Ok, Wife bought me a mr beer kit and i am working that thing like it owes me money. But i will be honest, two gallons at a time sucks. So a buddy of mine says coopers has a nice 5-gallon starter kit that runs about 79.99. Has anyone used this? should i just skip it and buy the equipment piece by piece?
Don’t know what’s in that kit so I can’t comment on that. There’s a Groupon deal going on through tomorrow for a decent starter kit though: http://www.homebrewersassociation.org/forum/index.php?topic=6612.0
It looks like the Cooper’s kit (http://www.beermakingkits.org/coopers-all-in-one-micro-brewery-kit-review/) is set up to do pretty much just Cooper’s beer ingredient kits. The malts look like they are pre-hopped and all you do is add water (no boil necessary) and yeast and let it ferment. It’s simple and will make fairly decent beer. And, because it’s simple, it’s also limited in beer styles.
Consider doing a quick internet search for personal home brewing kits. There are a ton of them out there for lots of different price ranges (~$70 to the stratosphere). Have a look at some others home brewing kits before you spend $70 on a Cooper’s kit and perhaps outgrow it in one or two batches.
You’re welcome to send me a private message if you want names (I’m not aligned with any vendor in any way other than as a customer).
Hoppy trails.
Norm
Here’s a post by Drew somebody ;D about “Brewing Your First Batch.” http://www.maltosefalcons.com/firstbatch In it, Drew says what you should look for in a good kit.
Thank you for all your help!