What? - The term “Doing A Homebrew” or “Making A Homebrew” can refer to making any of the following yourself at home (Beer, Ale, Lager, Cider, Wine and even Spirits) - There are a lot of guides and help on the internet, but as you will see, a lot of it is American (They do things a little differently, and their sizing is also a bit different to us Brits) So this short guide is based on the very basics of starting out at Homebrewing in the UK.


People have been making their own beer and wine in the UK for 60 years and probably a lot longer….but it was all very hush hush and kept quiet as it was taxable and should have been made only if you had a licence and then declared your brews  to Customs and Excise.


This all changed in 1963 when Conservative Chancellor Reginald Maudling announced the abolition of an antiquated 1880 law, meaning people were able to legally make and consume their home made alcohol.


So let's raise a glass and give a hearty Cheer To Reginald!


The preceding years saw a slow but steady growth with people sharing tips, tricks and recipes and the launch of several books on beer and winemaking at home (many of which are still in print and relevant today).

Then through the 70s and 80s came a boom, with high street stores catching on and stocking all the required equipment and a small range of do it yourself ingredient kits (these kits made it easier for anyone to have a go, with the step by step instructions) Today there are literally hundreds of ingredient kits covering all types of Wine and Beer, so whatever your favourite tipple, it really couldn't be easier.


Why? - For many people the main reason will simply be, because it is a way to make cheap and very drinkable alcohol, even at the time of writing (Jan 2023) after the cost of equipment, it is possible to make a reasonable beer or lager for as little as 36p per pint and palatable bottle of Wine from just £1.10 per bottle, but there's so much more to it than that.

Brewing your own Beer or Making your own Wine is a great Hobby and as with any hobby, when done correctly, you will achieve a sense of satisfaction, there is no better feeling than pouring a pint or a glass of wine that you have made yourself and thinking.....you know what? That's pretty good! and then sitting back and enjoying a drink. As you progress you can tweak your recipes (whether making from raw ingredients or from a kit) and getting things just as you like them. Its also a social hobby......Make a decent Brew, take some to a party or barbecue and see how quickly it disappears amongst the murmurs of "ooohhh this is pretty good". Many people are surprised at just how good a beer or wine you can achieve, even from a basic ingredient kit.


How? - Now it gets a bit more complicated, as what you want to make will dictate what sort of equipment you will need, the basics are the same for all types of Homebrewing, you start with a fermentable (which could be malt extract, grains, fruit or sugar) then add a yeast and ferment this out, when fermentation has ended, you draw of the finished brew and may or may not require more steps, like fining, clearing or introducing additives, finally your brew will need to be syphoned to bottles, barrel or bags and then may need storage time before it is ready to dispense and drink....it sounds like a lot to take in but dont panic, its not that complicated and there is always help along the way, most modern ingredient kits for both wine and beer now come with easy to follow step by step instructions.


So lets break down the different types of Homebrewing. Click on the links below for more information on each type of Home Brewing and a guide for which equipment sets are recommended for each, followed by some of the steps required to making your chosen brew.


1) Making Beer from an ingredient kit (This Would Include Beer, Ale, Lager and Cider)

2) Making Wine from an ingredient kit

3) Making Beer from from the raw ingredients (Called all grain brewing or BIAB brewing)

4) Making Wine from the raw ingredients (Called Home Wine Making)

5) Making Liquor or Spirit From Kits or Raw Ingredients