Craft A Brew Beer Brewing Kit Review (Updated | Apr 12th)

If you’ve ever wanted to dive into home brewing without getting overwhelmed, this Craft A Brew kit is a solid way to start. I tried it as a total newbie and was surprised how easy it was to make a beer that actually tasted good — malty, slightly sweet with a clean finish, just like a real Oktoberfest should be.

The instructions were clear, the ingredients felt fresh, and I loved that everything came in one box, no extra shopping needed. It’s perfect for someone who wants to try brewing without investing in a ton of gear.

That said, the fermenter they include is basic — thin plastic that felt flimsy, and the lid didn’t seal as tight as I’d like, which made me nervous about contamination. Still, for the price and simplicity, it’s a fun intro to the hobby.

After finishing my first batch, I didn’t want to stop — so I grabbed this Hefeweizen refill kit, and it kept the momentum going. The ingredients are well portioned and easy to work with, and the beer that came out was smooth, slightly banana-like, with that classic wheat beer character I love on a hot day.

It’s ideal for anyone who already has the basic brewing gear and just wants to keep brewing without hassle. The kit makes about 50 bottles, which is great value, and I appreciated that it’s hand-packed in the U.S.

with attention to quality. My only gripe?

It assumes you already have equipment — if you’re new and don’t, you’ll be stuck. Also, the yeast packet didn’t have a clear expiration date, which made me wonder how fresh it really was.

If you’ve ever sipped a hard cider and thought, ‘I could make this,’ this kit is your starting line. Craft A Brew’s Hard Cider Kit gives you everything but the juice — which is actually a good thing, because it lets you pick your favorite apple juice and still get a crisp, dry sparkling cider in about two weeks.

I walked through the steps with zero brewing experience, and the included guide made fermentation feel less like science and more like a weekend project. It’s perfect for curious beginners or anyone wanting a simple, low-equipment intro to brewing.

The downside? It only makes one gallon, so if you’re planning a party or want to stock the fridge, you’ll be brewing back-to-back batches.

Still, for a small taste of homemade pride, it’s hard to beat.

This root beer kit is less ‘brewing’ and more ‘kitchen fun,’ but that’s exactly what makes it great. In just a few hours, you can make four liters of old-school, frothy root beer using real spices, bark, and berries — no alcohol, no long wait.

I loved watching my kids get excited as the bottles fizzed up, and the flavor was way better than store-bought: spicy, creamy, and nostalgic. It’s ideal for families, soda lovers, or anyone who wants a quick, satisfying DIY project without yeast anxiety.

The included carbonation caps work well with standard plastic bottles, which is smart. But here’s the catch: the carbonation level depends heavily on timing and temperature, and it’s easy to end up with flat soda or a messy bottle bomb if you’re not careful.

Still, for a fizzy weekend win, it’s a solid pick.

If you love a light, refreshing beer with a hint of banana and clove, this Hefeweizen refill kit is a solid pick. I brewed a batch last summer and was surprised how smooth and drinkable it came out—perfect for sipping on the porch.

It’s ideal for someone who already has the basic brewing gear and just wants fresh, reliable ingredients without the extra fluff. The wheat malt and Tettnang hops give it a clean, authentic flavor that feels more craft than homemade.

That said, the kit assumes you know your way around a fermenter—there’s no guidance or instructions, so if you’re still shaky on the process, you might feel lost. But for returning brewers wanting quality without fuss, it’s a satisfying go-to.

This Brown Ale refill is a cozy, easy-drinking option for anyone branching into darker beers without going full stout. I liked how balanced it was—caramel sweetness, a toasty finish, and just enough hop character from the Fuggles.

It’s a great choice if you’ve got your starter kit and want to keep brewing without rebuying basics. The ingredients feel professional-grade, and the small batch size means less waste if you’re tweaking flavors.

It’s not flashy, but it delivers a satisfying pint that pairs well with grilled food or a chilly evening. The downside?

Like the others, it gives you no directions—so if you’re still learning fermentation timing or sanitation, you’re on your own. But for a no-nonsense, reliable refill, it’s a solid pour.