Monday, April 4, 2016

Finding The Right Beer Making Supplies

By Karen Wood


A large number of people decide to brew their own beer at home as a hobby or pass time. Various types of brew can be created with a little know how and it can be a very affordable way of enjoying a bottle of ale. When brewing in your home you will need to find beer making supplies and there are a couple of options open to you when searching.

The usual starting point for most home brewers are the stores that can be found on the high streets that specialize in selling beer making equipment and ingredients. The shops will have everything you require in stock from the smallest items of kit to ingredients and other accessories. One of the plus points of using local stores is that you will be able to ask the advice of the staff that will be happy to help with your selection of equipment and give you tips on brewing technique.

The second place to look for supplies in on the web and there are many retailers who sell their products online. These internet companies will have pages of stock for you to browse through and make your selections. When buying items online it should be noted that any shipping costs will need to be added on to the value of your order.

Equipment needed to brew ales depends on a couple of things such as what kind of ales and how much of it is to be made. Popular tipples such as pale ales, heavy stouts and fruit flavored ciders can be made by amateur beer makers. Most first time brewers will use one of the starter kits that are available and these are a fairly simple way of getting a batch ready to drink.

For amateur brewers who have a little more experience there is the option to buy separate ingredients to create their own unique ales. Malt extracts, yeasts and hops can all be purchased from brew shops. Other items such as fruit flavorings and specialist sugars are also stocked by many suppliers. Recipe books for you to follow are available and can be a useful buy.

The other equipment needed will include a barrel or vat to brew the beer, bottles and sterilizing equipment. It is essential to use the correct cleaning products to avoid a brew becoming contaminated. Fluids, brushes and filters can be found which will make the cleaning of your equipment easier.

Many other helpful items can also be found at online retailers and on shelves in the brewing stores. Instructional videos, tuition books and monthly published magazines are all useful for the home brew enthusiast. The recipe books that are available to buy are particularly useful for those wanting to create a batch of beer without using kits.

In many neighborhoods there are also home brewing clubs that can be joined for a monthly fee. These are most useful as they will also sell all the items you need and they often work out cheaper than stores due to members discounts. As well as being able to buy supplies it allows members to meet on a regular basis to discuss recipe ideas, tips and techniques.




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