hello and thanks for any help guiding me along my way into beer brewing mastership. I have been wanting to do this for years and this year it is happening. first thing does any one know of a good retail outlet in Va. that has starter kits. if nothing in VA would one of these kits be good I appreciate any and all help here guys :-)
[Reply]

Jason, ya may want to check out this thread:http://http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=12852
Good guys and good info on home brewing.:-)
[Reply]

Jason, I started homebrewing about a year ago now and I must say it is an awesome hobby! Nothing beats a delicious cold brew crafted by you!

Anyway, in my opinion, you could be just as well off ordering a starter kit online as the prices don't vary much from what you can get at a homebrew store. I did a little research for you and found a place in Falls Church, VA. The address is:

6201 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22044
(703) 241-3874

I have no idea how far that is from where you are but you can always call them and see if there is a homebrew store closer to you.

I would also suggest you check out http://www.brewingnews.com/mid-atlantic/. It is a monthly newsletter that has great information from where to find home brew stores and great beers in your area to information on homebrewing.

A great book that got me started that you can read is call "The Complete Joy of Home Brewing" 3rd Edition by Charlie Papazian. Check it out here at:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...zian&x=15&y=10

Either way, I wish you all the luck and joy that homebrewing has to offer! Let me know if there is ever anything else I can do for you. I am not an expert but a seasoned brewer now as I have done about 6 batches.
[Reply]

Definitely a good plan, Jason!

Check out the thread Kevin linked, lots of homebrewing inmates hang out in there. For some more comprehensive & hardcore advice, set up an account at the Homebrew Talk forum.

Retailers close by:

HomebrewUSA in Hampton & Norfolk
http://www.homebrewusa.com/

Weekend Brewer in Chester
http://www.weekendbrewer.com/

I get some of my ingredients off the internet these days, but the bulk of my purchases have been through Weekend Brewer for years--the owners, Bob & Jeanne, are extremely knowledgeable.

Good luck, it's a great hobby, let me know if I can help :-)

Oh, and btw, Winston's Humidor in Midlothian is hosting the second annual "Homebrew Herf & Chili Cook-off" on Sunday, October 23. icantbejon & I are brewing up two beers in the parking lot, there will be plenty of good food, good cigars, new friends & football. You should make the trip up if you can.
[Reply]

that sounds like a great time and we are on vacation that week and been looking for stuff to do thanks for the heads up count me in
[Reply]

thanks for the links yea I been too both of those sites before Gerard need to go in person as I think the sites where poorly designed in person is better I am sure
[Reply]