When to quit the kit?

[rhamilton]

I've been brewing mini-mashes for 6 months (~75 gallons) and I've brewed some awesome beers. I'm finally moving to all-grain beers but to be honest, I'll probably still brew some select commercial-clone mini-mashes because of the quality vs time to brew. I can do a mini-mash in a little over two hours, and I can easily do 2-3 in an afternoon without blowing my whole day -- and still have good beer!

 

[JoshuaW]

I did one kit. With all the recipes available, just use the ones you think you will like, print out the ingredient list and go to the LHBS. If you are ordering online, just match them up to what is on the list and go with it. The kits dont really provide you with any additional guidance other than a box of premeasured ingredients. Measure them yourself, and role with it. I have found in my short time brewing that overall it is very forgiving, and if you screw something up beyond repair it isnt a huge loss. Heck, you might even find some a couple friends who are used to drinking commercial swill that would be happy to drink your rejects.

 

[dkziemann]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I think I'm gonna try one more kit and then try from scratch... we'll see how it goes!