Bitter & Mild kit suggestions

[Mozz]

I plan to make some Bitter and Mild home-brew for the first time and have no experiance in doing so. I have made some nice wine and cider.

But what kit to try?

I really like a good pint of Pedigree so would like something similar does to mind?

Also any good'Mild' out there...?

 

[terrym]

Welcome to the forum.
First I suggest you read this before you start
http://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=57526
Next there are many bitter kits out there but not so many mild kits.
You usually buy one can kits of prehopped malt extract and then add extra fermentable sugars (sometimes called kit and a kilo) or if you are prepared to spend more a premium kit which will contain two cans/sachets of malt but you don't need to add any more. Premium kits usually turn out better unless you are prepared to add extras to a one can kit to improve it which many on here do including me.
My suggestion is you have a look in our forum kit review section to see if there is anything that takes your fancy.
http://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=61597
Or you could try a premium Woodeford Wherry bitter kit, but you must substitute the yeast to say a Wilko Ale yeast or you may get problems. As you like Pedigree there is also the Festival Landlords Bitter kit which is reasonably similar to Ped but a more expensive kit but contains hops for dry hopping.
If you do end up dry hopping read this for a bit of background
http://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=61045

 

[Sandimas]

I'm currently drinking a lovely AG mild I brewed a while ago. I'd be tempted to use the latter stages of the hop boil with a kit which I think would substantially improve it. So here's my suggestion:

- Pick a Mild kit, Geordie Mild seems to get good reviews
http://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=19275

- It's a 1-can kit so you'll need 1kg of extra fermentables, suggest using spraymalt.

- Brew it short: these kits are usually 23L but brewing them to 20L or 21L will give more flavour.

- Get some Bramling Cross hops. In the biggest pan you have (ideally 5-6L), boil 15g for 10mins, then turn off the heat and wait another 10mins, and then chuck another 20g of hops in for 30mins. Strain this liquid to help make up the above beer kit.

I reckon it'll be a cracker. :thumb:

 

[beerhunter]

out of the one can kits I have done, the best mild in my opinion is the "simply" kit, and the tom caxton best is a good bitter kit. as with most one can kits, it improves if you brew a little short.

 

[Mozz]

Thank you for your reply,loads to think about.

 

[Mozz]

Never thought of adding extra hops

 

[tricky_dicky]

If you have a Wilko's close by go and pick up the one can Newkie Brown kit they do - it's just rebadged Muntons Midland Mild - and is well worth a go.

 

[Dutto]

Sorry I missed the original Post.

Fulstows Brewery (via Grimsby Homebrew Shop) do a superb Marsh Mild AG Kit. I brewed it in January of this year and it was a superb beer that kept very well. (I drank my last "test" bottle less than a week ago and it was still a lovely brew.)

For extract kits, I always think that the Woodfordes Wherry Kit is "The standard by which all other kits are judged." and I can recommend it as a staple beer to keep on the shelf for when you have visitors.