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- Oct 4, 2019
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Following my post within the 'What Kit Beer Are You Drinking Tonight?' thread, and a suggestion from another member, I'm starting this thread for anyone looking for guidance on what kits to potentially avoid. As @alfajerry quite rightly pointed out to me, it's all a matter of taste, and everyone has their own opinion, so don't take any guidance here as gospel - it is opinion and guidance!
I'll kick it off with my opinion - Mangrove Jacks Single Hopped Nelson Sauvin IPA. I actually watched the Partridge Brothers' YouTube review of this kit while pondering whether to buy it. Their review wasn't too great, however, the price I was looking at for the kit was low - B2B were selling it at a bargain price because it only had a month left on the Best Before date. My thoughts were that it wouldn't be that bad, so I bought it. I don't regret buying it - it's actually 'OK', but I wouldn't buy it again.
For me, it didn't match any descriptors on the package. There is no rich and fruity aroma - only a hint of fruit, maybe even a piney/pithy aroma. The colour is a dark amber/copper - not vibrant gold. The taste does have a lingering bitterness but doesn't seem as dry as described - which might actually be OK for some people! Note that the deviations from the descriptors could be due to the BB date being almost reached, or even storage conditions on my part or B2B's part, although I did store it in a cupboard that is cool. I did also brew it short at 21L rather than 23L, which could account for a slightly darker colour, but I'm guessing not this dark.
Overall, I just thought that I've had much much better Mangrove Jacks kits - they are my 'go to' kits. Juicy Session IPA, Pink Grapefruit IPA, Helles, Bavarian Wheat, Irish Stout - all solid, great beers.
So, there you go. What kits would you not brew again and why?
I'll kick it off with my opinion - Mangrove Jacks Single Hopped Nelson Sauvin IPA. I actually watched the Partridge Brothers' YouTube review of this kit while pondering whether to buy it. Their review wasn't too great, however, the price I was looking at for the kit was low - B2B were selling it at a bargain price because it only had a month left on the Best Before date. My thoughts were that it wouldn't be that bad, so I bought it. I don't regret buying it - it's actually 'OK', but I wouldn't buy it again.
For me, it didn't match any descriptors on the package. There is no rich and fruity aroma - only a hint of fruit, maybe even a piney/pithy aroma. The colour is a dark amber/copper - not vibrant gold. The taste does have a lingering bitterness but doesn't seem as dry as described - which might actually be OK for some people! Note that the deviations from the descriptors could be due to the BB date being almost reached, or even storage conditions on my part or B2B's part, although I did store it in a cupboard that is cool. I did also brew it short at 21L rather than 23L, which could account for a slightly darker colour, but I'm guessing not this dark.
Overall, I just thought that I've had much much better Mangrove Jacks kits - they are my 'go to' kits. Juicy Session IPA, Pink Grapefruit IPA, Helles, Bavarian Wheat, Irish Stout - all solid, great beers.
So, there you go. What kits would you not brew again and why?