First and foremost, I have indeed read the FAQ. Unfortunately, when I say newb, I mean it.
Secondly, I'll give you a small bio for context. I am a history major (one semester from a BA and on to my PhD) who lives and operates in West Virginia. I have yet to see any local brewshops or anything of the kind. I am Scots-Irish and have a wedding in about 16 months where I would like to serve my own mead. That and I've been wanting to make some for, oh the last 8 years or so. Right now I have my hands in a lot and bills piling up and no money to do much of anything, including my hobbies, which makes this new venture somewhat overwhelming. I am by no means an able person when it comes to following directions, but I learn quickly, especially when I am shown what needs to be done. Barring that, I hope to find several people who are willing to spend the time to dumb some things down for me so I too may enjoy this loved past time.
Now, onto the good stuff.
I will be going to the Outer Banks from the 6th to the 14th so I'm not planning on doing anything major as of right now. However, I would like to, within the next several weeks, figure out what I will HAVE to have (I also read the newbee guide) to begin producing oh, I don't know, 5-10 gallon batches a time maybe? First though, I'm curious as to if there is a generally areed upon simple mead recipe I can do, maybe a gallon or so? I've searched and searched for recipes, and been successful in finding many, but not knowing the many of the basics, or comprehending them at least, I am finding myself in a rut.
For my first batch, a gallon or so I think would be fine, I would like to do a straight mead or sack mead, maybe a melomel or metheglin afterwards. I'm also interested in Cyser and Hppocras but thought maybe those would be better for later. Then again, maybe a Cyser would be nice. Lacking a plethora of funds...that's not right...I basically have no money to work with...that's better...I'm wondering if there are items I can use that are most likely already around and easily obtained. For instance, I don't have any carboys, in fact, I didn't know what those were and had to look it up (shot to the ego!) but I may be able to find something like it. Does anyone have any suggestions as to if this will be possible? I've tried looking for these answers before posting, but coming up short (or at least in my understanding of previoulsy posted topics) I have decided to ask those more learned than myself. I would appreciate any help, and if anyone would like to adopt an FNG I don't mind contact via e-mail or AIM. Just cut me some slack and before you know it I'll have it right as rain.
So, with that, I'll again apologize for my newbtastic newbness. Greetings again and my thanks in advance!
P.S. It is 5 AM, quite a time for me to decide to join a forum and attempt an intelligable post.
Sláinte!
Secondly, I'll give you a small bio for context. I am a history major (one semester from a BA and on to my PhD) who lives and operates in West Virginia. I have yet to see any local brewshops or anything of the kind. I am Scots-Irish and have a wedding in about 16 months where I would like to serve my own mead. That and I've been wanting to make some for, oh the last 8 years or so. Right now I have my hands in a lot and bills piling up and no money to do much of anything, including my hobbies, which makes this new venture somewhat overwhelming. I am by no means an able person when it comes to following directions, but I learn quickly, especially when I am shown what needs to be done. Barring that, I hope to find several people who are willing to spend the time to dumb some things down for me so I too may enjoy this loved past time.
Now, onto the good stuff.
I will be going to the Outer Banks from the 6th to the 14th so I'm not planning on doing anything major as of right now. However, I would like to, within the next several weeks, figure out what I will HAVE to have (I also read the newbee guide) to begin producing oh, I don't know, 5-10 gallon batches a time maybe? First though, I'm curious as to if there is a generally areed upon simple mead recipe I can do, maybe a gallon or so? I've searched and searched for recipes, and been successful in finding many, but not knowing the many of the basics, or comprehending them at least, I am finding myself in a rut.
For my first batch, a gallon or so I think would be fine, I would like to do a straight mead or sack mead, maybe a melomel or metheglin afterwards. I'm also interested in Cyser and Hppocras but thought maybe those would be better for later. Then again, maybe a Cyser would be nice. Lacking a plethora of funds...that's not right...I basically have no money to work with...that's better...I'm wondering if there are items I can use that are most likely already around and easily obtained. For instance, I don't have any carboys, in fact, I didn't know what those were and had to look it up (shot to the ego!) but I may be able to find something like it. Does anyone have any suggestions as to if this will be possible? I've tried looking for these answers before posting, but coming up short (or at least in my understanding of previoulsy posted topics) I have decided to ask those more learned than myself. I would appreciate any help, and if anyone would like to adopt an FNG I don't mind contact via e-mail or AIM. Just cut me some slack and before you know it I'll have it right as rain.
So, with that, I'll again apologize for my newbtastic newbness. Greetings again and my thanks in advance!
P.S. It is 5 AM, quite a time for me to decide to join a forum and attempt an intelligable post.
Sláinte!