By choosing the best IPA beer-making kit, you are assured of having high-quality, refreshing, and great-tasting beer made in the comfort of your home.
As a seasoned homebrewer, I have had the opportunity to try several IPA beer-making kits. Among all the kits I’ve tried, the Craft A Brew – Single Hop IPA (Cascade) – Beer Making Kit stands out as the best IPA homebrewing kit I’ve used.
If you’re looking to make IPA beer at home, there are a number of beer-making kits available that can make the process easier and more enjoyable. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best IPA beer-making kits available on the market today, along with their features and benefits. I will also share my personal experience with these kits, their unique features, and why they are the best kits for any homebrewer looking to make a delicious IPA beer.
I am a craft brewer, I don’t use beer-making kits for my daily brewing needs but I have tested different beer-making kits to compare with our craft brewery brews as well as know the differences. I can help you classify kits on their quality, where manufactured, if it has reusable bottles, comes with equipment or not, quality of ingredients, materials that make the equipment, what’s contained in the ingredients, etc
Best IPA Beer-Making Kit
Sure, here’s a table comparing the 5 Best IPA Beer-Making Kits based on their level of user experience:
| IPA Beer-Making Kit | User Experience Level | Reason Why it’s the Best |
|---|---|---|
| Craft A Brew – Single Hop IPA (Cascade) – Beer Making Kit | First-timers and hobbyists alike | Best IPA beer-making kit. Best for homebrewers who want to take their brewing to the next level by using high-quality and flavorful IPA beer ingredients. |
| Mr. Beer Long Play IPA | Total Beginner | This kit is ideal for those who have never brewed beer before, as it includes everything needed to get started and has easy-to-follow instructions. |
| Brooklyn Everyday IPA | Beginner but likes quality beer | This kit is perfect for beginners who want to experiment with making high-quality beer with a little more complexity. |
| Northern Brewer Chinook IPA | Advanced User | This kit is designed for advanced users who want to experiment with different brewing techniques and ingredients. |
| Brewer’s Best Double IPA | Experienced Homebrewers | This kit is designed for experienced homebrewers who want to make a beer with a high alcohol content and a bold flavor. |
It’s important to note that while these kits are categorized based on user experience level, anyone can use any of these kits with a little patience and attention to detail. Each of these kits also comes with high-quality ingredients and equipment, making it easier to create a delicious and satisfying IPA beer at home.
1. Craft A Brew – Single Hop IPA (Cascade) – Best IPA Beer-Making Kit
The Craft A Brew – Single Hop IPA (Cascade) – Beer Making Kit comes with everything you need to make 1 gallon of delicious and flavorful IPA beer.
The kit includes high-quality ingredients such as Cascade hops, malt extract, and a premium yeast strain.
The equipment included in the kit is also top-notch, with a reusable one-gallon glass fermenter (1-gallon carboy), airlock, and a thermometer to help monitor the temperature of the beer during fermentation. Other equipment availed in the kit are funnel, racking cane, rubber stopper, transfer tubing and thumb clamp, Guide to Craft Brewing, sanitizer, and our Single Hop IPA recipe kit.
How it Compares with Other IPA Kits
When compared to other IPA beer-making kits, the Craft A Brew – Single Hop IPA (Cascade) – Beer Making Kit stands out in terms of the quality of ingredients and equipment included.
Unlike some other kits, the ingredients in this kit are carefully selected and measured, ensuring that you get the best possible flavor profile in your beer.
Additionally, the equipment included in the kit is made from high-quality materials, which makes it durable and long-lasting.
Pros
Firstly, the kit is perfect for both beginners and experienced homebrewers. The instructions are easy to follow, making it ideal for those who are new to homebrewing. However, the kit also includes advanced brewing techniques, making it suitable for experienced homebrewers who want to experiment with different brewing methods.
Secondly, the kit produces a high-quality and flavorful IPA beer. The Cascade hops included in the kit give the beer a citrusy and floral aroma, with a slightly bitter taste that is characteristic of IPAs. The beer also has a smooth mouthfeel and a crisp finish, making it a delicious and refreshing beer to enjoy.
Finally, the kit is eco-friendly and sustainable. The packaging is made from recycled materials, and the conical glass fermenter can be reused for future batches of beer.
Cons
The only real downside to using the Craft A Brew – Single Hop IPA (Cascade) – Beer Making Kit is that it only produces 1 gallon of beer. This may not be enough for some homebrewers who want to make larger batches of beer.
However, the kit is perfect for those who want to experiment with different recipes and brewing techniques without committing to a larger batch.
Recommendation
Overall, I would highly recommend the Craft A Brew – Single Hop IPA (Cascade) – Beer Making Kit to any homebrewer who wants to make a delicious and flavorful IPA beer.
The kit is perfect for both beginners and experienced homebrewers, and the high-quality ingredients and equipment ensure that you get the best possible flavor profile in your beer.
The kit is also eco-friendly and sustainable, making it an ideal choice for those who care about the environment. So why not give it a try and craft your very own delicious IPA beer at home?
2. Mr. Beer Long Play IPA: The best if you’re a total beginner
As a beginner homebrewer, you are looking for an IPA beer-making kit that is easy to use, affordable, and produced high-quality beer. After trying several different kits, I found that the Mr. Beer Long Play IPA Beer Making Kit was the best option for beginners.
Let me share my personal experience with the kit, its unique features, and why it’s the best kit for any beginner homebrewer looking to make a delicious IPA beer.
The Mr. Beer Long Play IPA is a great choice for beginners who want to try their hand at homebrewing without investing a lot of time or money. This kit includes everything you need to get started, including a fermenter, brewing extract, yeast, and carbonation drops.
Product Description
The Mr. Beer Long Play IPA Beer Making Kit comes with everything you need to make 2 gallons (16 pints of craft brew) of delicious and flavorful IPA beer. The kit includes high-quality ingredients such as hopped malt extract, premium yeast, and a no-rinse cleanser.
The equipment included in the kit is also easy to use and beginner-friendly, with a 2-gallon fermenting keg and a spigot for easy pouring.
The Long Play IPA is a hoppy beer with a strong malt backbone, making it a great choice for those who love a full-bodied, flavorful brew.
The kit is designed to make 2 gallons of beer, which is enough for about 24 12-ounce bottles. The kit comes with reusable bottles, so you can reuse them for future batches.
How it Compares with Other IPA Kits
When compared to other IPA beer-making kits, the Mr. Beer Long Play IPA Beer Making Kit stands out in terms of its affordability and ease of use.
Unlike some other kits, the ingredients in this kit are pre-hopped, which means that there is no need to add any additional hops during the brewing process. This makes the brewing process much easier and less intimidating for beginners.
Additionally, the equipment included in the kit is simple and easy to use, with clear instructions that make the brewing process straightforward and accessible to anyone, regardless of their level of experience.
Pros of Mr. Beer Long Play IPA Kit
Firstly, the kit is perfect for beginners who are just starting with homebrewing.
The instructions are easy to follow, and the pre-hopped ingredients make the brewing process much simpler and less intimidating.
Secondly, the kit produces a high-quality and flavorful IPA beer. The pre-hopped malt extract gives the beer a balanced hop flavor.
Finally, the kit is affordable and great value for money. At a lower price point compared to other kits, the Mr. Beer Long Play IPA Beer Making Kit is perfect for beginners who don’t want to invest too much money in their first homebrewing kit.
Cons
Due to being made for beginners and the low price point, the quality of ingredients and the quality of the product is not as good as other kits in the list here.
The homebrewing system is almost entirely made of plastics. The kit contains quick malt whose final taste can not be compared to that of an all-grain kit even though it is easier to brew with.
Recommendation
Overall, I would highly recommend the Mr. Beer Long Play IPA Beer Making Kit to any beginner homebrewer who wants to make a delicious and flavorful IPA beer.
The kit is affordable, easy to use, and produces high-quality beer that is perfect for enjoying with friends and family. So why not give it a try and start your homebrewing journey today?
3. Brooklyn Everyday IPA: The best if you’re a beginner but like quality beer
The Brooklyn Everyday IPA is a great choice for beginners who want to try making a high-quality beer with a little more complexity. This kit includes all the ingredients you need to make one gallon of beer, including malt extract, hops, and yeast.
The Everyday IPA is a hoppy, citrusy beer with a medium body and a clean finish. The kit also includes reusable bottles, which can be used for future batches. The equipment in the kit is not reusable but is made from high-quality materials, making it durable and easy to use.
The Brooklyn Everyday IPA Beer Making Kit is a beginner-friendly kit that includes everything needed to brew a delicious IPA. The kit includes premium quality ingredients and equipment that are easy to use and produce a high-quality beer. The kit comes with step-by-step instructions that make the brewing process easy and fun for beginners.
How Brooklyn Everyday IPA kit compares with other IPA kits
Compared to other IPA homebrewing kits the Brooklyn Everyday IPA kit stands out for its high-quality ingredients and equipment.
The kit includes premium hops and malt extracts, which are the key ingredients for a great-tasting beer. The equipment is also of high quality and includes a glass fermenter and a reusable bottle capper.
The kit contains our Everyday IPA making mix (grain, hops, and yeast), glass spirit-filled thermometer, 1-gallon reusable glass fermenter, vinyl tubing, racking cane & tip, chambered airlock, Brooklyn Brew Shop cleanser, and screw-cap stopper. However, the kit does not have a strainer, funnel, pot, and bottles
Pros
- Easy to use: One of the biggest pros of the Brooklyn Everyday IPA kit is its ease of use. The step-by-step instructions make the brewing process simple and straightforward, even for beginners who have never brewed beer before.
- Good quality ingredients and equipment: Another pro is the quality of the ingredients and equipment included in the kit. The premium hops and malt extracts produce a delicious, high-quality beer, and the glass fermenter and reusable bottle capper are durable and long-lasting.
- American-made kit: The kit is made in America by published beer authors. This kit has been featured in various food magazines as well as national newspapers.
Cons
- Size: One potential downside of the Brooklyn Everyday IPA kit is that it only makes one gallon of beer. This is perfect for beginners who want to start with a smaller batch, but may not be enough for more experienced brewers or those who want to make larger quantities of beer.
- Vague instructions: Additionally, some users have reported that the included instructions can be a bit vague, which may make the brewing process more difficult for some beginners.
Recommendation
Overall, the Brooklyn Everyday IPA Beer Making Kit is an excellent choice for beginners who want to brew a high-quality IPA. The kit includes everything needed to brew a delicious beer, and the step-by-step instructions make the process easy and fun.
While the kit may only make one gallon of beer, this is perfect for beginners who want to start small and experiment with different brewing techniques. We highly recommend the Brooklyn Everyday IPA kit for anyone looking to start homebrewing their own beer.
4. Northern Brewer Chinook IPA: The best if you’re already an advanced user
The Northern Brewer Chinook IPA is a great choice for advanced users who are looking to experiment with different brewing techniques and ingredients. This kit includes all the ingredients you need to make 5 gallons of beer, including malt extract, specialty grains, hops, and yeast.
The Northern Brewer Chinook IPA Beer Making Kit is an advanced-level kit that includes high-quality ingredients and equipment for brewing a delicious IPA. The kit comes with Chinook hops, which are known for their distinctive piney and spicy flavor profile. The kit also includes a 6-gallon glass carboy fermenter, which is perfect for more experienced brewers who want to make larger batches of beer.
How Northern Brewer Chinook IPA kit compares with other IPA kits
Compared to other IPA homebrewing kits, the Northern Brewer Chinook IPA kit stands out for its high-quality ingredients and equipment. The kit includes premium Chinook hops, which are a favorite among experienced brewers for their unique flavor profile.
The glass carboy fermenter is also of high quality and perfect for larger batches of beer.
The Chinook IPA is a bold, flavorful beer with a strong hop profile and a slightly bitter finish. The kit also includes reusable bottles, which can be used for future batches. The equipment in the kit is reusable and made from high-quality materials, making it durable and easy to use.
Pros
- High-quality ingredients: One of the biggest pros of the Northern Brewer Chinook IPA kit is the high-quality ingredients included in the kit. The Chinook hops produces a delicious, unique flavor profile that sets this kit apart from other IPA kits.
- Large-size fermenter: the 6-gallon glass carboy fermenter is perfect for advanced users who want to make larger batches of beer. The kit also comes with a wide range of equipment, including a thermometer, bottle filler, and bottle capper.
Cons
- Complex to use: One potential downside of the Northern Brewer Chinook IPA kit is its level of complexity. This kit is designed for more experienced brewers who are comfortable with more advanced brewing techniques. Beginners may find the kit challenging to use and may struggle with the brewing process.
- Expensive: The kit is more expensive than other beginner-level kits, which may make it less accessible to some users.
Recommendation
Overall, the Northern Brewer Chinook IPA Beer Making Kit is an excellent choice for experienced brewers who want to take their brewing skills to the next level.
The kit includes high-quality ingredients and equipment that produce a delicious, unique IPA. While the kit may be too complex for beginners, advanced users will appreciate the range of equipment and the 6-gallon glass carboy fermenter.
We highly recommend the Northern Brewer Chinook IPA kit for experienced brewers looking to brew a high-quality IPA.
5. Brewer’s Best Double IPA: The best for experienced homebrewers
The Brewer’s Best Double IPA is a great choice for experienced homebrewers who want to make a beer with a high alcohol content and a bold flavor. This kit includes all the ingredients you need to make 5 gallons of beer, including malt extract, specialty grains, hops, and yeast.
The Double IPA is a strong, hoppy beer with a malty backbone and a dry finish. The kit comes with reusable bottles, which can be used for future batches. The equipment in the kit is reusable and made from high-quality materials, making it durable and easy to use.
How Brewer’s Best Double IPA kit compares with other IPA kits
Compared to other IPA kits, the Brewer’s Best Double IPA kit is a step up in complexity and requires more experience to brew. While it may not be the best kit for beginners, it’s perfect for experienced homebrewers who want to experiment with new and exciting flavor profiles.
Brewer’s Best Double IPA kit is a high-quality homebrewing kit designed for experienced homebrewers who want to craft a complex and flavorful Double IPA.
The kit comes with high-quality ingredients and detailed instructions, making it easy to achieve professional-level results.
This kit includes all the ingredients you need to brew a full-bodied and hop-forward beer, including malt extract, specialty grains, hops, yeast, and priming sugar.
The kit comes with detailed instructions and can produce up to 5 gallons of delicious Double IPA.
Pros
- High-quality ingredients: The kit comes with top-quality malt extract, specialty grains, and hops, ensuring that you’ll get a flavorful and complex brew.
- Detailed instructions: The kit includes step-by-step instructions, making it easy to follow along and achieve consistent results.
- Great for experimentation: Experienced homebrewers can use this kit as a base for experimentation, adding their own twist to create unique and interesting Double IPAs.
- Produces a large batch: This kit can produce up to 5 gallons of beer, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Cons
- Not ideal for beginners: This kit is designed for experienced homebrewers and may be too complex for beginners to tackle.
- Requires additional equipment: The kit doesn’t come with all the necessary equipment, such as a brewing kettle, fermenter, and bottling bucket.
Recommendation
Overall, the Brewer’s Best Double IPA kit is a fantastic option for experienced homebrewers who want to craft a high-quality and flavorful Double IPA.
While it may not be the best choice for beginners, it’s perfect for those who are ready to take their homebrewing skills to the next level. The kit comes with high-quality ingredients and detailed instructions, ensuring that you’ll get consistent results every time. Just be aware that you’ll need to purchase additional equipment to get started.
Conclusion
In terms of quality of ingredients, all of the kits mentioned above contain high-quality ingredients that are carefully selected for their flavor and aroma. The materials used in the equipment also vary, but all are made from high-quality materials that are designed to last.
Overall, choosing the right IPA beer-making kit depends on your level of experience and your personal preferences. Whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced homebrewer, there’s a kit out there that’s perfect for you.
By investing in a beer-making kit, you can enjoy the satisfaction of brewing your own beer and experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to create the perfect brew.
