New from Minnesota.

Hi I'm Mike, total brewing n00b here. Joined because I figured I drink enough beers that I want to start trying my hand at brewing. I'd like to start with something simple and cheap (best bang for my buck if you will) and see how I like it. If this ends up being something I enjoy I will probably take it more seriously, for now though it is just for fun and to try a variety of tasty home brews!

What is the 'best' starter kit someone like me could get and still stay on a pretty cheap budget? I was looking at the obvious "Mr. Beer" kits, and some friends of mine directed me towards Midwest Supplies/ as that is the route they took.

Welcome!

Yes, Midwest is local-ish to you, so is a good choice. Any homebrew store that is close to you, though, will have a basic starter kit.

From the Midwest site, here is a good basic starter's equipment kit Brewing Starter Kit - Brewing Equipment

This ingredient kit from Midwest looks like a nice first beer Copper Ale

And here's a sticky thread from the beginner's subforum here on hbt on how to brew an extract kit https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f39/beginner-extract-brewing-howto-99139/

Welcome aboard. I miss the land of 10k lakes. The home of the only big brewery light beer that I like that somehow never got distributed nationally. Michelob Golden Draft and Michelob Golden Light. Not to be confused with Michelob Light for you drinkers that have never seen a Mic Golden.

Thanks for the advice!

My only question about that is what would the difference in yeasts be? there are a few different options in there.

The regular dry yeast will be fine, and is easier to use than the liquid.

Welcome!

Welcome Minnesota!

thanks for all the friendly responses, I'm liking this place already. There is a lot of reading/learning to do with this hobby!

I'm a noob from MN as well welcome from just north of St Cloud

Sorry should have added something helpful I bought my first 2 kits from Nitro Brewery in St Cloud and equipment etc from Bakers hobby, both great to get started. I made my first drive yesterday to Minneapolis to go to Northern Brewer and will likely go back to check out Midwest as well

Welcome! Addictive hobby. I would go for a kit from either Northern Brewer or Midwest Supplies to start off. Don't get a high gravity one to start, maybe 1.040 - 1.055. Rehydrating dry yeast should work just fine for a first try.

I also recommend picking up Palmer's How to Brew book, 3rd ed. I still reference it one year later even though I've read it cover to cover. Or if you're not sure you're serious you can read the semi-outdated version 1 online for free. Google it.