Introduction

[dundon13]

Well lads,

My name is James and i'm based in Limerick. Looking to start home brewing in the next couple of weeks and after looking through this forum over the weekend, it looks like a great source of information and advice. I guess it would best to start with some Kit Brews to start and get used to the whole process. Thinking of starting off with a setup like this http://www.homebrewwest.ie/craft-range-special-offer-starter-kit-for-beer-4003-p.asp. What do ye think?

[johnrm]

Hi dundon13,

Welcome to the forum.
That kit is great value, but I would suggesting adding a few items.
Twin handled capper.
Caps.
Glass thermometer.
Bottle brush.

Plus you will need to cleect about 40 500ml Bottles - Make sure you rinse them after pouring the beer.
Oxyclean (Laundry Section in Lidl) is great for soaking bottles.

Ping some of the Limerick lads, there may be someone nearby, always useful in case you're stuck for something on brewday.

[dundon13]

Hey John,

Thanks for the info, as ive been planning to home brew for a while now i stocked up on some swing top bottles, only got about 20 though. I figured these could be re-used, as long as they're cleaned properly. But i might get a capper aswell, as i find it easier to come across normal bottles. What's the advantage of the glass thermometer?

[johnrm]

You get a stick-on LCD thermometer with that bundle which is fine but not very accurate and only good for that bucket.
A good glass (or a decent digital) thermometer will help keep your temps in check.

WHEN you go to all-grain you will need a decent Thermometer 

See this one here...
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/TRIXES-Blue-Digital-Folding-Instant-Food-Thermometer-Probe-Auto-On-Off-/201595341179?hash=item2ef004c97b:g:nxkAAOSwvg9XTuGP

Or if you want to spend a bit more...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/ETI-SuperFast-Thermapen-thermometer-Tan/dp/B005YZUWLS/ref=pd_sim_201_4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=BFCK0WWRPJM7KXWTHT1J

[dundon13]

Jaysus, i wont be thinking about All-Grain for a while yet. This may be a stupid question but how does on check the temprature of the brew using a glass/digital thermometer? I doubt you should open the lid mid-fermentation or are you just checking the air temprature of the room?

[johnrm]

Generally when you are balancing the temp before pitching yeast.
Stick ons are no good for this.

[dundon13]

Ah i see, again, cheers for the info John. I'm hoping to get started within the next 2 weeks, once i've completed a couple of brews i might look into some hacking. That and i may buy another set of equipment to have a second on the go aswell.