Jesse
We're starting at about the same time. ;D
I started last night with a JOA and a Ad-Hoc Cyser.
I was not going to start the cyser last night...but the apple juice looked so good I wanted to taste it. And I did not have room in the fridge for a gal jug. >
Warning! I have never brewed or fermented before!
I'll answer what I can.
Yes that will get you started with a JOA.
Also, you need something to sterilize everything with. I.E. bleach only a little! Mixed with water. (make sure you rinse well)
I used a stainless pot to sterilize in. I put everything in and let it soak. When I needed it I rinsed it off and used it and then put it back in. I do not know if leaving things setting on the stove or counter top is bad or not. I just did not want to take the chance.
I used another stainless pot to heat the water to 90 F to make the honey mix better with the water.
And a funnel to get it into the carboy.
! Caution ! One of the airlocks I bought was no good and it had me confused for about 20 minutes. So, if there is action in the carboy and none in the airlock you might want to check that out. The airlock was one of the ones that look like 2 sets of 3 globes in series. Also, they have a ridge from the molding process that should be smoothed down. (I used emory cloth) It is on the stem that goes in the stopper.
As far as siphoning I am going to have to practice that myself. There appears to be 2 ways of starting it. Positive presure (blowing with mouth or compressed gas) and negative presure (sucking by mouth, filling the siphon hose with water, or a pump).
Another warning. I am working out of town and staying in a 30 ft. camper and the aroma is driving me crazy.
The aroma filled the camper in about 15 minutes after the airlock started bubbling. Be prepared for the aroma. I think the people who have done this for a while have had patience training. Because I want to stick a straw in a carboy and try it now! :'(
Kwatt