1.Sanitisation/Sterilisation - this is an absolute must. Keep everything clean. There
are a number of different products available from Homebrew stores, and they can point
you in the direction that best suits the individual. There are a number of different
opinions on various brew forums and magazines. Avoid using liquid Bleach, as there
are a number of various bleach products on the Australian market. If used incorrectly,
bleach can produce off flavours with the yeast. If in doubt, just use hot boiling
water in your fermenter, rather than bleach. If in doubt, make a solution up, and
drink it. ;-)
2. Beer kits - You only obtain out of your beer what you invest in it. The more you
pay, the better the grade of malt, and the better the yeast. The initial outlay,
may seem expensive, but overall is minimal compared to buying a beer at the local
pub/club. Have a look at Ordinary beer v great beer. Realistically, beer purchased
from Supermarkets are of average quality at best. The ideal comparisons are sausages.
The best sausages without a doubt, come from butchers. You may pay more, but they
are far better quality, and more enjoyable. Also, when it comes to pets and flea/tick
control, the answer is a vet/pet store, not Purina/Exelpet on the shelf. There are
plenty more comparisons that can be demonstrated, but these are the best comparisons.
3. Sugar - Avoid Sugar as an additive as this can be very inconsistent. Use Dextrose
as a bare minimum. A great guide is available here.
4. Plastic Bottles - Even though I stock plastic bottles, glass will provide a better
long-lasting beer. Invest in an Italian made Super Automatica capper for best results.
It will provide years of service.
5. Carbonation drops - I am asked quite often, which is better. Carbonation drops,
or sugar. As
I only stock Carbonation drops, well that makes me biased in this area. Try, making
a batch, half with sugar, half with Carbonation drops, for your own opinion. Also
note that some drops such as those from Brewcraft tend to be more even than the
ones from Coopers. Personally when bottling, I do prefer carbonation drops for their
ease of use, and I find less sediment. Otherwise, check out bulk priming.
6. Kegging - 19 litre kegs v 50 litre kegs. There are a number of opinions here,
but I mainly support 19 litre kegs, as they are fully legal, and won't break your
back when moving them. Furthermore the fittings are cheaper, and if you have an ordinary
batch, you only have 50 schooners to drink/pour out. Beer conditions quickly in a
keg, especially if it is of good quality. A customer, who had a few issues called
me. I recommended that he starts with the basics, and use a better grade beer kit
such as that from Morgans/Thomas Coopers Black label. Even though he has been making
this a short time, his friends that make Tooheys/White label Coopers envy him.
