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8/16/2012 -- Will the bottle caps that come with this kit work on screw top beer bottles?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: We can't guarentee it. Screw top bottles are typically thinner, and designer for screw caps. We recommend recappable (pry off) beer bottles only. Some people use screw top bottles, but occasionally they don't seal. Too disappointing to be worth it!
6/9/2012 -- When I buy this specific kit (Cooper's Unhopped Wheat Malt 3.3 Lb.) What else do I need to purchase (specifically) to make it?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: As far as ingredients, you'll need some additional fermentables, like dry wheat malt extract OR corn sugar, hops, and priming sugar and water. See links below.
You didn't say whether/not you already have the equipment for making beer. If so, that's it.
If you don't have the equipment, then an Equipment Kit is a great way to go. Additionally . . .
5/2/2012 -- I am new to this brewing my own beer soda & wine. Your kits only have the brewing tools & not the mixing ingredients right?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Welcome to our hobby/obsession!
Yes, we sell the brewing equipment kits (tools) separately from the ingredients for making beer/wine/sodas. The Equipment Kits are a one time purchase, and you can choose the type of beer you like from our Ingredient Kits. We put together about 15 different recipe kits that get you started in the right way. . . .
2/14/2012 -- I am looking to buy the Deluxe Home Brewing kit. I currently own a 7.5 Gallon (30 quart) pot that I have used to fry turkeys in and plan to cook seafood in. My question is would there be any reason that I couldn't use the same pot for brewing beer that I currently use to fry turkeys and boil seafood as long as I clean it thoroughly? If I did . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: You didn't mention what your pot is made of. Some materials, like stainless steel, are better than others. Aluminum for instance does tend to "pit" in time and can affect taste after some use.
All things being equal however, a good thorough detergent cleaning should be enough to remove residual grease/oils. Rinse well of course.
If the . . .
9/9/2010 -- Of the two brewing equipment kits, (Complete and DeLuxe) which would you recommend? I am a beginner but I also want to get something with quality.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: They are identical in both quality and function EXCEPT for the upgraded capper and added wort chiller on the Deluxe kit.
If you are planning to brew on your kitchen stove, you really wouldn't need a chiller since 95% of kitchen stoves cannot bring a full starting brew volume to a boil (6 ish gallons) So, you will have to brew with the . . .
7/27/2010 -- I want to buy a kit that would enable me to do both beer and wine. A friend argues I should go with the wine kit and add the beer brewing stuff. Please let me know exactly what I need to purchase.
Also, I intend to use ceramic top beer bottles for my beer. What's the best way to clean them? Do you sell the rubber piece (gaskets) they . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: In general, I would say your friend is on the right track, assuming you have a lot of flip-top bottles around. Those bottles are pretty handy.
If you are thinking of making wine from your own juice, fresh fruit etc, then the 5 gallon wine making kit is a good choice. If you want to make wine from our varietal wine kits (an excellent way . . .
5/17/2010 -- what is your phone number?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: We can be reached at (425) 355-8865
Our toll free order is (800) 850-2739
12/7/2009 -- I am brand new to home brewing and need to know exactly what I should buy to get started. I just want to begin to try to make my own beer and then continue to refine it over time. Please let me know exactly what I need to buy to make my first batch! Thanks.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: What you need are:
1) A Homebrew Heaven Equipment Kit (Complete or DeLuxe version, your choice). Both are good, the DeLuxe Kit just contains more "convenience" items.
2) An Ingredient Kit of your choice (like Wizard Wheat, Redstaff ESB, etc...again your choice). These are available from a drop-down list when you buy the Equipment Kit. They . . .
8/31/2009 -- I'm new to home Brewing and only used a Mr Beer kit...It was a gift. I want to step it up and try out the Deluxe kit you guys sell. I've got some questions:
Will the beer I make taste a lot better than the Mr Beer stuff? I like dark, malty and high ABV beer. Do you have a recipe kit thats close to that?
Last question, do you guys have . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: We get a lot of customers who started out with a "gimmick kit" like that. You'll find that with our way of brewing, it's simply not that hard to make GOOD beer! Rest assured that by using quality equipment and quality ingredients, you will be enjoying a tastier beer soon.
One of our recipe kits, Procrastinator Bock, sounds like the one . . .
6/2/2009 -- I am recomending a new kit for a friend. I bought your deluxe kit years ago and am quite happy. Your beer brewing kits do not list a brew kettle but they claim to have everything you need. Is this an omission?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Not really. Lots of people already have a large stock pot that they use for brewing as well. If we included it in the Equipment Kit, we'd sell a lot fewer. It can always be added if the new brewer needs one.
Some people use the same reasoning for bottles. They are needed, but we don't include them because many people can (and do) acquire . . .
5/14/2009 -- I am very new to brewing and am looking into many types of kits. It seems that yours has most of what we want but we are confused on a bottling bucket. Many friends tell us we need to have a bottling bucket in order to brew and we are not sure if this kit has one or has a way to make one from it or anything? If you could let us know as soon . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: We do not include a separate bottling bucket because we intend for the primary fermenting bucket to double as both the primary fermenter AND bottling bucket. (plus it cuts down on the starting cost)
All you have to do is transfer from the glass carboy back to the cleaned and sanitized primary bucket when you are intending to bottle. Then . . .
1/11/2009 -- I love your website, but I have a question. Can I use the same brewing equipment for beer and wine, or should i have one for each? I am concerned that the plastic fermentor may absorb the beer flavor, and that the flavor will then taint my wine. Will a good cleaning prevent this, or would i be better off ordering two breweries?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, you can use much of the same equipment for both beer and wine.
I have never noticed any "flavor transfer" between my wine and beer, but others have reportedly experienced it. I suspect it's more "psycohological" than a real flavor difference. Nevertheless, having a separate primary fermenter is quite handy at times, and relatively . . .
12/26/2008 -- I received the deluxe brewing kit for xmas, and I look forward to brewing my first batch. The kit came with a 6-gallon primary fermentor with lid. You mention in a couple help desk tickets that you should pound the lid onto the bucket to ensure a good seal. This makes sense, but do you pry it off when you transfer to the secondary fermenter . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Welcome to our (home brewing) world!
It is POSSIBLE to put your racking cane thru the hole in the lid for siphoning, but I just pry up the lid myself. You'll want to do that for cleaning afterward anyway. A Lid Remover makes it an easy task.
The lid and fermenter are really quite rugged, and will still last a very long time. I've had . . .
12/14/2008 -- I want to buy the beer brewing kit but I don't have that good of a stovetop and I want to brew inside. Do you think I will be able to reach the right temperature for beer brewing with a mediocre stove?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Probably; depending on the actual heat output (BTU's) of your stove.
The question is not really IF, it's a matter of how long it will take to reach a boil. If you're patient, it's not a problem. On a really weak stovetop, it can take an hour (or even more) to reach a boil. It's not really a problem, it's just a matter of waiting...
11/20/2008 -- On the standard bucket fermenters that come with your kits, where is the 5-gallon mark relative to the bottom plastic "ring" near the top of the bucket?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: It is very close to the bottom ring. If you want to be extact about it (not necessary in my opinion), it's easy to use an empty milk jug to fill it to 5 gallons, and then mark it on the outside.
If you are using it as a primary fermenter, remember that your goal is to end up YIELDING 5 gallons. You will loose a little to evaporation and . . .
7/12/2008 -- Im sure i know the answer to this question but i wanna play it safe and ask an expert. ok say i have made a batch a beer and used all my bottles. then i decide to make a batch right after that but i dont have any bottles left. could i just let the second batch sit in my carboy for as long as i need it too before carbonating or bottling it? . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Sure, no harm in that, as long as you aren't talking 6 months or more in the carboy.
Also, you will have a "dry" period where you will have no beer that is ready to consume!
It sounds to me like you need to drink faster. Homebrew Heaven is happy to help with THAT!
The other alternative, of course, is to aquire a few more bottles... . . .
6/10/2008 -- ok, great website to start, me and my freinds were thinking about goin into beer making to have a reason to get togather more often and to have some fun, what would be an easy kit to start out with and is thier a type of kit that we could puchase to get a rolling rock type of beer? thank you
Response From Homebrew Heaven: A good way to get going in this fascinating (and FUN!) hobby is with our Complete Home Brewing Equipment Kit. Here is a link to that product:
http://store.homebrewheaven.com/Product459
From there, you can selct several different beer style ingredients as "options" to go with your equipment. It sounds like you would enjoy both the American . . .
5/13/2008 -- Hi all,
I am a big fan of English style, cask conditioned ales like I used to get in Cambridge eg. Green King IPA, Old Speckled Hen, London Pride ESB. They are just not the same in bottles like I get here in the U.S.
Can I brew this style with your Deluxe kit?
Thanks very much.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Cask-conditioned beer is the term for unfiltered and unpasteurised beer which is conditioned (including secondary fermentation) and served from a cask, usually without additional nitrogen or carbon dioxide pressure.
Cask ale may also be referred to as real ale, a term coined by the Campaign for Real Ale, often now extended to cover bottle-conditioned . . .
5/9/2008 -- Would I be able to switch the racking from the delux kit for an auto siphon. Would this be a worth while investment? Is an auto siphon better? Thank you
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Certainly. When you order, just make note that you want this changed for your kit. Simply make note of it in the "Customer Comments" section at checkout. There will be a difference in price, of course.
We like the auto siphon, but not everyone does. Is it better? I would say no, it's just more convenient. Convenience is worth it to some . . .
3/12/2008 -- What is the approximate packaging dimensions of the Deluxe Kit? Also, this is obviously more complex and looks more promising than a brewing kit like MrBeer.com but what main advantages does this one have over something like that? Thank you.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: We typically package the Kit in a box that measures 16" X 16" X 24". This is for shipping, and contains some "padding" and the carboy ships inside of the plastic fermenter.
We believe it is WAY better than "novelty devices" like "Mr Beer" "the Beer Machine" and even worse, "Beer in a Bag". Our kits have you brewing beer the right way, . . .
1/26/2008 -- I live about an hour (if traffic is good) from the address on your website. Do you have an actual store or is everything here based solely online?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, we have an actual brick-and-mortar store in Everett, WA. People actually walk in and buy stuff!
Our address is:
Homebrew Heaven
9109 Evergreen Way
Everett, WA 98204
Here is a video of our shop:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1a5fKvv8XI
Heck, you can actually call us on the phone, too! It's 425-355-8865. A person will . . .
12/8/2007 -- My husband and I would like to start brewing our own beer. We already have the complete wine kit so what extra things will I need to purchase to make the beer? Thanks!
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Not much, aside from the beer ingredients. Starting with one of our Homebrew Heaven ingredient kis is a good way to go. The instructions in the recipe kit will get you going.
There are two important differences between making wine and making beer. 1) You will need to boil your beer. This will require a pot to cook your beer in. 2) You'll . . .
11/24/2007 -- Would a novice be able to successfully use the deluxe brewing kit?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Absolutely! That is the way we designed it. It has a great video and a book to get you started the right way. We want people to make GREAT beer!
8/13/2007 -- Hi, love the site, very informative and helpful. I am looking to purchase your intermediate brewing kit and I was trying to decide what type of beer to start with. Think I've narrowed it down to either the Queen's Choice Pale Ale or the Steadfast Scottish Ale. I generally enjoy a variety of red/brown ales and was wondering if you could . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, I would call Queen's Choice very similar to Bass. Steadfast is quite comparable to Bellhaven as well. When we formulated our recipes we "targeted" those beers, knowing we couldn't go too wrong if they were close. Often, customers have said they like our BETTER!
8/1/2007 -- I am very interested in brewing beer but have a few questions. First what is the major advantage of the deluxe kit over the intermediate kit? Second what does the wort cooler do exactly? What else would I need to buy other than the deluxe or intermediate kits to brew beer? Lastly, my favorite beer is alaskan amber which is an alt style . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: The DeLuxe Kit simply has a few more "handy" items, like a bench capper (as opposed to a 2-handle wing capper in the Int. Kit), a wort chiller and faucet adapter.
A wort chiller is basically a heat exchanger. The process is this...you boil your ingredients for an hour, then cool it down as fast as possible. This is where the wort chiller . . .
6/19/2007 -- Is it necessary to use a glass carboy or could you use one of those plastic carboys like Culligan uses for water coolers?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: We feel that using glass is better, which is why we include a glass carboy in our equipment kits.
6/18/2007 -- Hi! My boyfriend keeps talking about wanting to start brewing his own beer. So, I figured I'd get him everything he needs for this for his birthday. Unfortunately, I have no idea what that entails. Do I just get him the deluxe with the ingredients for both of our favorite beers? Or does he need more than that to start? Thanks!
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, that would be an excellent way to get going on it. We pride ourselves in putting out a complete kit. The only other items needed are a large pot to cook the beer in (many people have one already) and some cappable bottles for when it is done. We do sell the bottles, but they are often easy to find or collect locally.
5/12/2007 -- I want to make the DK IPA but don't own any home brewing equipment. What starter kit would you reccomend that has everything I would need to make the DK IPA?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: The Diamond Knot IPA is a nice choice.
As far as equipment, either the Intermediate Homebrew Equipment Kit, or the DeLuxe Brewing Equipment Kit is a good choice. The DeLuxe just has more "handy" items, like a bench capper, as opposed to a wing capper, a wort chiller and such. If it was me, I would go with the DeLuxe version.
4/11/2007 -- My cousin used to homebrew back in the day, but has been out of the game for 7-8 years. He was over helping me brew my most recent brew, a California Common. Anyways, he still has most of his equipment, but he wants to get back into brewing so we can have more beer on hand. He still has a glass carboy and a capper, but everything else needs . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: I agree. You can never have too much beer!
Yes, we can arrange substitutions like that. We often do. If you order online, just tell us what you want "swapped" and we will make it happen. Do this in the Customer Comment field at checkout.
1/18/2007 -- It took about two days (maybe) for the air-lock bubbles in my primary fermenter to slow to 1BPM, so to speak. According to the directions sent with my 'American Pilsner' kit, that is about right for transferring the wort into the carboy, which I did.
Now the activity in my carboy airlock is VERY slow.
It just seemed a little fast to . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Fermentation time doesn't mean a thing. You done good. No worries.
Your hydrometer will tell you when it's ready to bottle. It sounds like soon.
12/11/2006 -- My 22-year old brother has talked about trying to brew his own beer so I'm think about it for Christmas gifts.
What should I buy him? He would do it occasionally for fun but probably would not want an intense operation. I want to make sure I get everything necessary but nothing too complicated for an amateur college student. Could you suggest . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: This is the product (the Intermediate Homebrew Equipment Kit). Just select an ingredient kit as well, from the drop down menu, and order away. There are several beer styles to pick from. If you are unsure which he would like, the St Peter's Pilsner is a good tasting, light colored lager that is quite popular.
12/9/2006 -- Do your kits come with ingredients for beer making or do I order that separately?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: You can select some ingredient kits from the drop-down menu, or you can order separately.
11/27/2006 -- Hello,
Great website, I am thinking about purchasing the intermediate kit, and I have just a few questions.
1. For "Two Stage" fermentation, how long does the wort stay in the primary fermenting bucket, and then how long in the glass carboy.
2. Does the plastic bucket come with a spigot attached, and is it advantageous to have a spigot.
3. . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Thanks!
1. The easy questions are always the hardest to answer. Basically, there is no good correlation between time, and completion of fermentation. Much depends on the type of beer being made, the temperatures, the freshness and type of yeast and probably 100 other minor factors. Having said that...you can use 1 week for primary fermentation . . .
11/19/2006 -- I just bought the intermediate brew kit and the scuttle butt porter from you. I put it into the primary fermenter 12 hours ago and i haven't seen much activity in the way of bubbles from the air lock. Should i be concerned?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: No. That sounds entirely normal. It sounds like there is SOME activity, and that is good.
11/5/2006 -- I live in Seattle, can I come and pick up the bottles in Everett? Do you have a "brick and mortar" store?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: You sure can. It is literally made of bricks and mortar, in South Everett. Our address is:
Homebrew Heaven
9109 Evergreen Way
Everett, WA 98204
425-355-8865
Hours are 10-6:30 M-F
and 9:30-5 on Saturdays
Here is a video of the place:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1a5fKvv8XI
Take a look around!
10/18/2006 -- Is there any way to filter out the sediment from batches?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: I assume you mean sediment from beer, rather than wine.
Yes, you can filter sediment from your beer, but you should recognize that most sediment comes from the RE-fermentation of the beer when you add priming sugar and bottle it for carbonation purposes. The yeast goes to work on the priming sugar, and then falls to the bottom to form a . . .
8/17/2006 -- I am thinking of buying your Intermediate Homebrew Equipment Kit. I brewed two batches of beer about 10 years ago quite successfully and somehow forgot about this great hobby. My recollection is that we used dry yeast. I see you offer both dry and liquid yeast and, based on the offerings, it appears liquid is the more "advanced or professional" . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: 1) Yes, the ingredient kits offered with this equipment kit are dry yeast based. You can certainly order a liquid yeast as well if you prefer that.
2) Key things to know is that you need to keep them refrigerated until about 4-8 hours before using them. Them need to be "activated" at about this time. You do this by rupturing an inner pouch . . .
8/4/2006 -- I'm planning to start home-brewing for the first time, and I'm looking at the intermediate kit. I live in Alaska and was planning to just stick the wort outside in the snow to cool- it regularly gets down to -40 F in here in winter- to save money on equipment. Do you see any problems with this? I love your site!
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Not really, as long as it's done in a clean enviroment. It will still take a while to cool down, believe it or not. 5 gallons is a fair volume.
7/25/2006 -- I have purchased the deluxe kit and a 7.5 gal brewpot. Must say i love it all. Now i want to move on to an all grain brew and i want to get the spigot and brewmometer and just wanted to know what i needed to do to install it all along with the hole diameter
Response From Homebrew Heaven: It's not too hard to install either one, but I should tell you that if you want to move to all-grain brewing, you are (probably) going to want an additional pot anyway. Of course, we can install those items for you. One is used to hold the grains and water, and the other is used to collect the runoff for boiling. There are other ways to do . . .
5/4/2006 -- I am looking to brew my first ever batch of Beer. I have searched the net and thank god I found your site. I like Brown Beers - I drink Smuttynose Brewery's Old Brown Dog - or Amber Ales- What kits are in that type?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: We TRY to sample as many beers as we can; but Smuttynose isn't common in this area. Haven't tried it.
As far as brown and amber ales, you would probably like our Steadfast Scottish Ale. Very nice, malty and smooth. Here is a recipe to that kit:
http://www.nexternal.com/hombre/Product694
1/25/2006 -- We received our kit recently and the quality is just fantastic.
We started our first brew last night and started with 6 gallons of water as it says in the instructions.(we have a 6 gal pot).
We put in the bag and waited until it reached 170 and removed it. All went well until we added the dry malt and hops. It just didnt seem like . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: What we recommend is to have about 6 gallons total (including the malt) in the boil. After boiling for an hour, you will end up with close to 5 gallons.
Yes, you can add water later if you need to. No problem. We always recommend boiling at LEAST 4 gallons, and you have done that.
This is where a large brewpot is real handy.
1/15/2006 -- I am preparing to buy my first brew kit and step into the wonderful world of brewing. With that being said, is there a specific size kettle i need to fit into the wort chiller? I assume you put the chiller around the kettle and run cold water through it. If you could run me through the process of using the chiller that would be great. thanks . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Welcome to our world!
Actually, the wort chiller goes inside the brewpot (kettle) in the last few minutes of the boil. This sterilizes the wort chiller. After you turn the heat off, you begin running cold water thru the wort chiller. This cools down your wort (beer) so that it can be put into the fermenter, and the yeast can then be added. . . .
1/11/2006 -- when i make a 5 gallon batch of beer from one of your kits, how big of a brew pot am i going to need to have? can i get by with a small kettle or do i need one of the big 6 gallon pots?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Using a small brewpot (or less than a full volume boil) causes a "concentrated boil", if you will. Many inexpensive "kits/recipes" put this in their instructions, but it is bad advice.
This concentrated, sugary mixture will easily carmelize with heat, causing a darkening of the beer, as well as a poor breakdown of the malt sugars. Without . . .
12/8/2005 -- I am looking at buying one of your brewing kits, most likely the deluxe kit, instead of putting it in bottles i wanna put the beer in a keg!!!! so instead of siphoning the beer into bottles what do i need to put the beer in the keg, do i siphon into the keg??? after the beer is in the keg...how do i store it and how long do i need to wait? . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: It sounds like you should order the SUPER Deluxe Brewing Equipment Kit, it has a kegging system with it. Here is the link to that product:
http://www.nexternal.com/hombre/Product1256
Yes, you simply siphon your fermented beer from the carboy into the keg, and pressurize it. Nothing additional required. Under pressure, the beer carbonates. . . .
12/1/2005 -- Hi there! I'm definitely sold on your deluxe brewing equip kit, but I'm wanting to add a beer to it that's doesn't seem to be an option on the pulldown menu. I'm wanting the Scuttlebutt Porter. This is a gift for my boyfriend and he would be thrilled for more than a few reasons. Namely he LOVES porters, but his middle name happens to be . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: What a great story! In his honor, I have now added the Scuttlebutt Porter to the pulldown menu for this kit. Order away, and enjoy! (be sure to "refresh" your browser, and it should appear).
9/23/2005 -- In your regular homebrew kit, you use a glass carboy, which is really neat, but, I read that you have to wait for the wort to cool down considerably before putting the wort into the carboy, due to thermal shock. Is letting the wort sit for normal heat reduction a good thing?
Would it be better to just get the deluxe system with the wort cooler?
I . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: We also supply a plastic primary fermenter in our kits, which we recommend using after the boil (before using the carboy). It is more rugged, cleans easily, and has more volume than the glass carboy (to allow for active foaming). After about a week, the beer is then transfered to the carboy (secondary fermenter). Doing it this way also removes . . .
8/22/2005 -- This wil be my first time brewing beer and I have LOTS of questions, but I'll keep it short. Is this really difficult to do? How long does the whole process take? Your web site is wonderful!
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Not difficult at all! Most people are surprised at how easy it (and forgiving) it is. We say that if you can make soup, you can make beer.
The process (in a nutshell) goes like this:
The cooking process itself takes about 1-2 hours. The ingredients are boiled in a large pot. After that you let it ferment (let it sit) for about a week, . . .
8/9/2005 -- Hello. I'm considering purchasing a brewing kit, and I've read through the other questions to find out what I need and so forth. I just have a few questions about the terms and what they mean..
1) Why is head so important?
2) Do you sell any kits that are similar to lager?
3) If I wanted to make an enormous batch, say brew from a . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: 1) Well...I guess it isn't from a flavor point of view, but who doesn't enjoy have an nice creamy white head on their beer as it is poured into the glass? A well made beer WILL have it.
2) We sell lots of kits that ARE lagers. Whether a beer is an ale or a lager is controlled by what type of yeast is used. If you use a lager yeast, it is . . .
7/11/2005 -- I've brewed before and want to do so again, but I would like to try kegging this time--I never liked bottling... Given that you don't offer a kit for keggers, what will I need to get set up for my first batch (an IPA, for instance). I have a decent brewpot, but nothing else.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: We offered such a kit (with kegging system) in the past, but we ran out of used kegs. We now have an ample supply, and have re-activated this kit. It is call a SUPER Deluxe Brewing Equipment Kit (with KEG System!). Here is a link to that product:
http://www.nexternal.com/hombre/?Product=1256
6/6/2005 -- I am an avid drinker of American Lagers and interested in home brewing. I have two questions: 1. What ingredients/kit will provide me with something similar to a Sam Adams Light? 2.Can I use the old bottles from commercially purchased cases of beer (Sam Adams, etc.?)- thanks in advance for your guidance.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: 1. Try the American Pilsner kit. Here is a link to it:
http://www.nexternal.com/hombre/?Product=992
Yes, old beer bottles can be used, BUT it is best to have the pry-off type, not the twist off bottles. They are stronger, and seal better. Not sure what kind Sam Adams uses...
5/16/2005 -- i am new to this, and i have seen and heard of people using plastic buckets for final fermentation, their purpose for doing this is so they can attach a spigot to the bucket for bottling, is this ok to do or is glass the better choice? thanx again and i find that you question and answer part of the site to be very helpful
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, that can be done, but we prefer to use the plastic "bucket" type fermenter for the primary fermenter, and using glass for the secondary. We like the bucket for ease of cleaning, and besides, your beer is only in there for a few days to a week or so. We find glass to be better for clarifing your beer, however. This is not to say you CAN'T . . .
4/13/2005 -- have just finished the beginners section of the "Joy of Homebrewing" and am considering you're intermediate kit. Had two questions though; 1. I am on town well water, and the water is somewhat hard, do I need to use bottled water for brewing, and 2. couldn't find info on shipping rates, specifically to NH? Any help would be appreciated!
Response From Homebrew Heaven: 1) In general, however, if your water is good enough to drink, it is good enough to make beer. Many beer styles at BEST with hard water, however, for instance British style ales, German lagers. Other beers are better with soft water, like pilsners. So I guess the answer depends on how particular you are, and what kind of beer you are making. . . .
3/6/2005 -- If I already own The Complete Joy of Home Brewing can it be deducted from the deluxe brewing package?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, no problem, Brodie. Make note of that when you checkout. There is a "Customer Comments" box on the checkout page. We can either credit you the difference, or supply you with another book of your choice.
2/7/2005 -- Will a twist top bottle work with the caps you provide in your kit? Also I work on the road for weeks at a time, will letting the beer ferment for too long ruin it?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: We don't recommend screw-off bottles for two reasons:
First the caps MAY seal, and they may NOT, using these bottles. Some people use them anyway, but occasionally they get a bad seal.
Second, screw-off bottles are often thinner (not as strong) as pry-off type bottles, and you run a small risk of damage.
Pry-off bottles are not that . . .
1/19/2005 -- I am very interested in the deluxe brewing system. I am considered a good cook by friends. Is making beer about the same as cooking, and how long does it take to make good batch?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Very similar, actually. We say that if you can make soup, you can make beer. Very similar cooking process.
It takes about 1.5 hours to cook it up, about 7-21 days to ferment, and about another 7-10 days for the natural carbonation to build up in the bottles. Figure 2-4 weeks before you are drinking it. A few beer styles, like bocks and . . .
12/27/2004 -- As someone new to homebrewing, I have made quite a few batches with my small kit that was given as a gift, and I am hooked. I have always loved beer and never thought I would be able to make it myself, until now. I want the deluxe kit, but could you tell me everything I need to make great beer? Your kit seems pretty complete but I know . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: We think the DeLuxe is quite complete as it is. You will only need something to cook it in, like a large stock pot, and some bottles.
There are lots of "convenience" items that some people like (for example, a handle for the carboy) but don't necessarily make for better beer.
Temperature control is important, so if you are brewing ales . . .
12/27/2004 -- I may have made a mistake in brewing my beer. I have a 6 gallon stainless steel pot. I did the whole boiling thing and poured it into my plastic bucket from your kit. After watching the dvd that was sent...they filled the bucket almost the rest of the way with water. I filled mine as they did and was done and it's now bubbling. The problem . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: That is about right. No worries.
11/17/2004 -- What's the difference between the Intermediate and deluxe kit? Is the only difference the bench capper and having a wort chiller vs. not haveing a chiller? I'm thinking of buying the intermediate and adding the wort chiller for a cheaper price...not needing a bench capper.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, those are the major differences. We also add a carboy and bottle washer to the DeLuxe Kit.
11/10/2004 -- I was looking at buying one of your kits, but I was wondering how the stout beer comes out using the bottles, seeing that guinness uses some kind of nitrogen cartridge in their bottles, would the keg system be better?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Well, we think it's an excellent stout, and many others do too. It has won several competitions in stout category.
Nitrogen is a nice way to produce a creamy head to the beer but we believe that properly formulation is the key, and Shamorock Stout certainly has been a great seller. If you find that you would like to keg your beer later . . .
10/11/2004 -- I want to make a batch of hard cider. Would this be a good kit? What yeast would you recommend?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, this equipment kit will work nicely for cider.
Any wine yeast will do, but we like the Wyeast Cider Yeast. Here is a link to that item:
http://www.nexternal.com/hombre/?Target=products.asp&ProductID=848
10/9/2004 -- Hi! I have brewed a few batches of beer, and all have turned out well. I'm ready to move onto a more intermediate level. I've been reading about using strainers and "sparging" the grains when they're done steeping. I have the concept I think, but I was wondering if this step is even necessary if I'm using a nylon straining bag for the . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: With a loose straining bag holding specialty grains, it is not necessary. Sparging is normally only done in all-grain brewing (without the use of extracts) to increase the extraction from the grains.
10/6/2004 -- I have just purchased a brew kit, with the belguim ale ingredient. Ale is my favorite, my question is the good ale`s i buy in the store say their fermented in the bottle (with a little sediment on the bottom of the bottle) is yeast placed in the bottles before capping?
Is there any recipe information on making ale`s.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: This is called bottle conditioning, or carbonating in the bottle. All of our kits (including our Belgian Ale Kit) are set up to do this, and have complete instructions. This technique works equally well with lagers, as well as ales.
8/13/2004 -- How does your system compare to other systems that i have seen such as "the beer machine"? There system is completely closed and no equipment is needed other then the machine itself. No boiling, no mess. How are they able to do this?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: They ignore the principles necessary to make good beer, and rely on slick marketing to sell their product. That is the real answer. Most people quickly find that these "gimmick" devices are not what they really want. They sell thousands at Xmas and Father's Day, and just as many are discarded shortly after.
Problems with the "beer machine" . . .
7/17/2004 -- What is the best way to heat stuff in the brewpot? Will a regular stove work?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, a regular stovetop burner is usually enough. It may take a while to boil, is all. If you are impatient (or the wife objects to the smell), an outdoor propane cooker is nice, too. For reference, my stove takes about an hour to boil, a propane cooker takes about 15 minutes.
7/14/2004 -- I just moved to a very remote area and plan to purchase your intermediate kit for use in my basement. Would quart canning jars be suitable containers for the finished product? It is difficult to purchase anything here locally.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: I have heard of some people using them, but we can't recommend them. From what I understand, some are designed for internal pressure, and some are not. It could lead to a disaster.
We can probably send you proper bottles, regardless of where you are. We have shipped to McMurdo Station in Antartica, after all.
7/9/2004 -- I am thinking of getting back into homebrewing after a 2 year hiatus. I wanted to start kegging my beer. I'm not sure of the process though. I assume instead of racking to bottles that I just siphon to the keg and then pressure it with the CO2. is that about it?
Also, does this process speed up the beer being ready to drink?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, that's about the whole process. Very easy to do.
Yes, your beer can be ready to drink overnight; instead of having to wait 7-10 for bottles to carbonate. Most people find kegging to be WAY more convenient as well (easier cleaning, dispensing etc).
7/6/2004 -- I am eighteen and was wondering about homebrewing. If i make the beer in my parent's house even though they don't really own it, could this cause problems legally? Am i allowd to make beer even though i'm below legal drinking age?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: We aren't lawyers, and don't pretend to be, but this is our understanding of the issues:
1) We don't sell alcohol, only stuff that (could) make it. For that reason, it is not against the law for us to sell the equipment to minors. We try not to, unless the parents have no problem with it.
2) If your parents don't mind your hobby, and it . . .
6/22/2004 -- How bad will the beer smell while it is being made and during fermantation? I live in a small apartment with out much space to "hide" the fermentor.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Not too bad, actually.
Most of the aroma comes when actually cooking the beer. It can get "strong", but it is not unpleasant (at least to ME!). Some people love it, some don't.
While fermenting, it does give off a little odor, but not as much. A small closet works well to hide it, and you shouldn't really notice an odor outside the door. . . .
6/21/2004 -- 1) I was thinking of purchasing your intermediate kit and was wondering if I can use "twist off" beer bottles, if you supply the caps. Also, where would be a good place to go and find bottles if there are not liqor stores (just gov't run ABC stores)
2) I have my own receipe and was wondering if you sell single ingrediants
Response From Homebrew Heaven: 1) We don't recommend using twist off bottles, and we don't sell the twist off caps. Sorry. They are just too thin/weak for the internal pressure of homebrew. Also, you would need a very expensive capper to put them on. Pry off bottles are better, and cappers are inexpensive.
2) Absolutely. We sell most any ingredient you can think of! Malt . . .
5/22/2004 -- Hey…I have two questions. I recently purchased your intermediate brewing equipment kit and was wondering about the size of pot that I will be using. I recently bought a new stainless steel 5 gallon pot off of ebay and plan to use it in the boiling process. I noticed that you recommend a 6 gallon pot. My question is when I use your ingredient . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: 1) No, your beer won't end up any stronger because you add water after the boil to bring the volume up to 5 gallons (or a little more). You will probably only be boiling about 4 gallons, so top it off with 1 gallon or so of cold water prior to fermenting.
2) Most electric stovetop burners are capable of boiling this much, it just takes longer . . .
5/11/2004 -- Does the intermediate kit come w/ingredients and supplies to start brewing the day I recieve the kit?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: It comes with the necessary brewing hardware, but not the ingredients. We offer about 16 different beer styles to choose from as far as ingredients, so find the one that suites YOU best!
Here is a link to them:
http://www.nexternal.com/hombre/?Target=products.asp&CategoryID=33
5/4/2004 -- I was thinking about buying the Intermediate Homebrew Equipment Kit does it contain everything I will need to start brewing? I have a large 5 gallon pot already is there anything else i need?
Thanks and cant wait to start brewing!
Response From Homebrew Heaven: As far as hardware, that's about it. You will need some bottles (brown, re-cappable beer bottles are best), but they are easy to obtain locally. If you like, we have new bottles as well.
Just pick the ingredient kits to go with it. They are all made very much the same way, so pick the style of beer that you like to drink!
4/22/2004 -- 1 - Is a thermometer included with this kit?
2 - How difficult is it to cool w/o a chiller?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: 1. Yes, a floating thermometer is included.
2. It is not difficult, but it does take some time. If you can put your pot into a sink full of cold water, this helps. It will still take at least an hour to bring the temperature down to 80 degrees F., or so.
4/7/2004 -- i am thinking about ordering the deluxe brewing kit and i was wondering what is the best size stainless steel pot to go with?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: If you intend to stay with 5 gallon batches, the 6 gallon brewpot is a good way to go. The 7.5 gallon is also nice, because of the extra headspace.
Here is a link to that category (Brewpots):
http://www.nexternal.com/hombre/?Target=products.asp&CategoryID=19
We should tell you, tho, that some people find it so much fun that they step . . .
3/20/2004 -- have searched your site, but I am unable to find individual items like fermenting buckets, airlocks and such. Even your basic equipment kit has more items than I want. Did I miss a link to equipment?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, we have a section for acessories like airlocks etc. Here is a link for that stuff:
http://www.nexternal.com/hombre/?Target=products.asp&CategoryID=14
Fermenters and carboys are found here:
http://www.nexternal.com/hombre/?Target=products.asp&CategoryID=26
Hope this helps!
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