Expert: Spencer W Thomas - 1/30/2007

Question
Santa Clause was nice this year and I got a homebrewing kit; a brew store put it together for about $125 (not like a toy kit).  I really like good beer, and want to try to make my own.    The store I bought it from didn't have the book that came with the kit (they ran out)...and I forgot to write down the book's title.   
So I search online and there are dozens!  I would like a book that is very thorough, but nothing I need a chemistry degree for.  
Suggestions?  
One other question...the kit came with my choice of style to start out with, and I chose Irish Stout.  I also purchased some oatmeal, thinking I will be the first person to make an oatmeal/irish stout?  Is that a silly idea?  Worth trying...maybe after a few trial runs??

 Thanks
  Adam  

Answer
Adam,

Sounds like you've got the right attitude.  But, I don't think I'd start out with oatmeal.  For one thing, unless you "mash" it (an advanced technique), it'll just contribute starch to your beer, rather than the silky mouthfeel that oatmeal can contribute.  Make breakfast with it, but keep the idea for when you move up to "all grain" brewing.

As you say, there are many homebrewing books out there.  I'm going to recommend two for a beginner.  One is actually available online, or you can buy it on paper if you prefer.  It's called "How to Brew", and you can find it at http://howtobrew.com/  The second is the one that many homebrewers, including me, started with.  It's the New Complete Joy of Homebrewing, by Charlie Papazian. You can buy it directly from the publisher at http://www.store.beertown.org/shopexd.asp?id=265 from Amazon.com, in many "brick & mortar" bookstores, or at most homebrew supply shops.

Have fun.  And, as Charlie Papazian likes to say, "Relax, don't worry, have a homebrew."