1 or 2?

[themixer]

Which is better, 1 or 2 can beer kits?

 

[dennisking]

Hi and welcome, most recommend 2 can kits.

 

[graysalchemy]

The reason being that 2 can kits don't require any sugar. Sugar results in a thinner dryer beer and dilutes the flavour to a certain extent. You could use a one can kit and sub dry malt extract for the sugar. The 2 can kits tend to be better made as well. :thumb:

 

[Mulled]

It is as our two esteemed mods have said, the two can kits are generally accepted as being of "higher" quality. There are a couple of exceptions i have noticed though, the kits which make much smaller amounts of beer such as the Brewferm Belgian kits are very highly regarded.

Why not have a look, if you have already not done so, in the kit review section of the forum; you will find honest opinions on both the one and two can kits there. I personally found the reviews invaluable when making my own selections.

Happy brewing :

 

[iceo]

+ 1 to the brewferm

 

[Steve]

Following the instructions exactly then 2 can kits. If you like to experiment with dark sugars, various grades of malt extract, adding fruit flavours etc then this is better with the 1 can kits as these require the addition of extra fermentables. For example I bought a coopers stout and added 1kg of extra dark dried malt, 200g unrefined molasses and a bit of treacle. Additions can be made to 2 can kits but aren't normally done as they are good as they are e.g. woodfordes wherry.

 

[winelight]

I've only made a few one-can kits recently and they've all been pretty good. I have added malt extract, though.

 

[Michael2378]

I agree with all the above I've done everything above 1 and 2 can kits, I did a Cooper's with a box of the Cooper's DME of somesort (I can't remember). It was drinkage the next was Woodfordes Nelson's Revenge, which is a 2 can. That totally blow the Cooper's out the water. There's nothing wrong with using DME but make sure you're using a good quality one not anything from cooper's in my opinion. And as Steve stated there's nothing wrong with experimentation, I've used everything from corn and maple syrup to rock candy (for brewing "beligum"). Just keep in mind whatever you use as your "sugar source" make sure it's unrefined, natural is better, no table sugar. The brew that's in my FV right now was 2 cans of Cooper's wheat malt extract, 8oz. of natural organic maple syrup and I hop'd it with Willamette hops. And one last thing make you you use a good quality yeast the one in any of the name brand you typically see on this forum rock. Cooper's in my opinion aren't as strong so I'd suggest a Wyeast, Mangrove Jack's or something comparible. And if you have any other questions post it on here the people on here are always helpful.