Beer Making Kits
January 3, 2011 by
Filed under Home Brewing
Understanding Light Beer And Dark Beer
Author: Ken Y Allen
Beer consumption is popular at social events, athletic events and at pubs. Of course, the variety of beer is widespread based upon individual preference. Generally speaking, beer can be categorized as light beer or dark beer. These two kinds of beers are always in demand throughout the year.
In comparing the light versus dark beer, the appearance of each kind is what differentiates the two. Light beer comes in different colors ranging from light amber colored to clear, white color. The appearance of dark beers will also vary from a dark, amber color look to a brown coffee colored appearance.
The next comparison is fluid density. Light beers are usually lower in calories and are easier to drink down since they are less filling as compared to dark beers. It's more common to see people casually drink dark beer as opposed to downing the drink since it is a denser liquid. Examples of light beer include pilsners, wheat ales and beers. Examples of dark beers include stouts and porters.
In general, light beers have more hops flavor while dark beers are heavier on malts. Malts typically have flavors that are similar to coffee, chocolate and toffee which are not present in the lighter beers. Preference between light and dark beers can also be based on the seasons. For instance, light beer is commonly associated with drinking in the summer while consumption of dark beer is more prevalent during the winter periods. In summary, light and dark beer offer the consumer a difference in taste, which ultimately gives the consumer more variety when choosing their favorite drink.
Any good beer making kits out there?
My boyfriend wants a beer making kit for Christmas. Any suggestions for a good one? I’m afraid he’ll end up with some crappy tasting beer or a cheap kit that doesn’t even work right. I don’t want to spend a whole lot on this. Or would I be better off just ordering the things needed?…whatever they are!
Stay away from Mr Beer and similar kits. You want one that will handle a 5-gallon batch. I started with Brewer’s Best and was very happy with it. One nice thing about getting him started on home brewing is that you will never be at a loss for something to buy him. There is always new equipment or the supplies needed to make a batch of beer.
If you are strapped for cash (who isn’t these days?) you could get him some books and let him put together his own equipment kit. Some suggestions:
Papazian: New Complete Guide to Home Brewing (best general book) $12.
Nachel: Homebrewing for Dummies (a close second)
Brew Ware (for the do-it-yourselfer who can build equipment)
Kunath: Fearless Brewing (poor for instructions but great tables.)
have you tried google-ing it??? you can find almost anything!
You can do a search and see if there is a homebrew store in your area. If there is, they can give you more information and options than anyone on the net can. They sell the stuff, they have used it, and they were all beginners once too.
If not, there are several reputable websites to look at.
http://homebrewhq.com/
This is my local homebrew store. They ship nationwide and offer really great prices. If you contact them and tell them what your looking for they will point you in the right direction. They also allow you to make custom kits as well buying the put together kits. When I went and bought my kit I had an idea of what I wanted. They were very helpful in replacing items from one of the regular kits to customize my kit.
As has been suggested already, I strongly suggest purchasing The Complete Joy of Homebrewing 3rd Edition by Charlie Papazian. It is very easy to grasp and you gain the passion for brewing beer that Charlie has the more you read.
You could start him out on a bare bones kit with every thing he needs to get started. Or you can get him a deluxe set that will help him as he gets more advanced. The website will explain everything to you and the people at the store will help you as well.
When it comes to deciding which beer kit to get him, I suggest a darker beer like a porter or stout, or even an IPA or Vienna Lager. The site will give you a choice on what beer kit is sent with it. These darker beers tend to be more forgiving when it comes to beginning, and can be a bit easier to brew.
Whatever you choose for him, he will love. Your giving him a wonderful and fulfilling hobby.
Best of luck!
I need lakeveiw valley farms beer making kits home page.?
I already have the beer making kit,but have lost the directions. I would like to get started but dont even know where to start.
Does anyone know which one is the best beer making kits to get for my hubby for father’s day?
I am looking for one that is under $150, has a lot of recipes. I don’t what website to look for them. My hubby always wanted one. He had been giving me hints that he wants one badly. He loves beer. It will make him happy when he gets it for father’s day. Please help find the right one and best one for him. thanks!