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For generations, there's been nothing quite as delightful as reclining in your favorite chair, putting up your feet, and savoring a cold, refreshing beer. The art of homebrewing offers beer aficionados a new way to engage with an ancient, scientific, enjoyable, and profoundly delectable journey. And, homebrewing is easier now than ever.
With options for well-curated kits, you'll first learn the ropes and then delve into the world of customization and experimentation. In no time, you'll become the talk of the neighborhood, enhancing everything from festive holidays to balmy summer evenings with your uniquely crafted brews. For all these reasons, it's easy to see why home brewing beer has become so popular.
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Adventures in Homebrewing, born from the passion of two brothers in Michigan in 1999, has become a trusted name in homebrewing. They've got tons of beer options between kits and flavor packs. Beyond beer, their extensive inventory covers wine, cider, kombucha, and more. They've taken steps to be beginner-friendly, offer free shipping, and accept returns within 30 days. Though reviews are limited, their BBB "A+" rating vouches for their credibility. Adventures in Homebrewing is our #1 one-stop shop for beer and spirits, making it a go-to for both seasoned brewers and those looking to dip their toes into the world of brewing.
Mr. Beer offers 15 different beer kits catering to beginners and budget-conscious individuals. These kits, ranging from 2-gallon starters to 5-gallon options, provide affordability and simplicity for aspiring homebrewers. They offer free shipping on orders over $75 and maintain high ratings, making Mr. Beer an excellent choice for those looking to start their brewing journey, and earning it the second-place spot on our list.
With 34 kits, including 31 for beer, Brooklyn Brew Shop stands out for its beginner-friendly one-gallon, all-grain kits. These kits come with everything you need and offer unique flavors like Chocolate Maple Porter and Uniform IPA, all at affordable prices. Brooklyn Brew Shop offers free shipping for orders over $59, a chat function for customer support, and highly-rated individual kits. However, an option for larger batch equipment would be a valuable addition. If you're looking for unique flavors and affordability, Brooklyn Brew Shop is a top choice for your brewing adventures.
Midwest Supplies, established in 1995 and recently acquired by Anheuser-Busch, offers eight beer kits ranging from 1-gallon to 8-gallon options, along with other brewing supplies. Their reputation is generally solid with an "A+" rating from the BBB and a 4.7-star average from third-party reviews. Midwest Supplies is a great site for both beginners and experienced homebrewers, offering quality equipment, strong customer service, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. However, while the pricing is competitive for the industry, it doesn't beat out options with much lower prices or with more flavors to choose from.
Craft a Brew, founded in 2010, is an Orlando-based company passionate about crafting brewing experiences. The company's kits are all-inclusive, featuring everything needed for brewing, but the prices, especially for one-gallon brews, are relatively high. Craft a Brew shines with its diverse selection of brewable spirits, including gin, wine, cider, hard seltzer, kombucha, root beer, mead, and even hot sauce. With this extensive range of brewables, it's a great choice for those looking to explore various brewing options.
BrewDemon's mission is to revolutionize home brewing for small-brew fermenters, and they've done just that. The company offers nine kits, including four 1-gallon and five 2-gallon options, making it a fantastic choice for novices. Each kit contains essential equipment and ingredients, all at an affordable price ranging from $55 to $155. However, the lack of third-party reviews and a BBB presence leaves some uncertainty. Despite this, BrewDemon's affordability and beginner-friendly approach make it worth exploring for aspiring brewers.
Northern Brewer, founded by Chris Farley in 1993, has become a leading homebrewing and winemaking supplier in the USA, offering a range of beer kits that brew between 1 to 5 gallons. While they provide a comprehensive selection of kits and have a solid reputation, some kits may require additional items. Northern Brewer's strength lies in its beginner-friendly approach and hassle-free brewing process, making it a solid choice for novice homebrewers, though it may not be the best for those seeking a wide variety of spirits beyond beer and wine.
MoreBeer! has been supplying homebrewers since 1995, offering a wide selection of brewing supplies and kits. They provide 7 different kits ranging from 3.5 to 9 gallons and have 250 recipe kits for customizing your beer. However, some kits may lack essential items, and their prices are a bit on the higher side, making them more suitable for experienced brewers than beginners. While they have a solid reputation, they may need to expand their offerings to cater to a broader audience. For these reasons, More Beer! scores a "just average” rating here.
Love2Brew, established in 2011, is a brewing supplier with a strong commitment to values like sustainability and community development. However, their website may not be the most user-friendly, and they have a smaller selection of beer kits compared to competitors. Prices can be complicated due to additional fees, and kits are divided into equipment and flavors. While they offer a variety of brewing options beyond beer, Love2Brew is better suited for experienced brewers. Their lack of a BBB presence and limited verified reviews raise some concerns, making it less recommended for beginners.
William's Brewing, a veteran in the brewing supplies industry since 1979, offers a range of complex homebrewing kits geared toward experienced brewers. Their website may be challenging for newcomers due to navigation issues. While they have a solid reputation and hold an "A+" rating from the BBB, William's Brewing definitely won't appeal to beginners, and their prices tend to start higher compared to competitors, placing them at the bottom of our rankings.
At its core, the allure of home brewing lies in its accessibility. Brewing, once considered an arcane art, has been demystified, allowing aficionados and novices alike to indulge in the creation of their own brews. The simplicity of the process has dismantled barriers, transforming beer making into an inclusive pursuit. No longer the exclusive domain of experts, home brewing empowers individuals to embark on a flavorful journey easier than ever before.
Another reason why home brewing has become so popular is its individuality. In a world where mass-produced goods dominate, the desire for uniqueness inspires people to try home brewing. Craftsmanship, originality, and a dash of rebellious spirit converge in each batch. Beer enthusiasts revel in the ability to tailor their brews to personal tastes, experimenting with ingredients and techniques to craft a symphony of flavors. The palate becomes a canvas, and the home brewer, an artist, navigating the intricate landscape of hops, malt, and yeast.
Harking back to the Neolithic era in Mesopotamia, beer started as a denser libation primarily produced by women. It wasn't until the Industrial Revolution of the 18th century, with the introduction of innovative brewing tools, that beer production could truly be democratized and made accessible to the masses. Throughout the annals of history, beer has oscillated between adoration, prohibition, commendation, and pure enjoyment.
After experiencing the satisfaction of savoring a cold beer born from your dedication and hard labor, mass-produced store-bought brands will never quite measure up. Many of the home brewing supply companies we've evaluated offer equipment tailored to your skill level and recipes that tantalize your taste buds. Your only task is to select the brew that perfectly complements your preferences.
Feeling a bit jittery about taking your first brewing steps? Don't worry. There are tons of companies out there that offer user-friendly starter kits that distill the brewing process to its essentials. Perhaps you've already got some brewing experience and yearn for a more personalized brewing journey. Or maybe you're already smitten with the crisp, invigorating notes of a summer pale ale or the rich, coffee-infused flavors of a robust stout, and you're eager to put your own twist on them. Whatever your brewing stance, we're confident you'll find a company that can cater to your homebrew aspirations.
Given the rising demand and the wide-ranging marketplace at your disposal, it's no wonder that home brewing is experiencing an ever-increasing surge in popularity. Yet, the home brewing supply companies themselves can vary greatly in style, adaptability, specialization, and price range.
As you conduct thorough research to determine which brewing supply features align most closely with your plans, here are some helpful factors for comparison:
At Top Consumer Reviews, we've diligently reviewed and ranked the finest places to get homebrew beer supplies available today. This way you can focus on making your ideal homebrew beer and start enjoying the fruits of your labor. Cheers to your brewing adventures!
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