Brewing Kits

[apparatus]

I have ordered my homebrew kit and expect it to be delivered tomorrow. The kit I ordered is from Williams brewing. I did some comparisons on different kits online and decided on the Williams. I liked the fact that it came with a DVD, a book, and free phone support. I picked the Honeywheat for my first brew. Is anyone familiar with this companies kits? The only thing I questioned was the plastic buckets vs. glass carboys. I did however like the siphonless fermentor with the valve that eliminates siphoning.

 

[Lounge Lizard]

Welcome to the forum. Can't comment on your kit. I started with the Coopers Micro-brew kit, and have since added almost everything under the sun to it. The Coopers kit cam with a video. There is one hot Aussie babe in it.

Does your kit come with a plastic secondary? If so, it should be fine for short term use, like a couple of weeks.

 

[david_42]

Much of my equipment came from Williams. When I was in the SF Bay area, they were the closest company. After six years, I'm still using the siphonless bucket fermenters I purchased from them. I like being able to rotate the faucet and get the inlet above the trub. Be careful cleaning them, never use a hard scrubber and bleach out any stains; they'll last a long time.

I've done several of the kits, off-hand I can't remember which ones (other than IPA), but they worked well. The IPA was a little under hopped, but looking at the site I'd say they've fixed that problem.

 

[homebrewer_99]

Ya know, I live in such an idyllic world (my mind) that I think all brew kits should produce true to the style and fool proof. Afterall, isn't that their purpose?

Just my opinion. (more to come...)

 

[Bernie Brewer]

I started out with a few Williams' kits- they produce excellent beer. And the videotape (it's on DVD now) was incredibly helpful. You may find as I did that you'll quickly outgrow the kits and move on to recipes even if you stay with extract. Hang on to your equipment though, even if you move up to carboys or something, you'll probably find a use for the buckets .

 

[brewhead]

I think all brew kits should produce true to the style and fool proof. Afterall, isn't that their purpose?

i would extend that the purpose of a kit is to introduce the style and introduce the brewer to brewing beer. to me the kit is not the end of the process. make the kit your own by adding/replacing/adjusting. then it becomes your recipe. kits are a great jumping off point - not exactly the end all of brewing.

just my .02 worth...i may be over selling myself

 

[Jester]

i would extend that the purpose of a kit is to introduce the style and introduce the brewer to brewing beer. to me the kit is not the end of the process. make the kit your own by adding/replacing/adjusting. then it becomes your recipe. kits are a great jumping off point - not exactly the end all of brewing.

just my .02 worth...i may be over selling myself

I have only done a few brews, but I've used kits from www.HomebrewUSA.com and must say, I like them... I havent had a bad brew yet... (knock on wood) but like what was said before, as you brew more you'll start to think of ways to change the kits and make them your own... especially if the kits you get, tell you everything thats in them.... write everything down and have fun... good luck...

Jester

 

[apparatus]

Yes, it comes with a secondary. The kit was here when I came home today.

 

[apparatus]

Thanks to everyone for the responses. I am anxious to watch the DVD that came wtih the kit. I really enjoy reading all the posts on this forum and look forward to learning all that I can from you experienced people willling to share your knowledge.
Cheers,
Apparatus