JB wrote:[color=blue]
>
> I have this assumption that homebrew would taste much like the microbrews
> we have in the States, at best. Typically I don't like them due to
> sweetness and aftertaste.
>
> Some good success stories or experiences producing good brews would really
> be inspiring.
>[/color]

Yes you can make great beer at home. Also, you may want to broaden your
tastes a little bit and homebrewing can do that for you too. Not to
offend, but Newcastle isn't exactly considered "good" beer in many
circles. On the other hand, American craft brewers make some of the
best beers around and you may grow to love "aftertaste" which is so
often derided in marketing for mega-breweries. After all, if the taste
is good, why not have it linger?

Basically it is up to you to take the hobby as far as you want. You can
stick with malt extracts and steeping grains if that is what you like,
or you can go all out and take total control and basically build a mini
version of a commercial brewery in your garage.

Here is the requisite staring place, John Palmers online book:

[url]http://www.howtobrew.com[/url]

You might also want to check out a local homebrew shop (LHBS), find
some brewers or a brew club and sit in on a few brew sessions.
Homebrewers are a great bunch of people and are always willing to help
someone else get into the hobby.

Good luck and have fun,

_Randal