where to buy extract kits for the noob?

[Spinout]

i just received my starter brew kit from norther brew and was going to order a 2nd extract kit very soon so i could have 2 batches back/back. but...is there a difference in the kits from the various stores? northern brew, austin, midwest, and so on? they all seem to be about the same price, but i have yet to brew anything (hopefully this weekend will change that), so i'm not sure what to look for.

 

[flars]

I've been dealing with Northern Brewer for years. Excellent customer service and quality ingredients.
I beleive flat rate shipping is still in effect.

 

[derek704]

I've read many threads on here about all the ones you listed. It seems that each site has it's own following on these forums, so I would just say go with the cheapest shipping or the closest location to you if you do not have a LHBS.

(I prefer Austin myself, though I am slightly biased because I live in Texas. I've ordered from them, and their customer service handled every question I had, and then some. I'm actually about to bottle their Bavarian Hefe tomorrow)

Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew

 

[evetsz]

I have been buying most of my equipment through NB I just recently ordered with Midwest supply and they where no good. I had to cancel my order and go through NB. They have fresh ingredients and the shipping deal is still going on.

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Home Brew mobile app

 

[Spinout]

that's for the replies. the descriptions on jaspers are very entertaining, but i don't really know what i'd be getting. i'm sure once i do some real work i'll know what flavors/colors/aromas each of the ingredients will deliver, but for now i like the way NB describes the beers. i guess i screwed up when ordering the starter kit by not ordering another extract kit or 2....could have saved some $$$ on shipping.

 

[wilson42203]

+1 for Austin Homebrew. I have been happy with all of the extract kits I have purchased from them. I have done everything from the honey blonde to their "our special holiday ale" to the black butte porter clone. All have turned out great, and I have found that their kits are pretty forgiving of noob mistakes/sloppiness.

Sent from my SGH-T999L using Home Brew mobile app

 

[eastrise15]

I have ordered my brewers best kits out of homebrewohio a few times. Just switched to NB for a large order, they forgot a yeast packet. One quick call to their customer service and they shipped a replacement out same day. A+ in my book


Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew

 

[blizzard]

Any of the major suppliers will provide good, fresh ingredients, reliable recipes, and excellent customer service. As you shop around you'll find one that you like more, but it's hard to go wrong with one of the big shops.

Northern Brewer, Austin Homebrew, Midwest Supply, and MoreBeer all come to mind.

 

[MikePiotti]

I have bought from Midwest and Austin. I do extract as well and am pretty much a noob at this point so I can relate to you. Both Midwest and Austin have great step by step intructions for the kit. Austin seems a little higher in price but makes up for it in their shipping cost. It is pretty much a matter of preference. I think midwest has better descriptions of their beers and nice pretty pictures but you can get some really different beers from Austin. ahh screw it..I am no help I am torn between the two!

 

[jtratcliff]

All the big online shops seem pretty good. Pick the closest one with the best price (including shipping).

I've used Morebeer for my last couple of orders. Their grain prices beat my LHBS, free shipping for most things after $50, and since they're close to me, I get my stuff in only a couple of days.

I've heard RiteBrew has good prices too.

 

[SeeAliceBrewery]

Thus far...Northern Brewer is a top notch company! Their customer service is amazing...I have no plans to look anywhere else as they have helped me a lot due to the UPS man playing the tossing game with my Carboys before delivery! I really wish all the companies I deal with were as good as them....ohh and a great side note...when I call them...they speak perfect English!

 

[wikki]

I've been very happy with the kits i've gotten from NB. The only problem I've had is getting dead yeast because of the cold temps we've been having lately.

Not really NB's fault, but they are 3 or 4 days shipping to me.

 

[knelson13A]

I got my equipment kit and first recipe kit from Northern Brewer, and I've done two Austin Homebrew kits, and have had no problems with either. I've switched to using AHS because, like the poster above, I'm in Dallas, and like supporting a Texas company. I'll actually be in Austin this weekend, so I'm stopping by the store tomorrow to pick up stuff for my next couple of brews.

 

[ale_man]

I've used NB, William's, Midwest and More Beer. Since I live in MD More Beer is super fast with free shipping (Over $60 order). The William's and More Beer kits have all been home runs. My 2 cents.


Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew

 

[davemattb]

Williams brewing has some really good extract only kits. Prices are very good and have yeast. When I first started, I made a few and they all were very well received. Only drawback is they don't give you the recipe. Shipping is cheap and fast to me since I live in AZ. First bought there because their aeration wand seemed better than most. I'll add that Austin homebrew has the best selection of recipes, it just seems that its recently been taking a long time to receive my order.

 

[teckmaster0179]

If you are lucky enough, your local beer distributor might carry kits. Also, search for a HBS near by.


Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew

 

[Schol-R-LEA]

Where are you located (in general, you don't have to give too much detail)? I would check with the list of HBSes here on the forum's wiki, as well as getting in touch with any local clubs that you might find. While your LHBS may turn out to be a bust, it is certainly worth finding out about.

 

[dsaavedra]

I've had great customer service experiences with Midwest. I got a kit from Jasper's as a gift so I can't comment on customer service but the kit was fine, no problems with it, and I'm still waiting to try that beer. I like that Jasper's has 7.99 flat shipping and their prices seem pretty good compared to other places. I also like their selection.