Home Beer Brewing Kits?
I'm quite proud of myself for finally coming up with the PERFECT Christmas gift for my Dad (who is notoriously hard to shop for) - a home beer brewing kit. He's been talking about making his own brew for months now, but doesn't quite know where to begin so I figured a kit would be the easiest way to start.
Here's where I need your help... I've done a bit of research and found several available kits online, but this close to Christmas I'm wary about ordering something that could get lost in transit and not make it here on time. Add to that the fact that I'm hardly ever home to sign for a package and usually have to go to the ends of the Earth to track one down when they refuse to drop it off... and you're left with a girl who would really prefer to shop via the brick and mortar method. That said, does anyone know where I might procure such a kit in the NYC area? I live in Queens, but work in Manhattan and have a car, so I'm willing to travel just about anywhere in the 5 boroughs.
Has anyone seen these kits around town? A few websites mentioned that places like drug stores, Target, etc. sell them, but I don't believe I've ever seen one before.
Thanks in advance for the help! I love how everyone in this community seems friendly and full of useful advice. Happy Holiday eating!
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13 Comments:
Sears sold Mr. Beer once upon a time!
ChelleyD01 at 5:11PM on 12/11/08
last year i bought one at bed bath and beyond
dearrie at 5:19PM on 12/11/08
I have seen them at Target, sometimes, not always.
dmcavanagh at 7:15PM on 12/11/08
@crazy_betty you make and send it my way I want to be your own private taste tester.
pjracz10 at 7:55PM on 12/11/08
I bought the Mr. Beer kits for 3 of the beer lovers in our family last year and they were a huge hit! The kit comes with everything needed, including bottles. They've all since become more interested in the home brewing process, done a lot of research and it's turned into a huge family hobby. It was great that they didn't need to make a huge investment in special equipment before they decided if this might be a hobby they'd find interesting, the kits had everything they needed to experiment. From what they keep saying, the beer wasn't bad. They sure do laugh a lot when they get together to make another batch!
kathyvegas at 8:14PM on 12/11/08
I Googled this and found out that there is a place in Flushing called East Coast Hydroponics & Homebrew Too. Out in Eastchester, there's Cornell's TrueValue Hardware which sells kits and supplies. I buy homebrew supplies at a TrueValue, actually.
Two homebrew kit brands that stores often sell are True Brew and Brewer's Best. They're five gallon kits and they yield about two cases (50 bottles) of beer. Should be enough for your Dad to enjoy and share with family and friends!
Susquehanna at 10:03PM on 12/11/08
don't go with the el cheapo "Mr. Beer" style kits--i've found those to be so watered down and overly simplified that it removes all of the creative choices(and thereby, the fun) in brewing. Instead, try looking at one of these kits: http://www.northernbrewer.com/starterkits.html. I'd also recomend buying a book, "The Joy of Homebrewing," I think is the title(or something close, anyway), by Charlie Papazian(i know this name is right, at least); His books does a great job of explaining the science behind brewing, in simple, mostly non-technical terms. He also includes all kinds of recipes that you can use or alter as you see fit.
With these kits, you'll have to buy your own malt extract(i'd start with extracts first, before trying all-grain brewing) and hops, but that again gives a good deal more choice and creative license to the brewer. Said extract and hops can also be purchased from that site
On another note--I'm only endorsing these guys because i use them...most states have a home-brew store somewhere; find the nearest one and take a day trip. they can hook you up with all the stuff your dad will need, and will be able to help you make informed decisions on what to buy.
rasellers0 at 2:29AM on 12/12/08
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/products/ProdBySubCat.aspx?SubCat=11166&fd=1
here is a link to a more serious starter kit. I did this for my brother over a decade ago, a great gift, though it isn't cute. recipes and ingredients are available on line for everything froma ales to stouts. Bottling is time consuming, but worth it.
Meat guy at 8:08AM on 12/12/08
@pjracz10 - If there's any left after my family tears into it, I'd be sure to share, but knowing my family that's not likely, haha. :)
@Susquehanna - Thanks! I actually might make a trip out to Cornell's because it looks like their prices are pretty reasonable. (By the way, I used to live one block from the Susquehanna in PA!)
@rasellers0 - While that book is totally something I would get for myself if I started brewing, my dad isn't much of a reader. Maybe I'll get it, read it and relay the information to him. Thanks!
@Meat guy - That looks like a great kit. My dad could definitely use the DVD instructional video to help him out. I'll look for it, thanks.
crazy_betty at 9:13AM on 12/12/08
@ crazy-betty-Here's another source if you can get up near Albany,NY for a day trip;Hennessy Homebrew Emporium, 470 North Greenbush Rd., Rensselaer,NY; 518 283-7094.
dmcavanagh at 9:45AM on 12/12/08
I agree with rasellers0. Skip the Mr. Beer. The website and book he recommends are good places to start. I used to get a lot of my supplies at www.homebrew.com. Both websites have forums where more experienced home brewers will happily answer questions.
bobbob at 9:47AM on 12/12/08
@ crazy-betty-Here's another source if you can get up near Albany,NY for a day trip;Hennessy Homebrew Emporium, 470 North Greenbush Rd., Rensselaer,NY; 518 283-7094.
dmcavanagh at 9:50AM on 12/12/08
You're right a home brewing kit is an awesome gift. If you give a dad a beer he can drink for a,,, well until he finishes the beer, but if you teach your dad to brew he can drink forever. I agree with rasellers0 the "The Complete Joy of Homebrewing," is essential for any home brewer. It can be used as a reference even if your dad is unlikely to read it from cover to cover. It's easy to follow and is full of really good recipes -it even has advice on how to doctor up pre-hopped beer kits. It's a quirky, wisdom filled book, the instructions include steps like, "relax, don't worry, have a homebrew."
justhungry at 11:34AM on 12/12/08