What kit to purchase

I am getting a home brewing kit for my 22nd birthday from my girlfriend, and I was just wondering what type of kits would be good to get and where. I was thinking a kit from monster brew. Has anyone had any success with this brand?

start with a mr. beer then work your way up.

you have to work for it dude.

I started with something like this http://www.homebrewers.com/c=WidjNA...Beer_Making_Starter_Kit_with_Ingredients.html

cola said:

start with a mr. beer then work your way up.

you have to work for it dude.

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What? Why would you tell him to get that? Getting Mr. Beer will just hold you over for so long. You'll want a better setup in no time. I'd get something similar to the kit in mule's post. I think most of us probably started with a kit like that one. My initial kit had a carboy and a ferm. bucket rather than a ferm. bucket and a bottling bucket.

On startup you'll also need sanitizer, big kettle, and your ingredients for your first batch. Eventually bottles too.

Remember, you can make great beer with any kit, but like most of us you'll probably end up sinking lots more money into your new and awesome hobby.

Check your LHBS too. Thats where I got mine.

MULE said:

I started with something like this http://www.homebrewers.com/c=WidjNA...Beer_Making_Starter_Kit_with_Ingredients.html

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I got one similar to his one from Northern Brewer, with a carboy for a primary instead of a bucket. Worked great -- no complaints.

You may want to invest in more sanitizer, though -- I barely had enough for my first batch.

I went with this guy: http://www.midwestsupplies.com/products/ProdByID.aspx?ProdID=3316

I'm glad I went with better bottles, at least to start out with. All you need in addition is a big pot, if you don't have it, a thermometer, and maybe a wort chiller.

+1 on Mikey's suggestion. Or you can go with http://www.midwestsupplies.com/products/ProdByID.aspx?ProdID=7587

I just looked over the kits and I picked the one that I like. I am going through the midwest supplies and the first beer that I am getting for my brewing is the Big River Brown Ale... has anyone tried this beer before?