Just back from the UK. We were there to meet the company who make the Craft Range LME and beer/cider kits for us. We sampled some of their new beer kits, extract kits, and all grain kits, and they are nothing short of amazing. We will be stocking them soon.
One of the all grain kits was a Belgian ale at 9% ABV, and was incredibly smooth; I found it very hard to believe it was 9%. Having worked for years in Eindhoven, and a regular visitor to Belgium, I do know my strong beers, but this was an eye opener. Apparently the smoothness is all about achieving a "balanced beer" and the correct grain bill is critical to getting there. Not an easy task at all. But then their recipe developer is well known world wide. Afaik, only two UK micros are in the top 100 list, and he developed both beers. We figure these will RRP at close to existing all grain kits, but they really are just so far ahead.
For kit and extract brewers, we were shown why the LME is the best quality available worldwide, and why its virtually impossible to replicate what these guys do . . . they blend the best malt extracts sourced worldwide for each beer style (e.g. the Craft Range IPA or the new citra APA). The proof, as always, is in the tasting!
We are also launching a new "value range" dried apple powder cider kits and dried grape powder wine kits; the dried grape juice powder has been supplied to commercial wineries. Powdered kits are manufactured at a fraction of the cost of true juice based kits, and the RRPs of the new kits reflect this: about 12 to 15 euros for a 30 bottle wine kit / a 40 pint cider kit. Nevertheless, keeping in mind that your wine is only costing about 50 cents a bottle, the quality is not too bad at all. These kits won't suit the connoisseurs but are very drinkable and will be perfect for parties, events etc.
See:
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www.homebrewwest.ie/pre-book-dri ... 4304-p.asp
We will post more info on the cider kit as it becomes available. It won't compare with Craft Range cider kits in terms of quality, but it will be less than half the price. And, by all accounts, it is quite drinkable.
We have decided to stock the entire Kilner product range, and already most of their products online here:
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www.homebrewwest.ie/kilner-jars- ... -353-c.asp
these will be here today and we will be updating stock levels later.
We are taking a more eclectic view of home brewing, and expanding the concept to "home making". Plus side is that we now have offerings for your other half! Next month, we will have an amazing new range of cheese making kits at very affordable prices.
As wholesalers, we don't yet really know what to charge retail for Kilner products (we are just finding our feet with them), but we can match the best online prices out there. So please let us know if we are too expensive and we will adjust.
They have their beer and cider kits too here:
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www.homebrewwest.ie/kilner-quality-beer-kits-352-c.asp">
www.homebrewwest.ie/kilner-quali ... -352-c.asp
