I really like this beginner tips article from an older issue of byo magazine. They asked their suppliers to open up the ol' noggin and dispatch some advice for new brewers. Topics covered are listed below and you can check out the full article here.
If I could add something to their list, it would just be to relax and don't worry if things don't go perfectly during a brew session. Try to define a process that can easily be followed and stick to it. As long as the equipment is clean & sanitary and fermenting temps are relatively consistant, beer will almost always turn out great!
- Cleanliness
- Record Keeping & Research
- Ingredients
- Fermentation and Temp Control
- Boiling and Steeping
- Chilling
- Follow Procedure and Get Feedback
- Bottling
- Keep Oxygen Away
If I could add something to their list, it would just be to relax and don't worry if things don't go perfectly during a brew session. Try to define a process that can easily be followed and stick to it. As long as the equipment is clean & sanitary and fermenting temps are relatively consistant, beer will almost always turn out great!