Which Beer Kit To Use? Please Advise!

[newToHomeBrewing]

Hi all,

I'm completely new to Homebrewing, but am really looking forward to starting out! My question is this: which beer kit would you recommend I use to get started?

I'm a little overwhelmed with all the information that's out there, so I would love someone to tell me what they think the best way to go is.

Thanks in advance!

 

[oldbloke]

Your IP shows up as Princeton, New Jersey.
Being UK-based, we might recommend kits you can't get over there.
If you list a few you're thinking of, we may know about them.

 

[Drunken Horse]

The coopers kits are avaialable in the states. All are pretty good and very simple to follow. Just a case of what do you want to be drinking in about 2 months time

 

[Fil]

go for something you like to drink, lighter beers mature quicker darker heavier higher gravity beers do benefit from a few months maturing, and imho kits benefit from longer maturity periods anyway..

by all means sample when the kit instructions indicate its drinkable, just dont be put off if not at its best.. sit on it for a few more weeks and it will be a diferent beer

 

[NickW]

From my limited experience I have found that darker beers seem to be drinkable a lot earlier than lighter beers. Especially stouts and porters. Perhaps because the flavor are stronger this offsets the taste of "green" beer?

As I say. My experience is quite limited but this is what I've noticed... :hmm:

 

[Drunken Horse]

From my limited experience I have found that darker beers seem to be drinkable a lot earlier than lighter beers. Especially stouts and porters. Perhaps because the flavor are stronger this offsets the taste of "green" beer?

As I say. My experience is quite limited but this is what I've noticed... :hmm:

I've found this to. That yeast flavour is less noticable in darker beers so seem drinkable quicker, though the strength has been more of an indicator of how long they need

 

[Fil]

From my limited experience I have found that darker beers seem to be drinkable a lot earlier than lighter beers. Especially stouts and porters. Perhaps because the flavor are stronger this offsets the taste of "green" beer?

As I say. My experience is quite limited but this is what I've noticed... :hmm:

I've found this to. That yeast flavour is less noticable in darker beers so seem drinkable quicker, though the strength has been more of an indicator of how long they need

id suggest if your experiencing any yeast flavours or homebrew twangs your not leaving the beer long enough to mature to a smooth flavour. if your getting thru the stocks so quickly that your drinking beer green brew more and build up a bigger stock which will allow u to mature more

if its good enough to drink in 4 weeks it will be a pleasure to savour in 8-12weeks.

 

[Drunken Horse]

From my limited experience I have found that darker beers seem to be drinkable a lot earlier than lighter beers. Especially stouts and porters. Perhaps because the flavor are stronger this offsets the taste of "green" beer?

As I say. My experience is quite limited but this is what I've noticed... :hmm:

I've found this to. That yeast flavour is less noticable in darker beers so seem drinkable quicker, though the strength has been more of an indicator of how long they need

id suggest if your experiencing any yeast flavours or homebrew twangs your not leaving the beer long enough to mature to a smooth flavour. if your getting thru the stocks so quickly that your drinking beer green brew more and build up a bigger stock which will allow u to mature more

if its good enough to drink in 4 weeks it will be a pleasure to savour in 8-12weeks.

That is exactly whats happening. I'm building up my stock but cant help but give them the occasional go to see how they are progressing it has helped me learn about the maturing process along the way (though at first was a bit disheartening). I've got enough stock to have the occasion bottle or two now (and about 100 bottles put aside for next summer) and know how good the beer gets given time, so I wont be touching my newer brews for at least 6 to 8 weeks.

 

[Lawrie]

I wouldn't try and give you advice on which kit to buy and brew, But my advice would be to first decide which type of beer you want to brew (e.g. Lager, Bitter etc ) Then look at the kits that are available to you, Once you've done that then read as many reviews as you can for the available kits before choosing the one you want. There's no guarantee your going to like it but you stand a better chance if you've done your homework first.