Hello! I just found this site after my interest in starting to brew some beer and I'm looking forward to it.

I haven't brewed anything yet (eagerly waiting for a kit to arrive).

Do most start with simple equipment? Before registering, I was searching around on this site and people have made some impressive rigs!

Cheers!

~Battles

Hello from Pella!!! Where are you?

I'm in Des Moines.

Haven't been to Pella for a few years.

Welcome to the fun! Yes, most do start with simple equipment, brew a few batches to learn the ins and outs, and then upgrade where needed. Don't be intimidated by the process. I highly recommend purchasing John Palmer's "How to Brew" as it covers everything in detail from extract brewing to all grain and beyond. A great read with lots of pics for better understanding.

Jump in! I contemplated all the ins and outs of every step, and all the equipment needed for my first batch. Don't worry about any particular thing too much. Just brew something. You'll be glad you did. Once you have that first batch under your belt upgrade from there. I started with a 4 gallon kettle and and a bucket. Made a great extract beer. I second the How to Brew recomendation. Buy the book. But until you get it read www.howtobrew.com.

Have you found a club there? Iowa Brewer's Union is the big one there.

Welcome from Minnesota!
Good luck on your first beer. What is it going to be?

Hey in MN!

I ordered an amber ale with the kit I got from MW supplies. According to FedEx, it will arrive today.

I saw the Iowa Brewers Union website, I'll have to check that out. They come to El Bait Shop a lot... one of my favorite watering holes

Cheers!