkybstewart]

Welcome home, hopefully you won't have to go back. Papazian's book was great 15 years ago but the new bible is Palmer's How to Brew, and it's free online at howtobrew.com. The print version is more up to date from what I hear but the free online version seems to be more than adequate.

I use morebeer.com for most of my stuff, but it's on the west coast and shipping times could be long for things like yeast, but it's free over $60. If you have a local homebrew shop that may be a great place to start. Buy stuff from them and they're usually willing to throw in free advice.

[mortong]

Palmer's How to Brew got me started, but Papazian's Joy of Homebrewing (3rd edition - the older editions really are way too dated to use) taught me a lot and took my brewing up a few notches. Papazian's sequel to Joy of Homebrewing, Homebrewer's Companion is also excellent, but you'll want that after you get one of the first books.

As to online suppliers, I use northernbrewer.com.

[The Alchemist]

Palmer's book is excellent, but once you get your feet wet again, don't overlook Radical Brewing. That book has given me more good ideas than any other I have seen.

[andrewjames]

I've seen a lot about Palmer's book on the net, and thought it might be the one to go with. It seems as though it is.

Alchemist, I understand what you're saying about RADICAL BREWING, I haven't closed the door on it, just looking for something that gives me a better guide for my first handful of experiments. I'd also eventually like to check out EXTREME BREWING. Basically, I'm excited to get going, and want to learn how to do it, and do it right.

[dparsons]

I agree that Papazian's book is somewhat outdated at least as far as the equipment and supplies available to homebrewers have improved over the last 10 years. The basic principals of brewing are still quite relevant. I find that his book is less well structured than others. Its more entertaining to read but it isn't as good for learning by the numbers.

I started off reading Dave Miller's guide and didn't like the fact that he didn't really ever fully step down from commercial brewing to the homebrew level for his homebrewing book. The bits of Palmer's book that I've read have been good.

[branlovesbeer]

I am from SC as well. The Greenville area.

I think the best bit of info I was given when I started out was, Thomas Creek Brewery, in Greenville, is the only store in Greenville that sells homebrew supplies.

So if you're from that area that is a good place to go.

By the way...
Thank you for what you did (in IRAQ) for all of us Americans. Were're proud to have you in the family!