Getting started with homebrewing...

[w00ts!te]

I received a Mr. Beer homebrew kit for Christmas this year and I have been reading alot about the brewing process. It seems like there are a few steps that need to be done almost perfect inorder to not ruin the entire batch. The reviews on the Mr. Beer kit are better than I expected and it came with Pale Ale as the first brew. Although I don't like Pale Ale as much do to it's hoppy characters, I figured I'd take the plunge and do it anyway.

Are there any kits that you recommend over the Mr. Beer kit? Does it make sense to buy all the necessities now instead of later?
What was the number one issue you had when you first started homebrewing?
What tutorials really helped you with the first brew?
Are keggorators worth the extra penny?

Any information for a noob would be appreciated!

 

[smellysell]

I received a Mr. Beer homebrew kit for Christmas this year and I have been reading alot about the brewing process. It seems like there are a few steps that need to be done almost perfect inorder to not ruin the entire batch. The reviews on the Mr. Beer kit are better than I expected and it came with Pale Ale as the first brew. Although I don't like Pale Ale as much do to it's hoppy characters, I figured I'd take the plunge and do it anyway.

Are there any kits that you recommend over the Mr. Beer kit? Does it make sense to buy all the necessities now instead of later? If it's something you see yourself getting into, then yes. Otherwise you'll just be wasting money due to constantly upgrading.
What was the number one issue you had when you first started homebrewing? Patience
What tutorials really helped you with the first brew? homebrewtalk.com
Are keggorators worth the extra penny? YES!!!!!

Any information for a noob would be appreciated!

I'm more than happy to help out with any other questions that come up. Just drop me a PM. Enjoy your new addiction.

 

[robbiex0r]

If you're upgrading brewing kits, look at Midwest Supplies.

Pay attention to sanitation, and be patient. Two big virtues.

Yes, HBT.

Kegerators, you'll get there in time. Nothing wrong with bottling though.

 

[The Black Cloud]

When you bottle, you can share with the rest of us drunkards! hint hint

 

[MX]

I have grown to like HomeBrewChatter as well.

It is a bit more rowdy there but still some great people.

Tim

 

[philmore]

I received a Mr. Beer homebrew kit for Christmas this year and I have been reading alot about the brewing process. It seems like there are a few steps that need to be done almost perfect inorder to not ruin the entire batch. The reviews on the Mr. Beer kit are better than I expected and it came with Pale Ale as the first brew. Although I don't like Pale Ale as much do to it's hoppy characters, I figured I'd take the plunge and do it anyway.

Are there any kits that you recommend over the Mr. Beer kit? Does it make sense to buy all the necessities now instead of later?
What was the number one issue you had when you first started homebrewing?
What tutorials really helped you with the first brew?
Are keggorators worth the extra penny?

Any information for a noob would be appreciated!

Got the same thing for Christmas too. My first batch is in the carbonating stage right now. Gonna put it in the fridge to cold condition it and give it a whirl. Next one will be the nut brown ale. Just getting started so if this works I may be hooked because as simple as it was, i enjoyed it. My son helped me and is interested in how this batch turns out.

 

[garrettbuckeye]

I could spend hours "researching" on homebrewtalk.com. The problem is that I see everyone else's systems in the DIY section and feel the need to continuously modify mine. It gets expensive... and brew days just seem to get longer. I am hooked though.