Thinking about starting your own homebrew journey? Here are the most common questions we get from aspiring brewers, along with helpful answers to guide you along the way.
Q: Is homebrewing hard to do?
A: Not at all. If you can boil water, you can brew beer. Homebrewing is straightforward, and with the right instructions and equipment, you’ll be able to produce great beer on your first try.
Q: How much time does it take, and when can I drink the beer?
A: Brew day will take about 6 hours, including the brewing and cleaning process (this time will decrease as you gain experience). After brewing, the beer will ferment for about two weeks. Then, bottling will take another 2-3 hours. After bottling, you’ll need to wait 1-2 weeks for your beer to be ready to drink. In total, expect a 3-4 week process before your beer is ready to enjoy.
Q: Does it take up a lot of space?
A: Not really. The fermenter requires about a 2×2 foot space and stands about 2.5 feet high. You’ll also need space for bottles, but only a few need to be refrigerated at once, so you can store them in a cool area.
Q: My house gets pretty warm. Is that a problem?
A: The ideal temperature for brewing ales is around 65°F, but temperatures up to 78°F will still produce good results. The most important thing is temperature stability—try to keep it within 3-5°F over the course of the day. A basement or a closet inside the house, away from exterior walls, is often the best option for temperature control.
Q: How much beer do I make each time, and how much does it cost?
A: Each batch typically makes 5 gallons of beer, or about 2 cases. Costs vary depending on the type of beer, but you can expect to spend between $25 and $37.50 per batch, which breaks down to around $0.52 to $0.78 per bottle.
Q: How long until I make good beer?
A: If you follow the instructions and advice, most brewers create excellent beer on their first try. Homebrewing is all about attention to detail and following the steps, and with a good home brewing kit, you’ll be on the right path to success.
Q: How much should I spend on equipment?
A: HopTech offers a complete homebrewing kit for $113.00, which includes everything you need except the boiling kettle, bottles, and ingredients for your first brew. If you have a 5-gallon (or larger) stainless steel or enamel pot, you’re all set. Most brewers buy the necessary bottles separately or use saved bottles that are not twist-off types. For your first batch, you’ll need around two cases of bottles (48 bottles).
Q: What’s included in the kit?
A: Our homebrewing kit includes:
- A fermenting bucket with lid
- A bottling/settling bucket with lid
- Spigots and our unique SpigotGuard (to eliminate siphoning)
- Airlock, stopper, and racking hose
- A deluxe bottle filler and wing bottle capper
- Bottle cleaning brush, hydrometer, and test jar
- Brewing spoon, grain steeping bag, 60 bottle caps
- A bottle of sanitizer, HopTech bottle opener, and Brewing Quality Beers book
Plus, detailed instructions to guide you through the brewing process.
Q: I’ve seen other kits advertised for less money. What makes your kit better?
A: While cheaper kits may leave out important components or use lower-quality materials, our kit is designed to ensure you have everything you need for a smooth and successful brewing experience. We avoid issues like siphoning frustrations and provide durable equipment that won’t need to be replaced after a few batches. Our goal is to make your first homebrew experience enjoyable and hassle-free.
Q: I want to save my own bottles. What should I expect to spend to get started?
A: On average, customers who purchase our kit, brew pot, and ingredients end up spending about $200.00 plus tax (if applicable) to get started.
Q: Is homebrewed beer stronger and more bitter than store-bought beer?
A: With homebrewing, you control the alcohol content and bitterness. You can adjust these factors to your preference, whether you prefer a lighter, smoother beer or something stronger and more bitter. The ability to tailor your beer’s flavor is one of the biggest advantages of homebrewing!
Whether you’re using a home brewing kit or adding equipment like a corny keg for dispensing, homebrewing offers endless opportunities to explore different styles and flavors. Once you get started, you’ll soon discover the satisfaction of crafting your own perfect beer. Happy brewing!