Making a brew...

[Springbokki]

...well, not a cuppa, but a slightly stronger beverage.

Anyone got any experience/advice with regards to home-brewed beer? :smt098

[Bluepete]

I've made one or two pints.

What do yo need to know?

Pete ;)

[ravingdavis]

I brew beer with my housemate in fairly decent quantities.

[Springbokki]

Well, just received a brewing kit, and was wondering if an airing cupboard would be suitable? And a suitable brand to buy? Plus, do you bottle it, or, barrel..? :D

[ravingdavis]

It depends on the airing cupboard, what temperature is it. Different yeasts work best at different temperatures. As to how to bottle it, thats a personal preference really, I bottle mine in glass bottles because they fit in the fridge best :)

For a good brand try Coopers, cant go far wrong with them, get a good brewing sugar to go with it, dont buy cheap!

[Ed]

Bottles are far too much arsing about. I use a pressure barrel.

Pete is the resident expert on here:smt045

[Springbokki]

But don't barrels go off in a short time?

[Bluepete]

The yeast will have a temp. range, usually room temperature, so the airing cupboard will be too hot. As for barrels, if you usea CO2 injector, it keeps it fresh for quite a while, but the beer won't be as carbonated compared to bottling.

Pete ;)

[Springbokki]

Cheers Pete,

Have you a favourite brand? Or which would be a good starting beer type, incase I make a little error.
Sorry for all the Qs!

Ta, Tim

[Bluepete]

Dunno Tim. I make beer using malt and hops, not kits.

Pete ;)