Who makes the best extract kits?

[agroff383]

I have ordered from Northern Brewer and Homebrewers.com, both seemed really well put together and fresh ingredients, quick shipping, etc.

I am looking at AHS for my next purchase of kits, just wondering what else there is and who makes great kits.

 

[mosquitocontrol]

I always buy almost exclusively from AHS extract kits. They will never let you down and have the largest variety out there.

 

[MikeFlynn74]

They both move a lot of product- so either will be good.

 

[jacketsfans]

I tend to stick with what works for me, and Northern Brewer is it so far. I haven't used anyone else just because I can predict when I'm getting a shipment from them like clockwork and they've never botched an order.

 

[HarkinBanks]

If you are looking for a great extract kit, try the Ferocious IPA from Midwest. Just made it with WL yeast and it is amazing. One of the best IPA, perhaps the best, I have ever made.

 

[Grinder12000]

I think you will find overwhelming votes for Northern Brewer and Austin Home Brew.

AHB has a huge variety so I go with them. I would go with NB if they had Mini Mash recipes and as many recipes.

Can't go wrong with either.

 

[Shake]

I've always had good luck with Williams Brewing kits.

 

[BA_from_GA]

Most all my kits came from AHS, but a few -- very good ones, and a little cheaper -- came from windriverbrewing.com

 

[BlackDogBrewing]

I've bought everything exclusively from my LHBS and Northern Brewer. I've had great luck with Northern, shipping is fast, product is great. The only one I didn't like of theirs is the Spiced Winter, everything else has been great. I've heard great things about AHS as well.

 

[SevenFields]

My Top 3 are:

Midwest
NorthernBrewer
Austin

 

[Arkador]

Have been satisfied with every kit I have putchaced from...
Midwest Supplies
Williams
AHS

I shop almost exclusivly for kits from AHS if i order online, simply because ground shipping to my location is overnight.

I usually buy my kits at my LHBS (Fort Worth Homebrew) though, they are somewhat afiliated with AHS, and have the same or very close to same prices.

 

[Jkane101]

If you are looking for a great extract kit, try the Ferocious IPA from Midwest. Just made it with WL yeast and it is amazing. One of the best IPA, perhaps the best, I have ever made.

+1 on the Ferocious kit, I have brewed it myself.....twice! It"s very tasty.

All of my other kits have been from Austin Homebrew and I've yet to be dissapointed. The nice thing about AHS is that you can easily use their PM kits to transition over to AG. They make the switch over nice and easy. Plus Forrest is a pleasure to talk to should you have any questions

 

[THart]

I'd 2nd the Windriver kits. Been useing them for 13 yrs. now. Check their internet newsletter for great specials. Just picked up a Wit & a Saison on special there.

 

[Austinhomebrew]

I think you will find overwhelming votes for Northern Brewer and Austin Home Brew.

AHB has a huge variety so I go with them. I would go with NB if they had Mini Mash recipes and as many recipes.

Can't go wrong with either.

When people use "AHS" they mean Austin Homebrew Supply. They always abbreviate my store name but people don't always know what that means.

When you said AHB has a huge variety, did you mean Austin Homebrew Supply? AHB is Annapolis Homebrew.

Forrest

 

[Austinhomebrew]

Have been satisfied with every kit I have putchaced from...
Midwest Supplies
Williams
AHS

I shop almost exclusivly for kits from AHS if i order online, simply because ground shipping to my location is overnight.

I usually buy my kits at my LHBS though, they are somewhat afiliated with AHS, and have the same or very close to same prices.

AHS means Austin Homebrew Supply

 

[Austinhomebrew]

Sorry to beat a dead horse. I appreciate your support, but can you please use Austin Homebrew instead of AHS. If you are giving a recommendation make sure the person knows which store you are talking about.

They won't find a homebrew store if they Google "AHS".

Thanks for you help with this.

Forrest

 

[MikeFlynn74]

So what are you trying to say Forrest?

 

[taylornate]

What bothers me about the Austin kits is they don't list the ingredients.

 

[Woolseal]

For all grain Northern Brewer gives a list of their ingredients and a ProMash Summary online. Austin Homebrew Supply does not but I order from both of them equally.

 

[Austinhomebrew]

What bothers me about the Austin kits is they don't list the ingredients.

If you email us or call us we can let you know.

We have the largest selection of recipe kits compared to any homebrew store.

A lot of our kits are award winners.

We have put a lot of work into our clones.

There are a lot of stores that can't come up with their own recipes and we don't want our website to be a database for thier customers.

We would also like people to buy the kit from us at least once. Some people will take the recipe and head for their LHBS to buy the ingredients. All of our kits come with full instructions and the complete recipe.

I am sure you understand.

Forrest

 

[tcklord]

I usually get mine from Midwest but that is because it is my LHBS and they also have a card that you can get punched and get 1 kit free for every 10 you buy.

 

[Arkador]

I usually get mine from Midwest but that is because it is my LHBS and they also have a card that you can get punched and get 1 kit free for every 10 you buy.

I still use Midwest for some equipment purchaces, but they do not list their SG or expected ABV on their kits (at least not in their catalog). and I cannot beat the overnight ground deliveries from Austin Homebrew for a flat $7.99 (love living only about 100miles form them)

Forrest, what is your afiliation with Fort Worth Homebrew? I know when I buy DME or Hops they have your sticker on them. I recall the owners commented that they turned to you guys when they made the direction change from Winemaker's Shop to Fort Worth Homebrew

 

[taylornate]

If you email us or call us we can let you know.

We have the largest selection of recipe kits compared to any homebrew store.

A lot of our kits are award winners.

We have put a lot of work into our clones.

There are a lot of stores that can't come up with their own recipes and we don't want our website to be a database for thier customers.

We would also like people to buy the kit from us at least once. Some people will take the recipe and head for their LHBS to buy the ingredients. All of our kits come with full instructions and the complete recipe.

I am sure you understand.

Forrest

I do understand, but it remains a very significant deterrent to me buying your kits. I have actually ordered ingredients and equipment from you, and at the same time made a separate order from Midwest for a couple of their kits. Most often, I just order other things along with the kits, and so you don't even get that business from me. When I order kits, I want to browse the recipes at will rather than order a black box or go through correspondance. It seems to me like you may have reacted to the negatives of doing this without properly weighing the positives, but that's as much as I'm going to say without being asked. I'm willing to discuss further if you'd like.

 

[taylornate]

I still use Midwest for some equipment purchaces, but they do not list their SG or expected ABV on their kits (at least not in their catalog). and I cannot beat the overnight ground deliveries from Austin Homebrew for a flat $7.99 (love living only about 100miles form them)

Forrest, what is your afiliation with Fort Worth Homebrew? I know when I buy DME or Hops they have your sticker on them. I recall the owners commented that they turned to you guys when they made the direction change from Winemaker's Shop to Fort Worth Homebrew

Midwest has a link to a product sheet under each kit, most of which list expected starting and finishing gravity.

 

[carbon111]

FWIW, Austin Homebrew Supply's kits are well-labelled and all ingredients are called out by name and quantity. These aren't "mystery kits" like my LHBS sells.

I'm a big fan of Austin Homebrew Supply's clone kits.

 

[taylornate]

FWIW, Austin Homebrew Supply's kits are well-labelled and all ingredients are called out by name and quantity. These aren't "mystery kits" like my LHBS sells.

I'm a big fan of Austin Homebrew Supply's clone kits.

Do you mean once you buy them?

 

[Austinhomebrew]

I still use Midwest for some equipment purchaces, but they do not list their SG or expected ABV on their kits (at least not in their catalog). and I cannot beat the overnight ground deliveries from Austin Homebrew for a flat $7.99 (love living only about 100miles form them)

Forrest, what is your afiliation with Fort Worth Homebrew? I know when I buy DME or Hops they have your sticker on them. I recall the owners commented that they turned to you guys when they made the direction change from Winemaker's Shop to Fort Worth Homebrew

I do not own any part of Fort Worth Homebrew. I offered to help them steer in the right direction and they buy DME from me at wholesale.

They are a good bunch of people. If you live in the area stop in and tell them Forrest sent you.

 

[wildwest450]

Do you mean once you buy them?

Yes, do you expect him to craft great recipes and list them online for all to use?

And i've bought 2 kits from midwest, what they list isn't always what you get. I was't even remotely happy with either one.

 

[talenos]

I have to say, the few times I've ordered from Austin Homebrew my order has been shipped the same day. Always comes well quick and well packed. I would not hesitate at all to order from them.

I also like how they keep track of everything I've ordered from them in the past.

 

[taylornate]

Yes, do you expect him to craft great recipes and list them online for all to use?

I don't expect him to do anything. As I've explained, I would be more likely to order them if he did, and I think it's likely that he would make more money overall, but I can understand his mindset.

As an aside, given what many people do on this forum... is the irony in your post intentional? :cross: