New to Brewing

[turkeyjerky214]

Hey everybody, I'm extremely new to brewing (haven't even started my first batch) and I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Brian, I'm 24, and I'm from St. Louis.
I've been wanting to brew beer since I was in college but didn't decide until yesterday that I actually am going to start.

As a beginner, I've got a couple of questions. I'm a real "do it yourself" kind of person, so my first question is, is it worth buying a kit like one of these
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/products ... rodID=6873
http://www.makebeer.net/item.asp?idProd ... Category=0
or is it possible/cheaper to just assemble everything I need myself?
If I should get a kit, what would you recommend? Keep in mind that as I'm just starting out and don't know how hardcore I'm going to get into this I don't want to spend a ton.

My next question would be is there a good type of beer to start off with before I try something a little more complicated? I'm really anxious to try a pumpkin ale but I don't want to start with that if it will turn out bad because of my inexperience.
Thanks for any suggestions.

[spkrtoy]

Welcome!
The 1st one seems to be a better 'starter' kit.
As for 1st time kits, I'll let the others here chime in.

Beer making is pretty simple, you just have to remember the 3 rules:
Sanitization:
Sanitization:
Sanitization,
All the rest is enjoying your beers!

[Rezzin]

Hey everybody, I'm extremely new to brewing (haven't even started my first batch) and I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Brian, I'm 24, and I'm from St. Louis.
I've been wanting to brew beer since I was in college but didn't decide until yesterday that I actually am going to start.

As a beginner, I've got a couple of questions. I'm a real "do it yourself" kind of person, so my first question is, is it worth buying a kit like one of these
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/products ... rodID=6873
http://www.makebeer.net/item.asp?idProd ... Category=0
or is it possible/cheaper to just assemble everything I need myself?
If I should get a kit, what would you recommend? Keep in mind that as I'm just starting out and don't know how hardcore I'm going to get into this I don't want to spend a ton.

My next question would be is there a good type of beer to start off with before I try something a little more complicated? I'm really anxious to try a pumpkin ale but I don't want to start with that if it will turn out bad because of my inexperience.
Thanks for any suggestions.

First and foremost, take a look at www.howtobrew.com - it's the single best free resource any new homebrewer should check when starting out.

Most homebrewers I know started out with a kit. Your biggest extra expense is usually the boil pot. Full boils are ideal but not necessary when you are first starting out. Get the largest pot you can afford along with your kit (they don't all include one). As far as first beer style to make? If you like stouts or porters, I would recommend one of those as there are lots of roasty flavors to help hide any off flavors you might get your first time around. Other than that, pales, hefe's, ambers, etc are all good beers to start out with. Pretty much any beer that uses ale yeast is a good start.

If you have any specific questions, please post up... and welcome to the board!

[huntfisher]

I got that kit. I would recommend buying an auto siphon, less of chance getting siphon infected by adding water in it to get it started and also there is no temptation to use your mouth when you have an auto siphon. The kit works, but if you end up loving the hobby as much as I do, then save some money since you will want a carboy or a better bottle, for it makes the hobby more fun since you actually see the yeast at work. But, make sure you read a decent book like How to Brew. I used a cheap $4 book, and I could of avoided some mistakes if I would of bought a decent book.