Want to Brew!

[ThePh3nom]

So this store I buy Jeep parts from doubles as a homebrew store.

I had a few simple questions, before buying their kit and trying it out.

1. How easy is it? The clerk there tells me all the time "if you can make mac & cheese, you can make beer." I'm a beer lover, and while I know the basics of what goes into a good brew, I too know it is an art form. Basically, how correct is he in that statement?

2. How long does it take to homebrew?

3. $? How much of a hit (on average) would my wallet take to make a good sized microbrew?

4. What are the rules on selling microbrews? I'm sure there are conventions and such, but if, let's say, I wanted to brand and sell my beer, what would that entail (if anyone knows)?

[PapaBear]

1. If you can make Mac & Cheese.... :cool4: It's pretty easy. As long as you make sure to CLEAN AND STERILIZE EVERYTHING! It's real easy to bork up your batch of beer if you don't clean your stuff properly.
2. Depends on what type of beer you're making. Anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. As you get into brewing, you will definitely learn the definition of patience.
3. This depends as well. Initially, I'd start small. Mr. Beer (www.mrbeer.com) makes a good kit that I still use. Plus they have a lot of the supplies that you'll need. As far as cost per bottle, it will eventually break down to about what you pay for a good microbrew. You won't really save money brewing your own beer. But you'll get the satisfaction that you made it.
4. Depends on the state. Regardless, you're probably looking at liquor licenses and such. Unless you're looking to set up an actual micro-brewery where you're measuring your production by the barrel, it would probably be somewhat cost-prohibitive.

[PapaBear]

1. ...It's pretty easy...

I should probably clarify that this one depends, too. It's pretty easy to get started. But if you want to take it to the next level where you're experimenting with ingredients, it can get complex.

[Ignarus]

i have brewed for 3 years now, and i just let myself go nuts with water changes and adding stuff to the brew.
Remember to take your time. WASH EVERYTING.....
and... take your time. brewing is lonesome, but it is quite fun when you and friends brew together and drinking beer.

[Drunk_n_Irish]

You had me at Jeep Parts store that brews. Combining two of my favorite things; Jeeps and drinking. (not at the same time)