Ok - so who sells NB's kit as their own then? I have yet to see any shop "steal" a recipe. In fact, most brew shops promote their recipe when its somebody else's (like what morebeer is doing, or NB).
I'm not telling them what to do. They think that's best for them and they should do what's best for them. I chose to spend my money where I want. It's a free country. I'm perfectly happy with my new homebrew shop. So I dont see the need to go out of my way and email AHS about specific ingredients each time I want to order a kit. I'll take my money elsewhere. Vote with my wallet. Very simple.
edit: Maybe they are the ones stealing recipes which is why they don't post them
- kidding
Man, I don't know if anyone is out there actualy copying recipe kits but I personally dont have a problem with AHS keeping the recipe details for the customer. Especially when they have the largest selection...
IMO, most people buying kits are in the beginning stages of brewing anyway so I guess I just dont see a problem with not getting the recipe details until I purchase and brew a kit. That was at least my sentiment when I first started.
Now that I have been brewing for a while I'll still buy kits here and there but have started to create my own recipes. Since AHS has been the only company I have bought from since 2006 for recipe kits and they have always had great service, instructions, and beer kits I dont see the point in getting upset over them not publishing all their reciepes for the world to see. It would put them at a competitive disadvantage to do so IMO.
To each his own though... so if you are more comfortable buying a kit knowing the ingredients first then more power to you. I just trust that the recipe will be good regardless (cause they always have for me) and dont worry about it. Now that I have more brewing experience, I will just create my own recipes.