Best way to get started homebrewing?

Someone here will probably point you to a list of previous threads on this topic. For now, I will make the standard short answer: ReadJohn Palmer's How to Brew, which I've linked. I also highly recommend Charlie Papazian's Complete Joy of Homebrewing, a true classic.

 

If there is a homebrew store nearby start there-they can help with the ingredients and equipment needed, and more importantly they may be able and willing to give you good advice. Read howtobrew.com, read these forums and ask intelligent questions.

 

Look over this site for equipment and a kit to brew. I would brew the beer you enjoy drinking the most.

http://www.northernbrewer.com/

 

This.

I especially like Palmer's book, which is nicely organized: it starts off by walking you through your first brew day, then backtracks to give detailed chapters on various aspects of brewing. Read How to Brew, and you'll understand very well the equipment you're going to need and how you're going to use it.

That's step one. Step two is to start brewing. You can learn a hell of a lot by reading Palmer, but you also have to learn by doing. Kits are a good way to go: most shops charge less for equipment kits and ingredient than they charge if you buy all the stuff individually. You'll probably make some mistakes; almost everyone does. But even your mistakes will be drinkable, and you'll probably be surprised by how good your beer is almost from the start. As time goes by, you'll refine your techniques, acquire some more equipment, and your beer will be really good, maybe even great. If you're detail oriented, don't cut corners, and persistent, you will be awesome at this. Good luck!

 

You have made a number of wise choices.

I do not know where in PA you live but I highly recommend my LHBS which is Keystone Homebrew in Montgomeryville. There are a lot of experienced and knowledgeable folks who work there and they will be able to answer any questions you might have.

I would suggest that for your first brew that you make it during store hours (e.g., on a Saturday). That way if you have any questions during brew day you can call up your LHBS and ask them questions.

Welcome to homebrewing!

Cheers!

 

I'll second that. I don't get to Philly often, but Keystone is my favorite brick and mortar HBS. In my experience, it's fairly unique in that the employees seem to have some knowledge that doesn't date back to the 'throw a towel over the bucket and whatever you do don't use an aluminum kettle' 1970s. And the selection is great.

 

See if they offer an "Intro to Brewing Class". I took a similar class at Keystone, and even though I had already read "How to Brew", it was very helpful taking a couple of hours to see someone actually give a live demonstration of doing an extract brew.

 

Here is an instructional video from Northern Brewer which may be helpful:
I still strongly recommend that you purchase your beer brewing equipment (and beer kit) from your LHBS).
Cheers!

 

When you are at your homebrew store ask if there is a brewing club in the area, and then see if you can join it, go to meetings, shadow someone who is brewing, etc. This forum is a good resource, but it's really nice to have someone locally who you can call with questions on your first few brew days.

 

1) Basic starter kit with buckets (~$80)
2) Beer ingredient kit (~$30)
3) Palmer's How To Brew (~$15)

Say good bye to your free time and waistline.