by Beth Anderle

Created on: April 02, 2009

Brewing beer is a fascinating hobby that has steadily been growing more popular in the United States. By following the tips in this article, you will learn how to put together your own beer kit and make your own beer.

First you'll need the following: a 4-5 gallon stainless steel or enamel stockpot, a long-handled wooden spoon, a 5-gallon food grade plastic bucket (with a spigot on the bottom, if possible), a candy or meat thermometer with a clip, a large heavy-duty funnel, a small notebook (for recording readings and recipes), a 2-foot length of 3/8-inch clear plastic hose, and a 6-foot length of 3/8-inch clear plastic hose. You should easily be able to get these at department store like Walmart or a home store such as Home Depot.

Next you'll need to find a home brewing store closest to you to pick up the following: a 5-gallon glass carboy, a 3-pound can of malt extract syrup (often called a "beer kit"), 1 pound plain, light dried malt extract (for brewing), and additional 1 cup plain, light dried malt extract (for bottling), 1 beer hydrometer, 1 package ale yeast, 1 airlock or fermentation lock, and 1 rubber stopper drilled with a hole that will fit your airlock/fermentation lock. While you're there you will probably want to pick up a bottle capper, at least 60 new, unused crown bottle caps, and 60 reusable beer bottles. (Bottles can also be scrounged from bars, catering firms, and friends. Make sure that any bottles you get will accept a standard crown cap. 750 ml champagne bottles work well, too.)

Now you are ready to brew. For you first batch it is a good idea to use a "beer kit", a can of liquid malt and hops that takes the place of brewing with grains. For the beginner this is an excellent way of learning the process of brewing without having to worry about following recipes. Immerse your can of malt extract syrup in hot water to warm it up. This makes it come out of the can more easily. While this is soaking, rinse out your stainless steel pot and fill it with 1 gallons of water. Add the liquid malt extract and the dried malt extract, and stir. Boil the ingredients for 15 minutes.

While this is boiling, use a weak solution of cold water and a standard household bleach (1 to 2 oz. bleach per 5 gallons of water) to sterilize your 5-gallon carboy. Rinse it with hot water to get rid of any traces of bleach. It is a good idea at this time to sterilize the funnel, the hydrometer, the thermometer and the rubber cork as well.

Next, add 3 gallons of clean, cold water

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