I received one of the old LBK’s as a kit set for a college graduation gift. Of course the first batch was meh but a coworker who also homebrews coached me a bit and showed me the local homebrew supply store. I tried my hand at a few more Mr. Beer kits and got better each time. After a year or so I started modding them with extra ingredients from the LHBS and now I’ve been brewing all-grain for almost a decade. While I rarely buy kits today (they’re pricier than AG brewing but really simple and easy!) and I’ve acquired a larger bucket fermenter I still use my LBK because most of my brews are small batches and the fermenter is just easy to use! I’ve got two now which allows me to split larger batches when I want to experiment or have multiple batches going at once. Just remember these tips and you’ll be fine: 1. Mr. Beer instructions are for the absolute shortest times; I’d add at least 1-2 weeks to each stage. 2. sanitize anything that will come in contact with your wort and 3. if the beer doesn’t taste quite right another week or two conditioning may help. 4. The internet is full of helpful people! Google is your friend.

My wife bought me this kit for Christmas. Never brewed beer in my life so my first attempt did not go will. You know that saying try try again. The second attempt will let me just say it was drinkable. I just needed to fine tune what I was creating. After several emails and some great info from the help desk. My 3rd try was an October Fest and let me tell you it was outstanding the taste and body was was fantastic. I was hooked. I have brewed several more (OF) a St. Paddy’s which I just bottled and Chez that will be bottled on Tuesday. If you are just starting out don’t get disappointed if the first batch doesn’t turn out just keep trying and call the help desk those people know what they are talking about. Thank you help desk.