Tutorials

A question we often get asked is how to make a yeast starter.  A common misconception is that you need an Erlenmeyer flask and a stir plate.  You can make your yeast starter in pretty much any container that's easy to sanitize and will hold at least 1.5 liters.  Some people use growlers or 1 gallon glass jugs.  We prefer Erlenmeyer flasks as they're relatively inexpensive and easy to clean and sanitize.  A stir plate will help your starter finish more quickly but is not necessary.  We find that most starters are done within 16 hours on a stir plate...

If you're new to homebrewing and looking for information on how to brew beer at home, or if you're brewing simple no boil kits like Coopers and are looking to take the next step in your brewing hobby, then this tutorial is for you.  We will show you how to make an extract with steeping grains kit, also known as a partial grain kit in this guide. What you will need: - A 5 Gallon or larger brew pot is recommended although a smaller pot can work - Mixing Spoon - Primary fermenting pail or glass carboy - Thermometer - Extract...

Here's an easy hard cider recipe that anyone can brew using apple juice and wine yeast.  All you need is 1 gallon of apple juice or pasteurized cider, Lalvin EC-1118 yeast, funnel, 1 gallon glass jug and an airlock with #6 stopper.  We also recommend using a hydrometer to calculate the original and final gravity in order to know how much alcohol is in your cider.  When selecting apple juice check the Ingredients and make sure the only thing listed is Apple Juice and Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C).   1. Clean and sanitize all equipment.  We use PBW or Diversol...