newbie here

First of all you will get a lot good advice here. I am replying because I have just started myself and all the different options out there can be a little overwhelming. I read this and other new groups and read The joy of home brewing before I even started and it helped.

The first thing you will need is an equipment kit whis is the fermenter and several tools to transfer the beer, and bottle capper. The next thing you will need is a recipe kit, this contains the malt extract, hops, priming sugar, and bottle caps.

I bought a kit from midwest supply: EVERYTHING - Complete Brewing Package Equipment Kit w/ Autumn Amber Ale

166&fd=1 If I had to do over I would have started with the the stout. BTW, the amber ale is not very strong in flavor which is why I would have gone with the stout. If your friend likes the american lagers he will probably like the autumn amber ale kit.

This thing comes with a fementer, bottles, brew kettle, and a kit which contains everything you will need to brew 5 gallons. I would recommend starting with a kit until you do it a time or two. Like I said I read and read and it was all different when actually did it. It was fun and I can't wait to start my second batch this weekend. BTW, it is my understanding that the coopers kits do not include everything you need and like I say the first time you do it you may want it to be easy and straight forward.

good luck

First you will need an equipment kit. Single or dual stage is up to you. What is the difference? Price and cleaner, clearer beer. If you are budget minded and not sure if you will stay with the hobby, I recommend single stage. A basic kit can run anywhere from $50 to over $150. My initial 2 stage kit cost $95.

For your first kit, Cooper's is pretty good. I used them. I do not recommend Mr. Beer. It is cheap and not very good quality. How do I know? I had a chat with about 5 other brewers a year ago, all were very accomplished, and all of them started with Mr Beer. They all had the same thing to say: it was garbage. Save your money and get a better kit from a homebrew shop.

You may be interested in some videos myself and a couple friends put together. It is focused on all grain brewing, but there is current a video on making root beer, as well as an extract beer. More will be added. In addition, we just put up a new message board, and we really could use help with some traffic.

is the main site and is obviously the message board.

thanks guys, those kits look good, the only problem is that i live in canada, and none of these brewing companies in the states will ship to canada...:( does any one know of any brew suppliers in canada? my LHBS is only a small one and i doubt they will have much, i do know they have the coopers though

• Fish :

while they are slowly getting out of the home supply business they are still in business.

Personally though I suggest:

Todd and Tracy are very helpful and if they don't have something they will do what they can to get it in for you.

Jason

Thanks for the canadian sites, although i didnt see starter kits on either site, the skinaney brewing actually happens to be about 30 mins from where i live in ottawa