My first batch, not great

[Tv4theblind]

Okay, my first batch was interesting. I followed all the advice I can get my hands on and finished reading the home brew book I had bought before beginning. Luckily, after being paranoid of infection, there seems to be no problems with my whole process. Cracked open my first bottle, toasted to more beer making, and had a sip. It taste like seltzer water with an after taste of beer. I used the "cooper's real ale kit". Is this normal? What can I do to make it taste great... I assume start over and use a different kit, any suggestions on a good "second batch recipe". Something easy, but good.

 

[paul7]

try using a kit that contains hops and steeping grains,and use strict sanitation!

 

[krazydave]

+1 on Paul's suggestion. Those Coopers kits aren't exactly the greatest tasting things. Similar to the Mr. Beer kits.
If you can't find any at your local homebrew shop, consider places like Austinhomebrew.com , or Morebeer.com.

Don't give up though! Good beer is easily made!

 

[C-Rider]

+1 on Paul's suggestion. Those Coopers kits aren't exactly the greatest tasting things. Similar to the Mr. Beer kits.
If you can't find any at your local homebrew shop, consider places like Austinhomebrew.com , or Morebeer.com.

Don't give up though! Good beer is easily made!

My friends and I out here in Hawai`i have brewed 3 of Coopers kits so far.
Blonde Ale (tasted good)
IPA bottled but not tasted,
Sparklin Ale bottled not tasted.

 

[Indo_China]

I have brewed two Brewers Best kits one a Munich Helles and the other an IPA. I have ordered two kits from Austin Home Brew one a Sam Adams Boston Lager clone and a dunkel.

I brewed the first batch in the basement and was panicked about cleanliness the second one I did in the garage and was careful but not obsessive.

 

[castlefreak]

I've made a few delicious beers with the kits from www.northernbrewer.com and they're very affordable. Some of my faves are: Petite Saison d'Ete, Belgian Dubbel, and their Spiced Winter Ale.

If you can, cruise the recipe database on this site and just see what gets your attention and go with it!