I recently had the opportunity to try out the Northern Brewer – Essential Brew. Share. Enjoy. HomeBrewing Starter Set, specifically the Block Party Amber Ale version. As a beginner in homebrewing, I found this kit to be the perfect starting point. It came with all the necessary equipment and ingredients, along with foolproof instructions to guide me through the brewing process.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- The kit includes everything you need to start brewing beer at home
- The Block Party Amber Ale recipe kit produces a delicious and crowd-pleasing beer
- The kit is highly rated and recommended for beginners
- The kit is versatile and can be used to brew multiple batches
- The customer service provided by Northern Brewer is excellent
What Can Be Improved
- The instructions provided in the kit can be a bit confusing and inconsistent
- Some essential items, such as a brew kettle, are not included in the kit
Quick Verdict
The Northern Brewer – Essential Brew. Share. Enjoy. HomeBrewing Starter Set is a highly recommended kit for beginners looking to venture into homebrewing. It contains all the essential equipment and ingredients to get started, and the Block Party Amber Ale recipe produces a flavorful and enjoyable beer. While the instructions and missing items can be a minor inconvenience, the overall quality and value of this kit make it a great choice for anyone interested in brewing their own beer.
Check out the Northern Brewer – Essential Brew. Share. Enjoy. HomeBrewing Starter Set on Amazon.
Unboxing – What’s Inside?
In October 2020, I purchased the Northern Brewer – Essential Brew. Share. Enjoy. HomeBrewing Starter Set, Equipment and Recipe for 5 Gallon Batches (Block Party Amber) Essential w/ Block Party on Amazon. The delivery was surprisingly fast, and I received the product within a week of ordering.
When I eagerly opened the package, here’s what I found inside:
- Primary Fermentor: This high-quality, durable plastic bucket serves as the primary fermentor for brewing beer.
- Lid and Airlock: The included lid tightly seals the fermentor, and the airlock allows gases to escape during fermentation.
- Bottling Bucket with Spigot: The bottling bucket makes transferring and bottling the beer a breeze, and the spigot ensures easy dispensing.
- Bottle Filler and Tubing: The bottle filler and tubing make it simple to fill bottles without any mess or spills.
- Thermometer: A handy thermometer is included to help monitor the temperature during brewing and fermentation.
- Capper and Caps: The capper and caps allow for securely sealing the bottles after filling them with your brewed beer.
- Cleanser and Sanitizer: To keep everything clean and bacteria-free, the set comes with cleanser and sanitizer.
- Rachet and Faucet Adapter: These useful tools make it easier to attach and detach the spigot from the bottling bucket.
- Block Party Amber Beer Recipe Kit: Last but not least, the set includes a recipe kit for brewing a delicious Block Party Amber beer.
Specifications
Here are the unique specifications of the Northern Brewer – Essential Brew. Share. Enjoy. HomeBrewing Starter Set:
- Brand: Northern Brewer
- Manufacturer: Northern Brewer
- Item Weight: 22.5 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 14 x 23 x 23 inches
- Date First Available: October 28, 2015
User-Guide
The documentation that came with the Northern Brewer – Essential Brew. Share. Enjoy. HomeBrewing Starter Set was incredibly helpful in guiding me through the brewing process. It provided step-by-step instructions and tips on how to use each component of the set to achieve the best results. I found the included user guide to be well-written and easy to understand.
If you are interested in checking out the user guide for yourself, you can find it here.
Features – What We Found
1. Complete Starter Kit for Beginners
The Northern Brewer Brew. Share. Enjoy Homebrew Starter Kit is the highest rated starter kit and is perfect for beginners who want to start brewing beer at home. It includes everything you need to get started, making it a great holiday gift option.
The kit comes with foolproof instructions, ensuring that even those who have never brewed before can easily follow along and create their own delicious beer. Whether you’re new to homebrewing or looking for a gift for someone who is, this kit is a fantastic choice.
Pro-tip: Take advantage of the included instructions and experiment with different brewing techniques and ingredients to create your unique brews.
2. Block Party Amber Ale Recipe Kit
One of the standout features of this starter kit is the included Block Party Amber Ale recipe kit. This recipe produces a beer with a deep garnet glow and flavors of toasty bread crust, caramel, and hints of floral and herbal hop character.
With this kit, you’ll be able to brew a true crowd-pleaser that will impress both your friends and your taste buds. The recipe is carefully crafted to ensure a high-quality beer that is enjoyable to drink.
Check out the product link to learn more about the Block Party Amber Ale recipe kit and its ingredients.
3. Siphonless Fermenters for Easy Brewing
This kit includes 6.5-gallon fermentors with a spigot, making the brewing process much easier and more convenient. The spigot allows for easy transfer of the beer without the need for siphoning.
With the siphonless fermenters, you’ll save time and effort during the brewing and bottling process. It eliminates the risk of contamination that can occur when using siphons, ensuring a cleaner final product.
Experience hassle-free brewing and bottling with the included siphonless fermenters and enjoy the convenience they bring to your homebrewing experience.
4. Bottling Bucket Assembly for Efficient Bottling
The kit comes with a bottling bucket that features a spigot assembly and a bottle filler. This allows for efficient bottling, as you can easily fill the bottles directly from the bucket without the need for additional equipment.
The spigot assembly makes it easy to control the flow of beer into the bottles, preventing spills and ensuring an even distribution. The bottle filler ensures accurate filling without excessive foaming.
Pro-tip: Use a bottle capper and caps included in the kit to seal the bottles securely and maintain the beer’s freshness.
5. Sanitation and Cleaning Supplies for Quality Beer
The kit includes Fermenter’s Favorites Oxygen Wash, a cleaner/sanitizer that helps maintain a clean and sanitized brewing environment. Proper sanitation is crucial in brewing to prevent unwanted bacteria or off-flavors from developing.
In addition to the sanitizer, the kit also includes a bottle brush for thorough bottle cleaning. Keeping all the brewing and bottling equipment clean is essential for producing high-quality beer.
Ensure the longevity of your brewing equipment and the taste of your beer by regularly cleaning and sanitizing your supplies.
Our Review and Score
Our Score: 93.0
I recently purchased the Northern Brewer – Essential Brew. Share. Enjoy. HomeBrewing Starter Set and I have to say, it exceeded my expectations. As a beginner in homebrewing, this kit provided everything I needed to get started and the foolproof instructions made the process seamless. The Block Party Amber Ale recipe included in the kit resulted in a delicious beer with a deep garnet glow and delightful flavors of toasty bread crust and caramel. Paired with good company, this beer is a true crowd pleaser. I highly recommend this starter kit for anyone interested in brewing their own beer at home. You can find it here.
One of the reasons why I deducted a star is because there were some discrepancies with the instructions. The instructions that came in the box differed from the ones I found on the Northern Brewer website, causing confusion and some heated arguments. Additionally, the kit I purchased did not include a brew kettle, which was somewhat misleading. However, despite these minor setbacks, the kit served its purpose and I have since brewed multiple batches of beer using it.
Overall, the Northern Brewer – Essential Brew. Share. Enjoy. HomeBrewing Starter Set is a great value for money. While there were some minor issues with the equipment and instructions, the quality of the ingredients and the end result of the beer were impressive. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned brewer, this kit provides a solid foundation for brewing your own beer at home. Don’t hesitate to give it a try!
Still Looking? Checkout These Alternatives
If you’re looking for a different option for your homebrewing needs, here are some alternative products that you might want to consider:
- Northern Brewer – Essential Brew. Share. Enjoy. HomeBrewing Starter Set, Equipment and Recipe for 5 Gallon Batches (Block Party Amber): This starter set is perfect for those who want to try their hand at brewing their own beer. It comes with all the essential equipment and a recipe for 5 gallon batches. The Block Party Amber beer is a great option for those who enjoy a rich and malty flavor.
- Northern Brewer – Siphonless 1 Gallon Craft Beer Making Starter Kit, Equipment and Beer Recipe Kit (Irish Red Ale): If you’re looking to start small, this 1 gallon craft beer making starter kit is a great choice. It includes all the necessary equipment and a recipe kit for making your own Irish Red Ale. The siphonless design makes the brewing process even easier and more convenient.
- Mr. Beer Complete Beer Making 2 Gallon Starter Kit, Premium Gold Edition, Brown: This 2 gallon starter kit from Mr. Beer is perfect for beginners. It includes everything you need to get started, including a premium gold edition beer mix. The kit is easy to use and produces great-tasting beer in just a few weeks.
- Craft A Brew – American Pale Ale – Beer Making Kit – Make Your Own Craft Beer – Complete Equipment and Supplies – Starter Home Brewing Kit – 1 Gallon: If you’re a fan of American Pale Ale, this beer making kit is a fantastic choice. It includes all the necessary equipment and supplies, as well as a detailed instruction booklet. The 1 gallon size is perfect for those who want to experiment with different flavors and styles.
- FastRack Beer Bottles | Amber Glass Longneck Bottles for Home Brewing |12 oz – Pack of 24 | Crown Cap Refillable Beer Bottles | Food Grade – ECO Friendly | Proudly Made in the USA: If you’re in need of beer bottles for your home brewing adventures, these FastRack Amber Glass Longneck Bottles are a fantastic option. They come in a pack of 24 and are made from food-grade, eco-friendly materials. These refillable bottles are perfect for storing and sharing your homemade brews.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced homebrewer, these alternative products offer a range of options to suit your brewing needs. From starter kits to equipment and supplies, there’s something for everyone. So why not give them a try and start brewing your own delicious beer at home?