which kit to buy?

[beepsandclicks]

I'd like to buy a homebrew kit for my husband but am confused by so many options. Anyone have any suggestions for a good quality kit for a beginner? I noticed that Austin Home Brew was mentioned a couple of times as a good company to deal with--any others? The tap (vs. bottling) system sounds interesting to me and easier to deal with...I don't think he will be sharing his brew! ;)
Thanks!

[corkybstewart]

Look at the $99 kit from morebeer.com, the shipping is free. At the same time look at their ingredient kits and find a beerstyle he likes. Buy a couple of them at the same time and save shipping costs. And there are other sites out there, google "homebrew stores" and you'll find plenty. Another good option is to find a homebrew store locally. They'll probably have the equipment to get started and they'll be happy(usually) to give hubby advice and help when he starts brewing.
But beware of what you're doing. If my wife had known what buying that first kit for me would do to our life I'm not so sure she'ld have done it. Just kidding, she's very supportive of my addiction, she just wishes it didn't take so much of the house.

[Halgarmeister]

Originally posted by corkybstewart
she just wishes it didn't take so much of the house.

When you build the garage for the combine, add a little more space for your brewery. Don't forget to include a lounge for your guests to try samples. :D

[corkybstewart]

No combine(damn zoning ordinances) but I will build a brewhouse/garage next year. I'm already designing the pub section, and if I can keep from pissing my boss off for a year it'll be done by next fall. Then the wife gets her house back. Until then I'm still king.

[PsychoBrew]

Originally posted by corkybstewart
I will build a brewhouse/garage next year. I'm already designing the pub section

I was considering the same thing for spring - I just have to figure out the heating system for the brewing room. It gets to the - temps in the winter so I have to be able to keep the brew at a more desirable temp. Then my wife can have that spare room in the house back, she says it looks like a brew shop.

[corkybstewart]

Beepsandclicks I hope we didn't scare you off. There are lots of online places to buy and many towns-not mine-have homebrew stores. And don't let him get away with not sharing, that's one of the greatest aspects of homebrewing. You'll be amazed at how many new friends you'll have. I have a recipe I designed just for my wife, but it turned into a house favorite, especially for people who aren't into some of my more "foreign" brews.

[treydogg]

thats funny my GF hates all that stuff too. need to make something she would like but she dont like anything.

[HogieWan]

Originally posted by treydogg
thats funny my GF hates all that stuff too. need to make something she would like but she dont like anything.

my next brew is for her. Just Marris Otter pale and a 60 FWH of Tettnanger

[beepsandclicks]

thanks, all of you, for your help. i finally decided on a kit and it should arrive today. i do admit, i'm a bit worried about the homebrewing process "sucking him in" but i think he'll like it. the funny thing is, i don't even drink beer! ... especially now, since i'm expecting, but i think he deserves a bit of fun, as he's been putting up with my morning sickness and mood swings like a champion. i also got one of those taps you can put on a 3 liter soda bottle...i think he will really like having beer at his fingertips without having to bottle it all. we'll see...
anyway, i do love hard cider, so eventually i'd like to talk him in to trying his hand at that.
thanks again!

[Mad Scientist]

Originally posted by beepsandclicks
thanks, all of you, for your help. i finally decided on a kit and it should arrive today. i do admit, i'm a bit worried about the homebrewing process "sucking him in" but i think he'll like it. the funny thing is, i don't even drink beer! ... especially now, since i'm expecting, but i think he deserves a bit of fun, as he's been putting up with my morning sickness and mood swings like a champion. i also got one of those taps you can put on a 3 liter soda bottle...i think he will really like having beer at his fingertips without having to bottle it all. we'll see...
anyway, i do love hard cider, so eventually i'd like to talk him in to trying his hand at that.
thanks again!

The good news for the cider is it does not require a equipment change!