Help identifying kit (I'm a newbie!)

[hurleyci]

Ok, myself and 2 friends are going into brews-ness together! None of us have brewed before, but his brother had this stuff left in the garage (he's no longer in the country!).

Basically, we're not entirely sure what we've got here! Is this just a fermentation vessel and a keg? If so, what do we need to get to fill the keg? Do we need a gas cylinder?! Also, if we wanted to start extract brewing, what else would we need to buy?

[Will_D]

Welcome to the site.

Indeed on the left is a wide mouth fermenter with the airlock. Ideal as you can get your arm in to clean it out.

On the right is a pressure keg. These can be used to mature beer after initial (primary) fermentation. It is fitted with what looks like a CO2 injector of some sorts. These can then be presurised for carbonation and dispnsing the amber nectar.

Where are you based? I am sure someone local will show you the basics.

We also have a strong regional group structure. See here for your nearest group:
http://www.nationalhomebrewclub.com/forum/index.php/board,49.0.html
and start posting!

Also browse this site for the basics of kit brewing:

http://www.nationalhomebrewclub.com/forum/index.php/board,9.0.html

and read the first post:

http://www.nationalhomebrewclub.com/forum/index.php/topic,669.0.html

Feel free to ask, ask ask.

"The only stupid question is the unasked one"

[hurleyci]

Deadly, thamks a million!

I'm out in Inchicore but my mates are in Skerries so not sure where we'll be brewing yet!

Thanks for the links, I'll check em out!

[Bogwoppit]

The keg on the right looks like it takes one of the larger hambleton bard gas cans.

There are 2 types of these kegs, bottom and top taps. This is obviously a bottom tap and draws the beer from the bottom of the keg. The top tap models draw the beer from the surface and generally produce a better pour.

The keg looks a bit old and unfortunately the plastic can deteriorate over time, although being black it should last a bit longer. I would be wary of using it as it is going to be pressurised and I'd give i a thorough examination before filling.

Edit; on closer inspection the keg actually appears to use the smaller CO2 bulbs, you put them in a little plastic holder and screw them in. You can get them from the homebrew company.


Bw