Kit advice

[wesbray]

Anyone ever used this kit? My girlfriend just bought it for me, hope its at least half-decent!

 

[billf2112]

What's in it?

 

[KeyWestBrewing]

I can tell you now the instructions are probably not the directions you want to follow. If it came with a recipe post the recipe and ingredients and people will help you with the right process.

 

[cmybeer]

Based on the crude pictures on the box it looks like it has everything. It's hard to tell though. Does it have an auto-siphon or just a racking cane and tubing? You definitely want the auto-siphon. http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/auto-siphon-1-2.html

Any ideas on your first brew? If you are ordering kits online I love Northern Brewer. Check out their extract kits:
http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/brewing/recipe-kits/extract-kits

They will come with solid instructions too.

 

[unionrdr]

Can't make out the brand name?

 

[wesbray]

It doesn't have an auto-siphon, are those essential? The brand is Spagnols.

 

[unionrdr]

The auto siphon is far easier & more sanitary than what they gave you. Never heard of that brand. But as long as you have a primary fermenter,bottling bucket,bottling wand,hydrometer,bottle capper,stick on temp strip for the primary,airlock,& stiring spoon you'll at least have most of it. A brew kettle of at least 4 gallon capacity would be a good idea too. And PBW to clean with,starsan for sanitizing.

 

[starrfish]

Looks like a decent starter kit, lab grade thermometer is always a good addition, usually about 6 bucks.

 

[kh54s10]

That kit is a basic starter. You will need an ingredient kit, A 5+ gallon pot, and in a few weeks about 50 bottles and caps if not in the kit.

As said it is a starter kit. It will get you started. Once you start brewing you will find there are a lot of other items you will want/need.

EDIT: I don't see anything about a bottle capper on the box. If it is not there that is one item that you will DEFINITELY need unless you keg your beer.

 

[wesbray]

Yeah I already knew about the bottles and capper. Any ideas on a good place to get bottles in Northern Canada??

 

[kh54s10]

Yeah I already knew about the bottles and capper. Any ideas on a good place to get bottles in Northern Canada??

Drink craft beers without the twist off caps and save the bottles. Ask your friends to save bottles, recycling center, local bar are all sources of free bottles.

Brown bottles are best as they protect the beer from getting light skunked.

 

[unionrdr]

You can get new ones at the LHBS,but beware the thin ones. Or try a recycling place. Or drink 50 beers right quick. 15 beers,& I still feel the same (only moreso). Why should I have to suffer,this pain? It feels like it's been a week or so...But I've been standin here,since 15 beers ago. The late great Sheb Wooly. Then you try to go home,& it's hello wall...

 

[amandabab]

It doesn't have an auto-siphon, are those essential? The brand is Spagnols.

they aren't essential. some think they are easier to start but a thin racking cane offers more fine control.

 

[wesbray]

Thanks for the advice guys. Has anyone used George Hummel's Complete Homebrew Book?

 

[cmybeer]

Thanks for the advice guys. Has anyone used George Hummel's Complete Homebrew Book?

I haven't read that one but the most popular one seems to be Palmer's How to Brew.

 

[solbes]

I haven't read that one but the most popular one seems to be Palmer's How to Brew.

+1. I still read parts of it and I'm 30 brews in.

 

[wesbray]

This is the book in question http://www.amazon.com/dp/077880268X/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[1fast636]

how much was this kit and where she get it looking for a start up kit and looks pretty good.

 

[wesbray]

It was 50 bucks, good deal?