by Darryl Miles

Created on: August 25, 2009   Last Updated: August 26, 2009

People give a lot of reasons to home brew, but for me it all comes down to the enjoyment. Sure making high quality beer at home will save you money over buying craft beer at the store, but if you don't enjoy it it's not worth your investment of time. When you first start out it is best to use ingredient kits. Extract ingredient kits are the easiest to use and it's how the majority of people choose to start out. You can get these kits at a home brew store or on line. I use

www.morebeer.com, but there are a lot of great places. In the past I have used www.homebrewheaven.com and www.austinhomebrewsupply.com with good results. You can also get the other equipment you will need at these stores.

If you already have a big pot to brew in you will need a racking cane and hose, and some plastic buckets to ferment in with an airlock attacked. You will see a lot of equipment for sale at the store, but don't worry you can add it one piece at a time just like Johnny Cash. There are kits available as well that have everything you will need to start brewing. They can be basic for under $100 or elaborate and cost several hundred. Besides the equipment already mentioned you will need something to put the beer in. Most people start with bottles. You can just save any pry off top bottles from beer you already drink (screw off tops don't work). If you go this route all you need are caps and a capper.

The other option is to keg your beer. This has the advantage of cleaning one big container instead of fifty small ones. The down side is the cost. The whole setup is likely to cost at least a few hundred dollars before you are done. Kegging is the route I go because it is easier and all the cool kids are doing it, but the choice is up to you.

Before you actually brew for the first time it's best to learn more about what you are getting into. If you can find a local home brewer to let you come over when they brew that would be a huge advantage. If not there are a ton of books and videos available. I liked Home Brewing for Dummiesalot. You Tube has videos on every aspect of brewing. I also listen to the pod cast Basic Brewing Radioand watch the video version of that show too. Remember this is a hobby. It's ok to become obsessed(I hope), but never get s tressed.

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