How to brew beer at home - FULL process from start to finish

I learnt how to brew beer and mead on a small scale at home, with limited equipment and space, in fact all the fermentation was done in my little bedroom! Check out all the amazing people who helped me with this project.
Cellarhead Brewery - cellarheadbrewing.com/
Beercosm where I bought brewing equipment - beercosm?h...
Hukins Hops - www.hukins-hops.co.uk/
Jere meadery - jere-eu.com/en/welcome/
Black Mountain Honey - www.blackmountainhoney.co.uk/
Another brew shop I bought stuff from - www.the-home-brew-shop.co.uk/
Check out my Instagram - / alex_smith1809
Support the Just Alex Channel on Patreon - / justalexsmith
Business enquiries - [e-mail]
00:00 - Visiting a brewery
03:45 - Buying brewing equipment
05:52 - Making beer from a kit
10:47 - Buying more brew stuff
11:40 - Beer ingredients
18:45 - Brewing a pale ale from scratch
31:50 - Learning about mead
33:08 - Making a batch of mead
41:42 - Tasting my finished beer

[@joentjee8405]

its impressive how you keep jumping into new hobbies / projects. very entertaining to watch as always.

[@jacks__9229]

😅it's his job lol. But very entertaining

[@silasestlander]

@@jacks__9229 doesn't make it less impressive mate

[@peternufc1981]

Loads of people try home brewing youve never lived if you ain’t made your own wine or beer

[@tanky_8677]

How does he even fund this?

[@lakedistrictmatt1641]

@@tanky_8677 KZbin 🤷🏻‍♂️😂

[@reneenolan8163]

One of the best things about these videos is the hospitality of others. Renews my faith in humanity every time.

[@CB-xr1eg]

Yea right, they know they'll be on KZbin, how else are they going to act?🤔

[@callumnoblett4905]

​Oooh ya cynic . Won over by Alex's effervescent personality I'd say ​@@CB-xr1eg

[@henrikflygarepipes5471]

He shows interest in them and what they are doing. Thats like the no 1 icebreaker in the world.

[@Hawk2phreak]

Just read a few KZbin comments under most videos if you want to lose it again 😂

[@leonhughes9014]

couldn't have said it better myself. kudos

[@xionerebus]

Alex your ability to explain and make such a process interesting is superb..... I am an avid follower of both yourself and your brother and have already commented on what you both achieved bringing the fabulous pastime of angling to everyone. Now you have diversified I am now fascinated with fungi hunting and the photography of each different one I find..... But you cant claim to have converted me to beer as this was accomplished over many years and is still ongoing :). However the simplistic explanation on how beer is made was brilliant. Thank you 👍👍👍

[@just_alex]

thanks! :)

[@FallenRobot]

Alex's brother?

[@tackleviewchannel3620]

Carl, his brother, from the carl and alex fishing adventures look him up 😉

[@ermao2715]

​@@FallenRobot Fish with Carl

[@RobertDoornbosF1]

​@@tackleviewchannel3620 For a while I genuinly thought this guy was Carl. I saw a bunch of Carls videos, then lost him and never found his channel. Then I found alex, and thought it was the same guy but he just dropped the fish stuff. It was only during the first honey harvest that I saw Carl, and he said they were brothers and that's when I realised how dumb I was💀

[@chemicalcabbage]

I've noticed beginners like yourself are much better at informing other beginners. I think it's because you know what you didn't know whereas a pro might take their knowledge for granted.

[@hubert2536]

That's true but beginners might also make mistakes and teach those mistakes to others.

[@fishfingers160]

@@hubert2536brewers that have been doing it for years also make mistakes from time to time. It’s always a learning process no matter how long you’ve been doing it.

[@HaasGrotesk]

I hate beer. I don't even drink anything with alcohol but I sat here for 50 minutes and watched you make beer. I really enjoy how you explain things and it's always very interesting to see what you'll be up to next.

[@Hallslys]

I have been brewing beer for more than a decade and this video was simply amazing. The way you went through the process of figuring out how to make beer was so nostalgic for me, and reminded me so much of my own journey of figuring out the delicate balance between water, malt, hops and yeast.

[@RainusBrainus]

One of my goals in life is to brew my own wine from scratch. Homegrown sugar, fruit, and yeast. The optimism in this video and others you have made continues to encourage me. Cheers!

[@zander6907]

same

[@just_alex]

nice, you should do it!

[@driss409]

You should check out the other Alex, he has a cool series exploring the process of making home made wine: /watch?v=Fzog2-lkOds

[@ryandougherty4042]

Have a blackberry wine going now

[@dodobird4155]

Wine is only made from 1 ingridient. Only from Grapes. You need to find grapes with good amount of sugar (20-25grams per 100grams of grape) and ferment it without adding yeast.

[@Hannes_Lind]

Some tips for the next brew. Keep taking temp measurments during mashing since the mashtemp will go down over time and the fact that you need to take in calculation the grain temp when mashing in so you dont undershoot the temp. Beta Sacc rest is from 63C so if you undershoot you may not get full convertion of the starches and miss your target OG. If you have access to a chestfreezer or somewhere else cool stick the whole FV in there with the wort for it to cool down, or get a cheap plastic can of 20+ liters put the hot wort in it push as much oxygen out of it by sqeezing it and put on the cap and leave over night to cool down. Then by splashing to add oxygen pour the wort into your FV and add yeast, its an easy trick so you dont have to buy a colling spiral or a platechiller. And another tip for bottling - just and the bottling wand onto the tap and let gravity do the work no need for the siphon.

[@LeeBotton]

That was a lot of sugar (in the kit brew) so you were lucky not to get bottle bombs! As for the malt, it's worth noting that not all malts are 'diastatic', which means they contain the enzymes which will do the work of chopping up the sugars while in the mash. This is why pale malt, which is diastatic, is the majority of the grist for most beers except lagers. When malt is processed in the kiln for colour and flavour, it typically denatures the enzymes. Hence, if you tried to brew a beer with e.g. all crystal malt (caramelised) the mash would produce no fermentable sugars because no enzymes were present to do that work.

[@KingDez808]

I don't make brew myself and have watched a lot of wine making content as it's something I'm interested in getting into. And I was surprised by him putting that sugar in and capping the bottles off. I thought he had just created chaos in bottles. Lol 😂

[@kyphosis_]

I've been binging your videos and what I love about them is the fact that you're a regular dude making mistakes and showing them. Keep it up Alex!

[@ruchiramunjal6061]

From Gardening To Brewing Beer . Very Impressive Alex.

[@CB-xr1eg]

Not seen him do gardening, he does Bee keeping, and he's moved house recently, also saw him mending a gate and strimming grass, maybe that's what you mean by gardening.

[@mattwright3768]

@@CB-xr1eg Grew his own veg

[@CB-xr1eg]

@@mattwright3768 That's more like farming than gardening.

[@user-ex5hb7fz5c]

Since I started learning to brew beer you are the first person to really explain everything so clear with no short cuts. U deserve a thumbs up. I will refer my peers to your channel.

[@tony_b]

This is good enough to be an episode on the discovery channel or something.. A+ .. great job Alex!

[@just_alex]

thanks!

[@yashuu1575]

i never thought I'd sit down for 48 minutes and watch a random guy brew beer and mead, talk about all the technical details of brewing, and actually succeed. really loved the video, i respect your determination and excitement!

[@robreluctantblogger]

You have a great capacity to explain clearly, entertain and engage. It’s a real gift. A TV production company should really snap you up. Thank you.

[@collinblack9605]

First vid of his I have seen. I like that he is just kind of even keeled. Not crazy loud or quiet. Just a normal guy doing some normal things. I dig it.

[@user-hi5rk7eg2g]

I love how you incorporate small shop and business owners! It's adds another level of value to your videos. I loved the truffle episode, mountains and painting! I'm not even interested in beer making but I love your videos so much that it is interesting to watch

[@chrisb2443]

What a fabulous video to watch! I’m quite jealous of your confidence to try all these different hobbies/activities, as well as all the good people you meet along the way. You’re living the best kind of life!

[@Overgis4058]

I subscribed because of the positive attitude and the simple wisdom shared. I've even begun digging my own garden in my yard, and I learned how to tell when rain is coming days ahead of time by looking at clouds and the sun. You make the idea of learning about the world fun, and because of that I've taken off and am learning so much. Thank you!

[@prativakunwar2073]

It’s a crime that Alex doesn’t have 1 million subscribes.

[@coolbreezkilla59]

Gained one today

[@won2winit]

Great to see your collaboration with Laurence, here's to more. I tried making Mead and was very dry, but your tip on adding the chemical to help back sweeten will come in handy in future brews.

[@Kirmo13]

You are such a good storyteller. 48 minutes and it felt like it was no more than 15. You're very skilled

[@ewalddiedericks2819]

One thing that jumped out at me is that you bottled before your gravity reading was 1.000 or less. In that case fermentation might not be complete, which is how you make bottle bombs. So what I normally do if I think it stalled (meaning it's above 1.000 SG and not moving anymore) is take a reading, and then take another 2 or 3 days later to see if it moved again. If it remains the same, it means it is done. Just be careful! Looking great so far - enjoy your fermentation journey!

[@uribove]

Being below 1.000 is not the benchmark persé, but it needs to have lowered compared to the original SG and remain stable for a couple of days

[@jonnyfox14]

Final gravity does not need to 1.000 or less.... I've never fermented down to 1.000 or less, I'm not saying you can't but it's deff not the benchmark. It depends on what type of beer you are brewing, lower final gravity indicates a dry or crisp flavor, while a higher final gravity indicates a sweet or malty flavor. It also depends on the attenuation rate of the yeast strain you are using. But I do agree that caution is need to avoid bottle bombs and to make sure that fermentation is complete before bottling and as you said the best way to do that is to take gravity readings over 2/3 days and if it hasn't moved you should be good.

[@TheShahart]

Only time over hit Near 1.0000 was when I was doing whiskey mash. Still hard to do ​@@jonnyfox14

[@louisecloherty5338]

Everything you post makes it seem so so much less terrifying but is also so commendable. I'm constantly struck by how gun ho you are with all of your interest. I always freak myself out and only start things after years of being too anxious. Seeing you just getting stuck in is really inspiring

[@pilsplease7561]

I used to brew beer both commercially and on a homebrew scale, Now I am a professional winemaker so if you ever get into winemaking I can help you out with telling you what you need and how to get it right. I produce 200 gallons of wine at home outside of work for experimentation purposes and for friends and family.

[@Hazy154]

Great job mate! Home Brewer for 10 years now and you’ve done everything right. Just pop your lid on the bucket while it’s cooling is my only tip

[@yonaraanan]

i love your videos i now have a lot of vegetables and i watch you with my family

[@kayliawilson8842]

Alex is like my Stardew Valley character 😂 i love it

[@TheRealSteveCampbell]

I’ve been watching videos on the brewing process ands how to get into home brewing, and this is bar far the best explanation, especially for beginners. Great video!

[@Piglife101]

You have a lucky touch! Your projects always turn out better than expected in the end ❤ Also the pigs would have loved the stout and some of the leftover mash!

[@outdoorstudiose]

I love your videos Alex. They are so well made, you are so genuine and naked in your endeavours and it is very inspiring. I make cider myself from my own apples, but never really "dared" to try making beer. But I think you might have nudged me into trying it. Keep the videos coming. You are doing a great thing here.

[@ellencox8415]

I love your videos. You have a way of answering questions I never even knew I had. Your extensive bordering on obsessive dives into a subject, makes your videos not just a step by step guide, but a journey. These videos must take forever to edit and put together. Your work hasn't gone unnoticed. Thank you!

[@Shugo5775]

I've watched your videos over the past year now and you make me wish I had more folks around me who had similar interests. Brewing beer, keeping bees, just... making things in general as a hobby or lifestyle... It's such a wonderful thing and I'm so glad you share your videos with us because it's the closest I have to sharing the interest in cultivation hobbies I have with another person. Thanks much, Alex. Hope you have a good holiday season and a happy new year as it quickly approaches.

[@WillEdmond]

Now you got me wanting to brew something up Alex. I'm going to try Kombucha! Always love seeing your videos come across my feed. Hope our paths cross.

[@rbad6215]

if you go for making kombucha, please reply n let people know how it goes

[@petrhoward]

This kind of content is definitely going to grow your channel. Great work Alex.

[@MrAnderson321]

Alex just draws you in with all the random stuff he does…just love it! 😁 What you see is what you get and that’s what we love about you Alex. Top bloke! 👊

[@user-yw4es8kn7l]

I've been watching your videos for years and this is absolutely amazing! Definitely can see the amount of time and effort you put into it Thanks for the beer journey that you took us on

[@blt123xly]

Hey Alex! Armature homebrewer here. You've done a fantastic job for your first couple of brews. I usually cool my wort in the bathtub instead of the sink because there's more surface area for the ice to cool it down more quickly!

[@CB-xr1eg]

"Armature"...seriously?🤷‍♂

[@bilboswaggins2323]

Really happy to see someone else getting into the craft of beer making! Would love to share with you what I've learnt over the years. First up you should treat your tap water with Campden tablets or go buy cheap spring water from aldi. Also that keviek yeast is super hardy and will rip through that sugar no worries

[@Enderman0415]

this is so amazing, i love your videos so much, gotta be the best content creator on the platform

[@just_alex]

thank you! :)

[@somuchforforever]

The new place looks super cool and I'm glad you're enjoying it! We love all the same homesteading hobbies so I always look forward to your videos and discoveries. Thanks for all you do and Happy brewing!

[@curiousnomadic]

I used to brew beer and loved it. Never had a problem with alcohol. However, I watched some videos on how much it ages you (hair loss, dehydration etc.) and quit all together. I haven't really missed it and it seems to making me look 10 years younger.

[@hijkingkooljer]

I'm seeing a milestone where you prepare a full course meal somewhere scenic with all the things that you've grown. Your storytelling has improved! keep it up! :)

[@Sophie-of8zx]

I absolutely love watching you try all these different hobbies and get knowledge for people in the industry! your videos are always so entertaining and interesting! Thanks alex! enjoy your homebrew!

[@RePetesBees]

Wow, thought this video was about to end at the conclusion of the beer kit... but it was just the intro! You sir, are a true content creator.

[@connorjames8807]

These videos of you disovering new fun hobbies are so enjoyable to watch!! Keep it up!

[@g-mo7130]

I love that you included the ready brewing kit in the video. I've always wanted to try brewing, but I've never realized you can start so easily.

[@shanejay-vw6mu]

I like that, "its ready when IT'S ready" no rushing the process and making sure the beverage is as authentic and as naturally processed as possible even on a commercial scale.

[@iammeniece]

It’s been wonderful watching you grow with your new found passions 😌 I feel like soon we gone be watching you travel around the world just learning as much as you can just to come home and put all to use. Love it!

[@SirLithen]

This video is fantastic for someone that's just starting out, you cover so many topics and thoughts I had.

[@Sabby8139]

Hello Alex! I love seeing your videos pop up on my timeline and binge them every couple of months. Oddly enough your videos give me a sense of nostalgia from when I was a child and watched the food channel. Specifically the shows that would demonstrate the process of how things are made. Your videos remind me of those simple times and provide a sense of comfort. Thank you for making these videos and sharing your experiences.

[@jaa7286]

I could seriously watch this time and time again! Salute Alex, you are the Man!

[@rarexdays1014]

Just wanted to say I love your videos and the way you explain things so clearly even if its small. I usually I use your videos when I'm studying, or drawing, or have nothing to do but I think I've watched them all, all ready. I can't wait till there more.

[@NorthernBrewerTV]

Wonderful video showing so many elements of the brewing/homebrewing process and hobby. Cheers, Just Alex!

[@raretheory9583]

The best Chanel on KZbin. You are going very far mate! - can’t get enough of your videos. Blessings on blessings your way ❤️

[@Sixthlaw]

This was an immediate sub - you’re the Jacob collier of authentic videos

[@metaj7959]

Alex, thank you dude for being so versatile in your interest and true to yourself, My wife & I love watching your videos. I appreciate you always giving accurate information on how to do these things instead of just showing it after everything's done. We have been inspired to grow our own shiitake, lions mane and oyster mushrooms, growing our own micro-greens and we started brewing a blueberry honey ale last week. Looking into brewing my own kombucha next. We'll be recycling/reusing my local breweries empty beer growlers for both the beer and the kombucha too. Thinking of contracting a bee re-homing specialist to take the bees living on the side vinyl / eves of my house and give them a proper hive and home in the backyard with what I've learned form your bee-keeping content. We were feeling down in life based on what's going on in the world and your content is a beacon of light man, thank you for all that you are and all that you do. I'm glad your content found it's way to me and keep making accurate entertaining and down to earth videos.

[@campingout3063]

well done! absolute joy to see all of the complements you recieved from the professionals!

[@LuckZOG]

Thank you for the time and effort you put into these videos Alex !

[@woodsie001]

I've recently got into brewing at home, having done two kit brews so far. Your video inspires me to take the next step into all grain brewing. Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@DUSKvsDAWN]

This is so interesting to watch! It's also always fun to see that you pick up new projects to try out!

[@Juststatingafact]

Alex, I always watch your videos with such enthusiasm. You are so methodical in everything you do and make. Whenever you post a new video I know it's going to be a great watch. You are so entertaining..... Thank you. 😊

I just watch your videos, your adventures and I just want to do them too. You kinda make me obsessed about these things and I have no idea how you do it. You entertain and educate us here with nothing but you pure enthusiasm and kindness

[@nickpiper1925]

Dude this was like a professional documentary, love this style of filming

[@Whitesmokehoney]

OH SNAP BLACK MOUNTAIN HONEY!!!! I watch his videos!

[@richprice482]

Good grief. I remember watching you in the early days as you camped out in the car and then bought the van. So seeing how many subscribers you have now Alex is amazing. Well done to you.

[@Bo88y22]

What an interesting film. Well made and interesting. Many KZbin videos are drawn out to make content but you are a special type. Carl also makes “films” and you both keep us interested all the way through. Thank you.

[@TheSimmpleTruth]

I love people like you that love learning about everything.

[@Tremoredstone-battlefrontconq]

I love watching your content whilst drinking my tea, it is so smoothing to watch your content you are truly a very talented editor and your very lucky to have a nice voice :)

[@iwobison2104]

One of my favourite videos you've ever done. You keep sending me down new hobby rabbit-holes, carry on creating lad 👏

[@petelumley1578]

Alex, I really enjoyed this vid, you present things really well on screen. No matter what you throw yourself into, you do it with gusto. Well done you.

[@misteebrowning7481]

What a fun video!! I love your curiosity and how you research things. Well done Alex!

[@Tom-en9tc]

Such a wonderful video as usual. Always a joy to watch you go through all your projects. Cant wait till the next one! Cheers🍻

[@Silverhammerbrew]

Great job man! It’s videos like this that help me out when I first got started roughly 5 years ago! Cheers from across the pond🍻

[@ermao2715]

Fascinating video, love how despite not being an expert in your endeavors; you find a way to easily explain and successfully accomplish what you set out to do. Love all your videos, thank you Alex! 😁

[@Shyynz]

I like how you are so passionate about discovering and learning new things. It's very inspiring, keep the good job !

[@natsellar8982]

Great journey video. Try batch priming your beer prior to bottling. Take some of your beer, heat it slightly and add the sugar then reintroduce it to the beer. Give it a stir and let it settle for an hour. I find it gives me less oxidization. You can use an online 'priming sugar calculator'. Yeasts produce individual flavors. Please tell everyone what type of yeasts you are using.... it's important! Invest in some temperature controls. Maybe a heat pad and a thermostat.... Tape the thermostat to the top of your fermenter for top fermenting yeasts and to the bottom of your fermenter for bottom fermenting yeasts. A fermentation chamber would help too. Yeast doesn't like light! It could be just a box or you can make an insulated chamber of your own design. Good luck in your future journeys!

[@jaymliu1470]

I love your videos they are all being explained and shown perfectly please keep going! Its always fun to see you starting so much things

[@b.worthi1555]

Very well done Alex, I love this video. You we're having such a good time and it showed. What wonderful information - it made me want to try out making beer. You're so detail oriented thank you so much. I also liked how you got feedback from the places you went to. And nicely promoted them in a very clear, honest and upright way. Thank you again for all your wonderful work.

[@Sidola97]

Alex I can stress enough how I love your videos and all the projects you are doing they are just so informative and a joy to watch 🔥🙌🏿

[@HakenMods]

bro the dedication to your content is amazing!

[@Shivaziv]

You are the best man, your content is just so fun to watch, very entertaining and very educational. Thanks bud.

[@CigarsAndSauce]

Great video! Very enjoyable to watch. A couple of easy tips to help: I put the fermenter in a bathtub of cold water at the end of fermenting for a couple of days to help the yeast drop out a bit, and to add sugar for the secondary fermentation I heat the sugar with a bit of hot water and add it to the fermenter before I bottle to help get the right amount of sugar in and help make sure it's the same in each bottle. These are just easy wins, not criticisms. Looks like you're making great beer! Thanks for sharing.

[@Steaksandfriespls]

Man this channel is great, I learn so much through his experience I absolutely love it

[@jeez5890]

You are not wasting any time 😀Love it! Keep on going!

[@Dannsandiego]

Always a pleasure watching your creative adventures, Alex. Once again, well done! Cheers!

[@just_alex]

thanks!

[@scomardab]

fantastic video Alex. me and the wife always look forward to your video's. has given me inspiration to get my home brew kit out and give it another go. please keep doing these "learning a new craft" type of video's around food and drinks.

[@reesek30]

Great video Alex! You recently inspired me with the camper van and i ended up purchasing a Caddy Maxi this week and now you've inspired me to make some alcoholic beverages! Have a great christmas! Legend.

[@franzeror]

Woah, another reaaaaally interesting video Alex! Seems like a lot of the video ideas you get out are things I was already interested in trying. I think I'll actually give this one a go

[@simones.3811]

Your content is absolutely amazing! Always looking forward to your uploads

[@natashafrance717]

You are hands down awesome, from all the different things you dabble in, to the explanations and you also don’t just dip you’re feet in and do it half-arsed, very thorough - you’ve gained a sub, sending you all the best from a very cold Dorset 👍💕

[@samlaw9938]

Been home brewing for a few years now, its a great hobby that you can upscale and improve upon continuously, I do cider, wine and beer, the beer making is definitely the most enjoyable, also keeps your mates very happy and lubricated.

[@iLuckie97]

I don’t drink beer, don’t like the taste of it. But listening to Alex explain how is done and actually trying to do it himself was a time well spent. Love his personality and the way he handle life. I’ve watched pretty much all the videos and always catch me wanting for more at the end. Also it’s really great that i can hear him talk, have had really helped my English to improve. Thanks for all that and I will be here next video!!!

[@CB-xr1eg]

"have had really helped my English to improve"...😀 Keep at it!

[@MartinMeany]

This is incredible. To be able to talk this well about brewing while learning is wild!

[@deadmemesrighthere1498]

I cannot believe that a couple weeks ago I started getting into beer and craft beer and considering home brewing and lo and behold one of my favourite KZbinrs gets into it at the exact same time. You're just so awesome Alex!

[@Kelson01]

Never change! Love the relaxing style of videos! I don’t like watching copy paste enthusiasm and you are real in your videos! Well done

[@knutekjc93]

The Kveik you used is a hard and fast fermenter, some people use it to make sure they can go start to stop in as little as 48 hours if done under pressure. I will say, I don’t chill my wort - I actually don’t own a chiller nor is my sink big enough to hold my fermenter, what I do is either seal my boil kettle, or rack to the sanitized fermentation vessel, and let it come down in temp overnight. Living in Western NY though, there’s about 4 months of the year where I can just throw my container outside for an hour or two and use nature’s chiller. Nice video!

[@spacemaster13]

Always doing something new and always learning 💜💜love your channel

[@kathlucy603]

Thanks Alex, you always make any topic interesting & informative 😊 cheers 🍻

[@Northman_Roams]

Excellent work mate. Going to be brewing my first beer at the end of the week and the simplistic and clear manner you explained everything was on point.