I would seriously recommend you read Clibit's (formerly of this Parish) "have a go at a simple ag" post on the "how to" page. I'm sure loads of us have got into AG brewing through this guide - it is about as simple as it gets.
I double up his basic recipe and do 10l brews in a 12 litre stock-pot (it's a bit of a squeeze) from Wilcos. That's the only specialist equipment I had for my first go, above what I had for kits anyway. (since supplemented by a muslin bag for the granin, and a custom built tea-cosy affair to save having to wrap towels & such like around the pot during the mash). I brew in the kitchen, on the hob - the only down-side is the condensation issue.
I still do kits to keep the stocks up (I drink more than you, by the sounds of it:whistle:) but the quality of the AG brews is better by far than even the best (festival, youngs american series) kits. And some of the on-line retailers have really good prices on malts, etc.
Go for it, and good luck.
I double up his basic recipe and do 10l brews in a 12 litre stock-pot (it's a bit of a squeeze) from Wilcos. That's the only specialist equipment I had for my first go, above what I had for kits anyway. (since supplemented by a muslin bag for the granin, and a custom built tea-cosy affair to save having to wrap towels & such like around the pot during the mash). I brew in the kitchen, on the hob - the only down-side is the condensation issue.
I still do kits to keep the stocks up (I drink more than you, by the sounds of it:whistle:) but the quality of the AG brews is better by far than even the best (festival, youngs american series) kits. And some of the on-line retailers have really good prices on malts, etc.
Go for it, and good luck.
