Re: Newbie alert!

On Fri, 04 Nov 2005 20:38:32 GMT, <nospam@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> Thanks John. Steveb already pointed me there and I'm reading it from the
> start. I'm just going through the introductions and I like the style of
> writing already :) It's already had me nodding a few times. I've already
> produced my first beer but I shall see how my methods differ from those
> recommended by the author.

In case you haven't spotted it on his website yet, you can also order
a printed copy of the book if that suits you better.

> Anyway, I like to think that I'm a bit wiser now and can understand a
> little more about the processes that take place. I started purchasing
> equipment about a month or so ago and allocated a "brew day" in my diary. I
> even telephoned the supplier of the kit to ask a few questions before I
> started it. I couldn't get hold of any beer bottles so I opted to use a
> pressure barrel. The beer has been in that for a couple of weeks, the first
> week in the same place as the primary took place. I'm pretty much impressed
> with the quality of the kits these days - the beer I used to brew all those
> years ago was a drinkable but nowhere near as nice as the one I have just
> produced. Or perhaps I now appreciate the processes involved and I'm taking
> more care over it.

I don't know how many years you have been out of the hobby, but there has
been a tremendous amount of improvement in both ingredients as well as
general knowledge in the homebrewing community. This has been great for
the hobby, but it also means that even the long time brewers are constantly
learning new things while on the other hand brewing texts tend to become
out of date rather quickly. I think that helps alot towards the general
acceptance of "beginner" questions on the group. We all ask them from
time to time.

One thing to keep an eye out for though is that this group tends to be
US centric alot, although there are a number of UK posters. While the
general theory and process is similar, the type of equipment and sometimes
ingredients available to homebrewers in the UK and US can be quite
different. There will probably be many times when posters on here are
talking about a piece of equipment or technique that may be a lot less
common where you are. Just something to keep in mind.

> The thing is, there's a real sense of pride and achievement in enjoying a
> beer that's been brewed at home!

Amen!


John.
.

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