Cheers Hipatitus.
I've got an STC-1000 and a heating mat which is adequate for brewing ales. I've also just managed to get my hands on a fridge which I will convert for my larger setup, just need to get it moved to my garage.
I've mainly done extract, and a couple of brew in bags. I was looking at making a chily bin mash tun but was thinking of sticking with brew in bag and moving down to a couple of gallon batches until I can make something drinkable. Would also prefer a stainless mash tun because of oestrogen leaching from plastic, but that is going to be challenging to build.
I was thinking of doing SMASH brewing to really get a feel for the flavours before making my Baltic Porter, hopefully before winter is over.
Definitely keen to pick the brains of a local who's been there done that though - so will hit you up if I have any Qs.
Back on topic - which is drinking beer. I've got a Tuatara Belgian Tripel that was priced reasonably at new world in front of me. Its good, and surprisingly doesn't have much of that alcohol taste despite the fact that it's 8.5%. At first I was surprised by it, but after you get going its really nice. A bit bitter, a bit fruity. I actually prefer it to the similar Belgian beers that I've tasted.