Hello there

[doheed]

Hows it going folks?

Was at an excellent beer tasting in JD Sweetman's pub (formerly Mssrs) on O'Connell Bridge last night and it has me mad to start brewing my own. I've looked into it vaguely and I am seeking help. There seems to be a million and one different things but for now I am just looking for a simple starter kit. Is there any particular kit that you've seen online or in a store in Dublin that you would recommend?? Not looking to spend a fortune just yet until I grasp the techniques involved in brewing first. What are the essentials I should be looking for in a starter kit?

Thanks for your help, and apologies if this is the 100th time somebody has posted this kind of question but I couldn't find a similar sticky on the forum.

Cheers.

[Garry]

Welcome 

There are a few options covered very well here.

[irish_goat]

Welcome!

Might not actually be a bad idea to make a sticky in the introductions page with "how to get started" instructions.

[Dunkel]

I have to agree with Garry on this one. If you want a box with everything you need in it (except water) to make 23 litres of beer, then probably this http://www.homebrewwest.ie/brewsmarter-premium-starter-beer-kit-without-heating-belt-best-value-2744-p.asp is the way to go. Choose the 30 litre free upgrade fermenter. Some guys (and gals) use a brewbelt to keep the fermentation temperature high enough; it just depends where you will be leaving the fermenter to do it's own thing. If the room is warm enough e.g. living room, you won't need the brewbelt. I ferment in a coldish kitchen, so use it all the time except Summer.
There are cheaper starter kits, but all involve getting other things e.g. the beer kit itself, or glass bottles, so it depends on your hassle/money factor.
Also, presuming you are based in Dublin if you were in Sweetman's, you are more than welcome to attend any of the meetings or brewdays of the four areas: Capital Brewers (central Dublin), South Dublin, North County Brewers or Liffey Brewers (west Dublin). Or Garden County (Wicklow), who meet in Bray. It's much easier to ask questions (and try a few beers) face to face.

And enjoy your new life! 

[doheed]

Thanks for the feedback lads. I'll look at that kit properly when I'm home from work. I can see an obsession beginning. Deciding what type beer to brew is gonna be a matter for the G8.

[johnrm]

Welcome doheed.
That's where most of us started, go for it, you won't regret it!

[LordEoin]

Welcome!
I'd recommend that same starter kit, but the version with the brew-belt http://www.homebrewwest.ie/brewsmarter-premium-starter-beer-kit-best-value-844-p.asp I've brewed about 40 batches since I bought that package and it's still perfect.
I'd also select the Irish Stout, IPA, or English Bitter kit
All you'll need then is a capper and some bottles/caps 

I know it might seem like a lot to spend in 1 go to get started, but think of it as the price of 25 pints.
As you'll be making 40 pints in each batch, it has payed for itself as soon as the first batch is ready 

[doheed]

Took your advice and went for the complete starter pack. Got the capper and caps as well so i'm pretty much ready to go. Collected it from DPD yesterday so tonight I'm going to crack open the box and see what i'm working with. Is it advisable to clean all the equipment with that cleaning solution first, yeah?

[LordEoin]

Yes, sanitize everything.

I think that kit comes with a tub or VWP sanitizer. Mix some up and give everything a good soak and a cleaning with a clean soft sponge.
No need to sanitize the capper, you 'll only make it rusty.
Don't sanitize the caps til you need them.

Enjoy your unboxing. It's an exciting time