Making a brew...

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

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

[Bluepete]

I've made one or two pints.

What do yo need to know?

Pete

I brew beer with my housemate in fairly decent quantities.

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..?

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!

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

Pete is the resident expert on here

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

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