Beer kits are a huge part of the homebrew world and whether that's real ales, bitters, stouts or IPAs there are loads of fantastic DIY beers to choose from. Below find a range of reviews for types right across the board from cheap kits through to premium. If you want to leave your own beer kit review then use the contact us form on the home page!
IPAs & Mild ReviewsSt Peter's India Pale Ale
If you like a rich hoppy ale then this premium, two can kit is a winner. It takes a while to mature, around 10 weeks but be patient with this one it's worth it. This beer is quite dark and malty but has a fantastic zing of citrus. This very IPA actually topped the Independent newspaper's best 50 beers back in 2007. It's a little more expensive than your average beer pack but it really is worth it! A fresh taste on a classic beer. |
Real Ales & Bitter ReviewsWoodforde's Wherry Kit
The good old Wherry just has to be one of the most popular kits on the market today and there's a good reason why! It's a light session ale that's perfect for your first brew. It couldn't get much easier and you'll be left with a light, fresh, zesty ale that's ready to drink in as little as 3 weeks. This one does get much better with age though so the longer it's left the better it gets! It's a two can, premium kit that tastes pretty much like a pint you can get at your local pub. With the Wherry you can't really go wrong. |
Dark & Stout ReviewsSt Peters Cream Stout
A 'Silver Medal' winner in the International Beer Competition 2009' - St. Peters Brewery. Another champion kit here, this is a dark, creamy stout that has nice hints of chocolate and malty aromas. If you're looking to brew something that tastes like Guinness then this one is a bit different, a bit sweeter and more chocolaty... not a million miles away though. Some have commented that the instructions may be a bit vague about the brewing temperature but around 20-22 degrees Celsius is fine. So whether this brew is bottled or barrelled it's a brilliant winter warmer that leaves a satisfying feeling. |
John Bull IPA
This India Pale Ale is a single can, moderately cheap kit which makes a surprisingly good beer! It's rich in flavour with deep red looks and has a satisfying taste. 'Sam' says - 'I was totally amazed at how good this kit was! I've been used to the more premium two can kits but thought I'd give a cheap one a go to see what it came out like. Just like normal I started off the fermentation and after a week or so it was ready for the barrel. Just a couple of weeks after I pulled first pint which looked amazing, deep, rich and clear! It even had a good head and plenty of life. The flavour was so full and I couldn't believe it was from a single can! I'm a slow drinker so 5 months later I've still got some in the barrel and believe me it just gets better with age! The barrel is almost empty so I've just started off another one in time for Christmas! Give it a try you won't be disappointed!' Well, that says it all! At just over a tenner it's a fantastic value for money brew! |
BrewBuddy Bitter
This bitter is a cheap and cheerful kit to get you brewing up 40 pints. No frills, just an easy going beer! If you're new to brewing then this could be a good way of giving it a try, you won't be brewing a masterpiece but you can have fun and be inspired to move onto better kits after! If you want something that's going to taste a bit nicer and be more enjoyable then you could experiment by adding brew enhancer rather than sugar trying some more premium yeasts. Overall an average kit that's great for beginners, however upgrading by only a fiver could fetch you a much better end product! |
Coopers Irish Stout
If you like the Irish style stouts then this is the perfect kit for you! With earthy hints of chocolate, liquorice and coffee it's really rich, full and is perfect for winter nights! Silky and smooth! This is a single can version which means it may not be as rich and full as something like the St Peters but it's a great intro to stouts. It's recommended to use a mix of sugar and spray malt for this one which would be advisable for a tastier, higher quality beer. |
St. Peters Ruby Red Ale
Sam says - 'This was the first ever kit I brewed, I wanted something that was going to be quite nice and inspire me to brew more in the future. I like red, fruity ales so was recommended this one. I had no idea what to expect other than the classic 'homebrew twang' that so many people talk about. After it had been in the pressure barrel for a month I pulled a pint and it was just amazing. Really lively, a large head and a rich, smooth flavour that had hints of fruits and nuts. Gorgeously moreish and completely satisfying. I did nothing more than what the instructions said and it was just perfect. Still had some left after a few months and it had become intensely rich and tasty! This is a really good kit, if you're in any doubt just give it a try, it's worth it!' |