Kits have come a long way in 10 years!!!

Review by Dana L. on 1/18/2008

Pros: Ten years ago, I tried and tried and tried to put together a simple homebrew like this. I call it hop juice. I was never really successful, and all the kits fell short. They were always too malty or the hops lacked floral character. Life (kids) caught up with me and my fermenters went in the attic. Ten years later, and my dream kit is on the Williams website! I'm never going to the liquor store again!

Cons: None - This is the simplest way to brew a *good* American high-hop beer, period.

Smuttynose IPA clone

Review by Andrew K. on 11/16/2007

Pros: This is probably as close as you're going to get to brewing one of my favorite IPAs; Smuttynose. Very easy to brew. I wish I had this kit 22 years ago when I started brewing!

Great hoppy ale

Review by Robert R. on 9/21/2007

Pros: I have been brewing with Williams products for many years, and have tried a wide range of styles. For those who crave hops, this is a good brew. I have used it twice, once just as offered, and the second time I used it as a platform for additions such as crystal malt and more hops. It worked well both ways: straight from the box as a good hoppy evening brew... and with fortification it turned into a remarkable (blue ribbon winner at the local fair) IPA.

Cons: I started brewing with Williams about 10 years ago when I lived in Utah...now I live back east and it is a LONG way to ship beer ingredients.

Great!

Review by Bill V W on 9/9/2007

Pros: I am a beginner, and this was my first kit from William's, and my first use of liquid yeast. I was intriqued and a bit nervous about the high IBU rating, but was pleasantly suprised by this IPA. It had a strong hop character, but in a well mannered way that lacked the overwhelming "bite" of some other IPA's. Highly recommended.

Cons: OK, I'm a bit of a dummy, but I ended up rupturing my liquid yeast packet, (which was replaced promptly at no cost). Perhaps some better instructions on the packet for first time users.

Good basic IPA.

Review by Kenn & Tina G. on 9/7/2007

Pros: We are IPA freaks, so we loved this one. Great flavor and aged very well over a few months. Drank it after a peak ascent in Colorado and tasted like heaven. Williams' kits are always reliable. Best we've found on the web or anywhere. Trustworthy, easy, all the good stuff.

Cons: None really. We do like even hoppier IPAs, so are going to try the Imperial IPA next. It's all about the hops!