Homebrewing

[JoshuaW]

I have been thinking about some new hobbies, and I had the realization that I could probably make some hard cider out of all the apples I am otherwise shoveling into a compost pile. That brought about some reading, and it has peaked my interest.

So, what is the best (and affordable way) to get started? I will definitely be doing some beer, but like I said, I also want to be able to get rid of these apples. Im completely new, so are there any good kits that would have everything, or just about everything that I would need? Or am I better off buying things individually?

 

[SideArmed]

Look here: www.homebrewchatter.com (tell them Mr.Marblehead sent you)
I would also highly sugest looking into see if there is an hombrew supply store and a hombrew club in your area.

it is extremely easy. I had been brewing for 10+ years, before I took a break from it recently. It is fun and rewarding, but just as (if not more so) addicting a hobby as guns are.

Good luck and have fun!

ETA: check these guys out as well. They are in your neck of the woods, and their site lists some good local resources; http://mega-brew.com/

 

[hooky]

I'll tell you what. I have some extra gear from when I got started. Let me take a look and see what I have. If you decide that you want to brew beer, I'll just give you some of my duplicate stuff if you'll pay the shipping. Off the top of my head, I have an extra bottling bucket, capper, bottle caps and such.

As far as your apples, you'll want to press them. You may be able to borrow or rent one from a local homebrew shop up there.

 

[JoshuaW]

I'll tell you what. I have some extra gear from when I got started. Let me take a look and see what I have. If you decide that you want to brew beer, I'll just give you some of my duplicate stuff if you'll pay the shipping. Off the top of my head, I have an extra bottling bucket, capper, bottle caps and such.

As far as your apples, you'll want to press them. You may be able to borrow or rent one from a local homebrew shop up there.

That is excellent! I would definitely go for that.

And as far as apples go, I have done some reading. It seems fairly straight forward. I believe I have a family member who may still have an apple press. That seems to be the biggest hurdle equipment wise.

 

[Double T]

I've seen a lot of guys make a home keg tap as well to use without needing to bottle, some were pretty slick looking

 

[Plinker]

Just started home brewing myself. My first batch of pale ale is finishing the original fermentation... I'm hoping to bottle this weekend, than just a couple of weeks more before I can revel in my concoction. Of course, I'll probably sneak a bottle or two before that...

 

[LockStocksAndBarrel]

I used to get my hops and malt, etc. from South Bend Brewing Company but I think they are **** up. They used to be up north on Main in Mishawaka. The closest googlre fu came up with:

Quality Wine & Ale Supply Llc530 E Lexington Ave, Elkhart, IN 46516
17.0MI from South Bend574-295-9975