Amateur brewers, beer, wine & cider?

[Pedrostt500]

Years ago I used to brew beer from kits, at best it was horrible stuff, but back then Alcohol volume was the go.
I have just got back into the brewing, but I'm more interested in brewing Ciders, and fruit based wines. I have put down my first few brews, one is an apple based wine, will be simmilar to a cider, the second is a cider, and the third is a perry, that is a pear based brew.
So now I have to wait and see if I'm going, end up sitting on a couple of gallons of vinagar, or not.
I am keen to hear from any one who has an orchard that has an excess of fruit for their needs.

So what KB brewers do we have and what do you brew?.

[GOONR]

Years ago I used to brew beer from kits, at best it was horrible stuff, but back then Alcohol volume was the go.
I have just got back into the brewing, but I'm more interested in brewing Ciders, and fruit based wines. I have put down my first few brews, one is an apple based wine, will be simmilar to a cider, the second is a cider, and the third is a perry, that is a pear based brew.
So now I have to wait and see if I'm going, end up sitting on a couple of gallons of vinagar, or not.
I am keen to hear from any one who has an orchard that has an excess of fruit for their needs.

So what KB brewers do we have and what do you brew?.

I have tried to brew a couple of times, ended up with something that paint would run a million miles from.. I gave up, still have all the kit so might have another go at it at some point.

Will be interested with how you get on.

[P38]

Beer kits are ok, got some good results....Unfortunately I dont drink much so ended up with dozens of bottles collecting dust in the shed,

Cider is easy as to brew too, and with a little care you can acheive good results. I found windfall apples to be the best. Used to mix Granny Smith and Braeburn 50/50.

I like brewing Ginger Beer during the summer. Also easy as and everyone seems to like it too.

[Pussy]

Anyone got a ginger beer plant they're willing to share?

[SMOKEU]

I make beer, cider, fruit wine and spirit. Then I laugh at all the people who pay in excess of $30 for a litre of vodka when I can make the same quality product (or better) for about $6.50 per litre.

[Lucy]

I make beer, cider, fruit wine and spirit. Then I laugh at all the people who pay in excess of $30 for a litre of vodka when I can make the same quality product (or better) for about $6.50 per litre.

What sort of still do you use? Is there handy website you could point us to?

[rainman]

So what KB brewers do we have and what do you brew?.

Usually have a plonk red on the go from the homebrew shop kits, not too shabby if you leave them longer than they say you should (fermenting and resting). Finishing off the ginger beer I made (kit not plant, not bad but won't do again). and have two demis of plum wine on the go, one at the final stages of fermentation, another going to be bottled this week probably. Have brewed beers before with OK but not stellar results. Tried an old kit I had around recently and it is not doing so well so I should chuck it and get another one running... maybe tomorrow if the brew shop is open.

I'll have some apples in a month or so and will give cider a go then. Never done it before, any tips from the pros?

[yachtie10]

Interested in Ginger beer (alcoholic) and that perry sounds good
recipies or links if you have them would be great

would also be interested it the equipment if anyone is getting rid of theirs

[Berries]

I'll have some apples in a month or so and will give cider a go then. Never done it before, any tips from the pros?

No tips yet, only just getting the apple trees in, but this site might be of use - http://www.howtomakecider.com/ Some of it is basic, but the stuff on pressing and pulping may be worth a read.

[DangerousBastard]

I occasionally drink someones homebrew beer, and its usually fucking disgusting. I wouldn't mind having a go at making a really good micro-filtered beer thats not too strong in taste and alcohol content.

Homebrew spirits on the other hand, is really good. Properly distilled and filtered, it's way way better than the tractor fuel you buy at the liquor store, and as has been observed, cheeeeeep! The biggest problem with homebrew spirits, is drinking four litres of the shit every week. Not good.

Steve

[Okey Dokey]

I found windfall apples to be the best. Used to mix Granny Smith and Braeburn 50/50.

How do you prepare the fruit? Do you use a juicer on a food processor, or do you have a press, or something else? Thanks.

[scissorhands]

Cruising around Oratia, I see shitloads of old orchards...

vege shops put out $1 box's of decaying apples and fruit

I'm sure if you ask at places you will find

[bungbung]

I brew beer from scratch (full mash). It kicks arse.

[SMOKEU]

What sort of still do you use? Is there handy website you could point us to?

Still Spirits Super Reflux. yourshout.co.nz or aquavitae.co.nz. Search on Google to find your LHBS.

[SMOKEU]

Have a look at the group I have started http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/group.php?groupid=128