Customer Reviews

Great Kit Review by TD

Rating

Easy to brew. Great product. Turned out delicious. (Posted on 3/24/13)

Better than Guinness in my opinion Review by Tom

Rating

2 weeks primary, 2 weeks secondary, 2 weeks bottle. I added a lb of DME to this just to give it a little boost. I also tried it side by side with Guinness. Wow! More malty and a more robust flavor than Guinness! Very easy to brew. If you like this style of beer, brew it. Great kit! (Posted on 3/18/13)

What You-Know-What Used To Be Review by Dan

Rating

The last couple years I've been kinda disappointed by "you-know-who"'s Irish stout... I've consumed a lot of it (being a bagpiper on St. Paddy's Day, you drink a LOT of Guinness), but it's struck me as Not Quite What I Remember... a bit "thinner," a bit less substantial. This kit, which is about eight weeks old as of tonight (when a good friend and I put a few of 'em away) is the Irish stout I remember. Despite the lack of nitrogen carbonation (is that a non sequitur?), I got a nice frothy head, and more important, a good texture and a rich flavor. This one's going to be a standard... (Posted on 3/10/13)

It is that good Review by Matthew

Rating

Great beer kit!!!! If you like an Irish Stout you will like this kit. The only problem is I think it ate a hole in the bottom of my keg because it disappeared so fast. I will make this kit again. (Posted on 2/14/13)

Great pint Review by firstin

Rating

1st brew I have done, instructions very easy to follow every thing went without a problem, now enjoying a great pint or three :-) (Posted on 2/6/13)

Cluster Hops? Review by Chris

Rating

I brewed the recipe per instructions for an easy extract batch. I like the basic recipe, but the Cluster hops (2 ounces) were a surprise. They have a different taste, earthy and spicy, but I don't know if I want them in my stout again. It definitely does NOT taste traditional. It's good and I'll drink it, but it's not the taste I'm after when I think stout. (Posted on 1/28/13)

WOW Review by Philly Beer Guy

Rating

brewed this on 11/5/12. Followed recipe pretty much to the "T" and used the Safale 04 dry yeast. First time with the dry, and WOW, I reviewed the yeast already and gave it 5 stars. Fermentation in less than 12 hours and blew the blow off tube off... Only 5 days in primary and into secondary for another week or so. Kegged and primed with a little Kreamy X, tried on the 23rd of December and wasn't quite ready, but 3 days later great head and retention. Flavors good but I know they will mature. Just ordered the tap needed for Nitrogen mix and will be doing it soon. Most likely have this on tap all the time in some form. If your thinking about trying the dry yeast, DO IT. (Posted on 12/31/12)

worth the wait Review by Dan

Rating

1 week in primary, ferment was finished completely in 3 days ?? 2 weeks in secondary . Popped a cap after 1 week in bottle, was flat . 2 weeks in bottle, still flat . 3 weeks ,still flat. Finally after 4 weeks a wonderful stout and alongside of a Guiness not much of a difference. Will have to consider kegging stouts in the future, was a nerve racking wait. (Posted on 12/10/12)

4 weeks in the bottles Review by bill

Rating

Outstanding. Was good at 2 weeks, smoothed out greatly in the last 2 weeks. I am not a huge stout fan, but drink it when out from time to time, but this has converted me. This has turned into an outstanding brew. My wife even likes it and she is not a big beer drinker. This one will be in the rotation permanently (Posted on 11/8/12)

WOW. On beergas/stout faucet, JUST LIKE GUINNESS DRAUGHT! Review by Preston

Rating

After a month, all the flavors mellowed into a fantastically smooth a dry stout. Lightly carbonated it, put it on beergas (75% nitrogen/25% CO2), and ran it through stout faucet. Ran out within 3 weeks. Had a party the other night and simply asked "you like Guinness?" of everyone, and waited until everyone enjoyed their first before telling them it was homebrew. One guy ONLY drinks Guinness and didn't have a clue. So stoked about this kit, I JUST ordered 3 more. I have no intentions of ever running out again. I will always have a backup keg ready to tap. (Posted on 11/5/12)

Roasty and Dry Review by Robert

Rating

This is the best home brew kit I've ever used. The boil is simple and it makes a good session beer. New craft beer fans who want to get into brewing always start with an IPA and I think it's a mistake. Start with a session-able stout and you wont be disappointed. (Posted on 10/15/12)

good stuff Review by bill

Rating

Just drank my first 2 after being in the bottles for a bit mare than 2 weeks. I am guessing that after 3 to 4 weeks it will rock (Posted on 10/15/12)

Yes this is "Awesome"! Review by patrick

Rating

This dry irish stout is my first stout home brew. I was hoping for a something drinkable. But was supprised that it is the best batch of beer i have made. The coffee flavor it has is so perfect.
I had some friends think it was a top stout. I bottled them in Guiness bottles and had some think i was trying to trick them by changing the bottle cap on a real Guiness and saying it was a home brew.
Thanks NB this recipe rocks!!!!! My new favorite beer!!!! (Posted on 10/12/12)

Better than I imagined Review by Richard

Rating

I am a Irish Stout lover. I love Guiness but the only time I drink it is when I am out with my Bagpipe Band (the band usually drinks for free at gig's). I refuse to pay $9 a sixpack. Decided to give this a try and was very happy with it. Had a Guiness at the last gig with the the band and felt that this was very close. Took a couple of bottles with me and the guys also felt the same way. (Posted on 9/23/12)

Excellent Review by Terry

Rating

Brewed many kits and this is one of our most favorite. Modified to suit our taste more by doing 1 oz cascade @ 50 min and 1 @ 35 min... Plus added an extra 1.2 lbs of Munich malt. Still balanced, but with a maltier presence. (Posted on 9/4/12)

Easy stout and my first 5 gallon batch Review by Joe

Rating

This was my first attempt at a 5 gallon brew and it was an easy straight forward recipe. I didn't have a secondary so I did the Primary for 2 weeks then bottle conditioned for 2 weeks. I then popped a couple in the fridge for a day or two and WOW I was impressed. The longer it bottle conditions the better it gets! Nice and dry with a huge brownish head and a small hint of chocolate and coffee at the end. This will be a staple in my collection and I promise you will not be disappointed. (Posted on 8/26/12)

Great Beer Review by Mike

Rating

This beer is very straight forward. A staple dry Irish stout. Excellent kit at an excellent price! (Posted on 8/13/12)

Great stoutness! Review by Jeff H

Rating

This was my first brew I made in years, I brewed this extract kit to the recipe and bottle conditioned for 2 weeks. Did 1 week in primary, racked to second for 2 weeks in basement around 64 degrees. Cracked my first one after 2 weeks in bottle, tastes just like Guinness Extra Stout (slightly lighter) with a chocolate undertone to it. (Posted on 8/2/12)

Close but no cigar Review by Todd

Rating

As another reviewer put it, it's hard to believe all the 5 stars and praise this kit is getting - it has been underwhelming. It doesn't deserve one star, but definitely not a 5 star ratting.

It has some characteristics I expect from a stout, but dosen't come all the way through.

Color:
The color seems to be off. It's more of a dark amber than a deep dark brown or black that I expect with a stout or porter.

Body:
It seems "thin" and not as full as expected with this type of beer.

Smell:
The smell seems to be the best characteristic of this beer. The aroma is wonderful, with a very lush coffee scent.

Flavor:
The flavor is okay. You can tell that you have a stout in your hand. It seems crisp and clean, but the finish is not very strong.

Another thing that I think throws this off is the lack of the creamy head you expect from the commercially available stouts. Maybe this would improve slightly if were nitro tapped? (Posted on 7/12/12)

Simple - Great Brew Review by Otis & Eddie's Brewery - Potsdam NY (this is my house, don't come here please)

Rating

I have brewed the kit to instructions several times and find it to result in a very nice Guiness-like beer. The most recent, I added +1/2 Lb Belgium De-Bittered Black malt into the steep to 170F. This really bumped up the background of Espresso and Dark Chocolate - the head went from off-white on the dark beer to a nice brown. Very pleased once again with a NB kit, either to instruction or slightly tweaked. (Posted on 5/5/12)

Will definitely brew it again Review by snowman

Rating

This turned out better than I expected. I'm not a big fan of overly hopped brews. This one has just enough to suit my taste.It is easy to drink and has a great flavor. Everyone who has tried it, likes it.
It is lighter than most stouts,but very enjoyable. (Posted on 4/6/12)

Nice mouth feel, hints of dry roast coffee Review by IPC31

Rating

I would say the comparisons to guiness, in my case, are not applicable. I love the dry character, with an almost roasted coffee touch and very subtle bitterness that I find very attractive in this beer. I made it for St. P's day and it was better than I expected. Let it sit in bottle for at least 3-4 weeks. You will not be disappointed if you crack a few early as I did. However the flavor really came through at about 3. Cheers! (Posted on 4/6/12)

Love this Stout Review by ScottP

Rating

I started the brew process late, so I may have rushed it a bit to get it on tap by St Pat's. I do a mini mash for 1 hour with the specialty grains. Primary for a week, Secondary for a week. Directly into a Cornelius Keg. 2 days later I was enjoying it. It's lovely stuff! My main fear is it's about to run out! Must order another! (Posted on 4/5/12)

Tasty and a bargain Review by Brandon

Rating

I let it age for several months before drinking, quite good.
And a bargain at this price. (Posted on 3/29/12)

Solid stout kit Review by Tim

Rating

We've given a few bottles to friends and they rave about it, I always thought it was pretty good too.
So on St. Patty's day we did a side-by-side comparison of this beer vs bottled Guiness. This one had slightly more bitterness, and a MUCH fuller mouthfeel. The Guiness by contrast felt thin and watery. Win for NB! (Posted on 3/19/12)

Just bottled, following long secondary, interesting head Review by JJB

Rating

Call it Winter sloth, but I only bottled this today - eight weeks after it went to secondary. I got about 1.5 inches of beautiful head of foam in the vile when I sampled for FG (1.011). I am a nuby, but I have never seen carbonation like this before bottling. I cut my sugar starter by half - concerned about blowing caps.

Sample of product - dry and tangy, very much in line with other's notes. I'll give it a five, but we'll see how they condition and adjust scores accordingly. (Posted on 3/19/12)

Great Beer!! Review by MaTT

Rating

I have brewed this kit twice and it is an excellent dry Irish stout. I like this better than Guinness as it is bitter, but still has more of a sweet chocolate, roasted flavor (more like Murphy's). Both times I made this beer, I used the liquid yeast and also added 1 cup of oats and have not had problems with head retention or body as others have noted. 2-3 weeks in primary and then 1-2 weeks to condition in a keg before carbonating. Super easy to brew. Also much cheaper than buying a 30L keg of Murphy's for $100+ or a 50L keg of Guinness at $170+.

So I keg my beer and push this with nitrogen / beer gas through a nitrogen tap - it definitely makes the beer even better! Rich creamy head and the bubbles that "float down" really take it to the next level and increases the mouth feel and body. If you have the means and love Irish stouts, get a nitrogen kit! I'm planning on keeping this one on draft at all times along with a rotation of other beers such as IPAs or pale ales. It makes some killer black and tans. (Posted on 3/19/12)

Exactly the stout I was looking for Review by James

Rating

This is an excellent version of the kind of stout I was looking for. It's not sweet or bulky like the many different stouts that I'm not a fan of. I love it. I hope to make it again and again thought I am thinking about adding a bit of aroma hops at the end of the boil to see if I like it better. (Posted on 3/16/12)

Amay-za-zing Review by CapsLocke

Rating

So good, I decided to get another kit and do it all over again. You should to. (Posted on 3/15/12)

Great Stout Review by ND Brewer

Rating

This was my first stout and my first extract kit woth NB along with my first experience of kegging a homebrew, I was very impressed and must say this will be on tap every St. Pattie's season, very good Irish Stout (Posted on 2/29/12)

Tasty! Review by MusicMan

Rating

This is a great beer. It's probably not going to win any awards, but you and your friends will love it. (Posted on 2/4/12)

good but not what I expected Review by jeff

Rating

I followed the directions, and used the dry yeast. It tastes good but its not even close to a typical stout, IMHO. I will try this again and maybe play with it a bit, possibly adding oatmeal during the boil. I have a robust porter that's in my rotation that is more stout than this one. Still its cheap, easy and tasty so I'm not complaining, just joining those few who are saying wait a sec, whats with this Guinness comparison? (Posted on 1/8/12)

great "meal" beer Review by Kevin

Rating

Like the name Implies, this stout isn't as creamy as Guiness or a milk stout. It is somewhat lighter inconsistency, and is a great beer to accompany good hearty stews or cold weather dishes.

I've brewed this recipe a 2nd time this year, only because I was very pleased with it the first time.

A simple and easy recipe. (Posted on 1/1/12)

just ok Review by ben

Rating

This stout was my worst beer i've brewed to date. Very bitter, very dry and almost doesn't fit the profile. It's not undrinkable and it could improve i guess with age. I dont want to completely blame the kit. I had tons of dried chunks of krausen? on the surface and even some in the secondary. I've never really seen this in my brews but I've read it is very bitter. Also, I played with the grain steeping time and temp so that could also factor into the final product too. (Posted on 11/29/11)

Turned out great and I love it. Review by William

Rating

Getting ready to make another batch. Can't wait to make this when I get a nitro kit to put on it. (Posted on 11/12/11)

Great beer, super easy kit Review by Tim

Rating

Very nice, light stout that is not as bitter as many others. The kit is super easy to make, this would be a great starter kit for someone. This was my 8th brew in 2011 and am very happy with it. Wife loves it.

I'm not getting a ton of head on this but it may be down to my equipment and technique. Off to the forums to see if I can get some pointers! (Posted on 11/11/11)

My new go-to Stout Review by D Nicholas

Rating

I brewed this with the hope that it would be similar to Guinness as advertised. After just tasting a young bottle (2 weeks bottled), I can confirm that I am pleasantly surprised how much they nailed it. Will definitely keep this stout in the rotation. Cheap, easy to make and tastes just like Guinness. I used the Wyeast and added a bit of heading agent.

(Posted on 9/17/11)

loved it Review by aaron

Rating

This was my first attempt at brewing. The kit was simple and came out great. i made a mistake while bottling it. If not for my mistake it would have turned out great. Drank it warm and flat and still loved it. (Posted on 9/16/11)

On Tap N' Loving it Review by Shane Dog

Rating

Great roasted Malt flavor, coffee comes through in the taste as well.. Very Pleased

Thanks Northern Brewer!! (Posted on 8/29/11)

Very drinkable Review by John

Rating

Second time brewing this. First time it was a little thin. This time added 3 ounces of crushed Sumatra coffee beans after 1 week in secondary.. Couldn't wait to try it after 1 week in bottle. It's already great. Good mouth feel too. Will let the rest condition for another couple weeks. ABV 3.2%. (Posted on 8/11/11)

nice and dry, but ramp up the ABV Review by MOIPABrewer

Rating

First time doing the recipe, I didn't want to "just do the kit", so using Beersmith, I added another 1 lb of dark dry extract to bring the ABV to 5.22%. Results? Same great taste raved about by others, but with a little more alcohol as I have a hard time drinking more than two stouts at a time, and at roughly 4%, a buzz I would not catch. Just a tip for anyone who feels the same as me!

Friends said it reminded them of Guinness, and maybe it would moreso if it were pushed with nitrogen. (Posted on 7/10/11)

Pleasant Surprise Review by bernbrew

Rating

I am not a big fan of Guinness, but I do drink it on occasion. I had not seriously considered brewing this extract kit. Then on 12/25/10, I received the kit as a gift. I followed the standard recipe, no changes. After 6 wks in the bottle, it tastes great.
This stout has more body and more malt flavor to go with the flavor from the roasted barley.than does Guinness. My friends agree that it beats Guinness. I have suddenly developed a new taste for stout. (Posted on 6/26/11)

Very Nice Review by AGRAY

Rating

A NB Kit that really hits the mark. Kegged with a touch of CO2. Not as creamy as real draft Guinness (due to thier high pressure Nitrogen/CO2 and puor nozzle), but very good. (Posted on 6/12/11)

good taste Review by Joe clark

Rating

this is my 4th kit from NB.. I did 2 weeks in prmary, 2weeks 2ndary and 2 weeks in bottle using the standard dextrose sugar.. and the beer tastes great, and has a nice smooth guiness draft taste... but the carbonation is weird... its like a Dr Pepper. near none head retension, and tons of effervecant carbonation.. It could be my brewing that made it that way.. but I was really hoping for a dense creamy head like guiness.. that left rings in the glass...

but the taste is good..
not sure what I did wrong.. dishwasher'd the bottles, no soap, no weird oxidizing.. but the head retension is Nil. (Posted on 6/6/11)

Can't believe all the 5 star reviews Review by undahhh

Rating

I brewed this kit about 3 months ago, and was/am completely underwhelmed. I love stouts, porters, usually anything bold and dark (not too picky). I found this stout to be very "thin" in taste, none of that luscious stout mouthfeel, and it had a really strong "edge" to the flavor and aftertaste. I don't think it tastes or feels ANYTHING like guiness (I wish it did because I love guiness), and honestly can't believe all the 5 star reviews this is receiving. It's not a bad beer, but if you are looking for something truly substantial in feel and flavor go with one of the other kits. (Posted on 5/23/11)

Almost didn't make it in the bottle Review by Benjamin

Rating

I did 2 weeks primary and 4 weeks secondary. On bottling day, I poured out my customary taster in a small glass before my first bottle. Wow! Even with zero carbonation and warm it was amazing! Coffee, chocolate, roasty, smooth and perfect bitterness. I immediately went and filled a pint. The only thing that stopped me from filling the third pint was the thought that I might want more on another day.

This is an excellent and easy kit. If you like Guinness or stouts at all; or if you just want to try a good one, get this kit. and BTW it blows Guinness out of the water. (Posted on 5/18/11)

Very Delicous Review by Snotty

Rating

This was my first kit I had ever made and I did make a big mistake. I didn't know you needed the grains crushed before you steeped them. Even with this huge mistake the beer turned out great. Can't wait for the fall so I can make it correctly this time. (Posted on 5/17/11)

Turned my Sons Review by Cbruce

Rating

Brewing is a family affair in our house. This was our first stout and I would say my two sons were very skeptical. They are accustomed to the Bud's, Coors, and our brown and pale ales. This was a reach for them (I've been a Stout regular since high school).
The steeping and brewing was easy, alas younger son dropped the fermenting carboy with a crash. When he came back from the hospital we used our extra 5 gallon carboy and threw the liquid yeast. I expected the head to blast out vigorously, and put in the hose. It kicked on schedule but finished quietly in a day. Too fast, too gentle. I called NB to see if this was normal, they had no opinion.
After 2 weeks in the primary we moved to secondary and tasted. WOW! It was so good that I carried samples to all family members. Three weeks in secondary improved even more, and we bottled.
Can't keep them away from it, my sons are total converts to stout and keep giving bottles to their friends. This is a flavorful medium body beer with a great roasted coffee like flavor and a perfect bitter finish and a complex aroma. (Posted on 5/11/11)

tastes great even with stuck fermentation Review by ADAM

Rating

I brewed this beer with 1 stage fermentation and it tastes awesome. It came out with a low ABV so I will probably do it again with a yeast starter for sure. Even my 'light beer' loving friends were coming back for more and more!! Brew this beer right away! (Posted on 5/10/11)

Positive Review by Chaz

Rating

Wow what a brew. Better than most commercial brands.I would most compare it to a STONE Smoked Porter! Truly a go to brew! (Posted on 4/2/11)

Great Kit Review by WAORGANY

Rating

This was the third kit I made from NB and it was the best!!! I have been brewing since 1993...done kits, partial and full grain and this kit was fun and made a great beer, easy to follow directions simple kit and makes a killer beer that everyone who likes a good beer will love!!! Highly recommend this kit, Caribou Slobber Brown is a close second!!! Will buy and make again, thanks NB! (Posted on 3/25/11)

Solid Stout Brew...with Coffee Addition Review by Jordan

Rating

I cold brewed 1/3 lb Dunkin Donuts regular coffee for a day and added before bottling. It gave a very strong coffee flavor, not too great after a week of condiditoning. Has gotten better since. I recommend this kit, but there are more respectable stouts to choose from in the batch. Give it a shot if you are Guinness drinker or want something that is smooth (Posted on 3/20/11)

Another Good Review Review by WoodNeck

Rating

Brewed this true to recipe. It spent four weeks in primary then bottled using Kreamex.

It has been in the bottle for four weeks now and tastes excellent.
I hid a few 22oz bottles because I want to taste it after another four weeks.

I'm not good at tasting notes, but I'll say this is what I wish Guinness tasted like.

5 pints up! (Posted on 3/11/11)

This beer gets better and better Review by Shane

This was the second beer I had ever brewed. When it was first brewed, I wasn't that fond of it. At the time it seemed extremely bitter with a slight piney taste. The beer is now about a year old and it is phenomenal. The flavors seem to have mellowed a little bit and overall this is a great beer. Too bad it is almost gone.

I have to be very careful when pouring this beer, as it creates an extremely thick head that grows like crazy if it is disturbed when poured. The head stays forever. (Posted on 3/7/11)

Love it! Review by X

Rating

This kit was my second batch ever brewed and I'm very happy with the results. Like the others have said... it tastes like Guinness, only better.

I tried this beer after 4-weeks and it was very good. Then I let it sit in the keg for another month and tried it again (8-weeks total since brewing) and it is AWESOME. Definitely let this one age for at least 2-months if you can stand to wait that long. You'll be happy you did. (Posted on 3/2/11)

Deceptively simple; delicious. Review by some guy from New Jersey

Rating

This was the first stout I'd ever brewed and I didn't have high expectations -- the kit was too cheap, and the brewing process too easy for it to have possibly turned out well -- or so I thought. I was wrong. This is a delicious beer (particularly in the wintertime) and is easily the equal of Guinness Extra Stout -- or at least the bottles of it that my liquor store has been selling me. (Posted on 2/13/11)

Very Good Product Review by NorCal Brewer

Rating

I will start by saying that I just began home brewing 10/10. Since then, I have brewed a total of three batches, this Irish Stout being the third. The first two batches were kits from my local home brewery shop. The first batch was ok and drinkable, but still needed some improvement somewhere, and the second batch has a funky taste that makes it difficult to drink.

Next, found NB online, ordered the Irish Stout, brewed as directed, but left in the Primary for 4 weeks. Bottled and after 7 days, took one out after slight chilling and took a deep breath.....YES!! Unbelievable taste from start to finish. It tastes exactly what it is supposed to...no off or unexpected flavors...it tastes like a very very good stout that you just picked up from the store. Try it...you will not be disappointed. Good quality ingredients are important for making a good product such as this...good luck! (Posted on 2/3/11)

Chocolate Guinness Review by Ron

Rating

Definitely one of my favorite beers I've ever brewed! Nice and smooth just like Guinness, with a fantastic dark chocolate finish. My wife who usually only drinks #9, loves this beer and makes sure there is always ample amounts in the fridge. Definitely will become one of my staple winter time brews. (Posted on 1/29/11)

Big Flavor Review by Book'em Dano

Rating

Can't go wrong with this kit if your a beginner and priced right. I just followed the recipe and added heading powder at priming. Creamy right out of the bottle after 10 days. (Posted on 1/9/11)

Great...also even better with oats Review by Richard

Rating

I've improved this one by adding a pound of oats to the mash. Even smoother! (Posted on 11/15/10)

1st Stout Review by BC

Brewed per instructions, 1 week primary, 2 weeks secondary. 1 week in Keg @ 13psi. Very pleased with this one. Will buy again and again and maybe then one more time. (Posted on 11/14/10)

My best brew to date Review by Rock the Brew

Rating

I based my recipe on this kit. Added 1 lb dark dried malt extract, and used Kent Goldings instead of Cluster. Everyone loved it. This one will be the standard by which I judge all my future brews. (Posted on 11/10/10)

From start to finish Review by Michelle in Parkton

Rating

This beer tasted great from start to finish. Stout haters liked it. My best friend kept taking bottles to give to her friends. (Posted on 9/28/10)

Very easy, and pretty tasty Review by Brett

Rating

I really enjoy dry stouts so I gave this one a shot. I got kind of lazy on this brew. I kept it in the primary for three weeks and transfered it to my Tap A Draft bottles to carbonate for a one month. Used Kreamyx carb sugar. Used one C02 and one N20 with the TAD system which made this beer great on tap. This also turned out pretty good when bottled. Give it a shot. It won't long. (Posted on 8/17/10)

Very Good Review by Cody1021

Rating

This was my first home brew ever. I found this stout to be so close to guiness extra stout that I was very pleased. Friends who have tried it agree and like it as well. (Posted on 8/6/10)

Very Nice Review by Jeremy

Rating

This was the first time I brewed this style and it turned out great. My wife and I have grown to really enjoy this style. Like a lot of other posts I'm goign to add Muntons Kreamy next batch. Overall, excellent beer! Enjoy! (Posted on 7/18/10)

Awesome Review by jpbikerfreak

Better than guiness! I made it with the expensive Wyeast the first time around and it was incredible. Of course darker, thicker brews take a bit more persuasion to carbonate, but even after 2 days at 35 psi in the keg it was a bit more lively than Guiness. Another day or two at 10 and it was perfect. I'm now trying it with the cheap munton's (2 days left before that batch is ready) so we'll see what a difference that makes. (Posted on 7/2/10)

This is horrible! Review by Slainte23

Rating

I am going to go broke buying this kit non-stop. This is in my top two favorites. It's like Guinness without the creaminess. Love it. (Posted on 6/19/10)

Amazing Review by Michael

Rating

I brewed this beer a couple months ago and I love it. I fermented 2 weeks in the primary and 2 weeks in the secondary then transfered to a keg where it sat on 30 psi for 2 days. At first it was a little under carbed, so I let it sit on 10 psi for about a week or so and it turned out great. At first the hop presence was pretty strong, way more than what I expected, but after a month or so it died down. Now the beer is pretty good. I'd say I over carbed it a bit, but it was good. Too bad now that it's good theres not much left haha. Not as creamy as I'd like, but maybe the Chocolate Stout would be better? Either way I will brew this again. (Posted on 6/11/10)

A nice change. Review by Two guys and a brew

Rating

This beer starts with a very robust and full body. It finishes very well with the coffee-like flavor of a 1554, yet, without the hint of chocolate. In addition, this is a refreshing version of a Stout where it is not overly creamy, chocolaty and has a pleasant dry finish. I would definitely recommend this brew for a beginner as it was easy to brew. I would like to see how this beer brews with the liquid yeast as I used the dry yeast. Cheers!! (Posted on 6/9/10)

Niiiiice ! Review by JOEY FUMES

Rating

only my 4th beer brewed. just a week in the bottle & maybe my fave so far. very tasty & only rave reviews from everyone who's tried it. I'm getting another kit soon ! (Posted on 6/4/10)

Good beer to learn on Review by Deeboe

Rating

I like a good stout on occasion, so this was a nice one to try out. It's a pretty simple brew, so it is good for those that are just learning. The taste is good, but give it some time of the carbonation. I had one about a month after completion and the carbonation was much better and made for a nice thick head. (Posted on 6/2/10)

Great Stout Almighty! Review by jamesjensen

Rating

This is my 4th kit, 1st one from NB. All I have to say is "If you are on the fence about buying this kit, just do it!" Everyone who has tried it loves it. This is by far my best brew yet. Thanks Northern Brewer!
(Posted on 5/19/10)

Fricken Awesome! Review by Brewing Goat

Rating

This Recipe is dyno-mite, i threw in a pound of coffee beans in the secondary just for the hell of it, and its superb! (Posted on 5/17/10)

Very smooth stout! Review by MikO

Rating

I have to recommend this one since I will be ordering it again! This was my 5th batch since I got back into brewing and it was bottled on 4/22. As with all my brews, I just have to try one at 7 days. This one knocked me over as to how good it was at only 1 week in the bottle. I restrained myself and now at just over 3 weeks it is a keeper! It does have decent head retention and the nice fine head like Guinnes. I hope I have some left at 2 months after bottling just to see what the full potential is. (Posted on 5/16/10)

Great Stout. Easy to brew! Review by JUSTIN CREDIBLE

Rating

Excellent taste, easy to brew. Has nice chocolate hints and notes of smoke. I added 2oz of heading powder and Munton's KreamyX Priming Agent when it came time to bottle. I read the other posts that stated this kit did not give much head. I think with the additions of heading powder and Munton's Kreamy it made it a little more "Toothsome".
Cheers (Posted on 5/5/10)

I had to experiment Review by Grimster

Rating

So I made the brew according to the directions, but when I put it into secondary, I added 4 ounces of melted (heated till it melted) organic raspberry preserves.

At first when the beer was only a week in the bottle it was not good, the raspberry was too strong, but 2 more weeks made a HUGE difference and I ended up with a refreshing and awesome brew with just a hint of raspberry in the scent and aftertaste, exactly as I wanted it to.

I can't resist experiments, it's nice when they work out, not so when it doesn't! (Posted on 4/26/10)

a very tasty stout Review by vbbrewer

Rating

This is a great, fool-proof stout kit. 2 weeks primary, 2 weeks secondary, and began drinking/gifting a few days after bottling. It's tasting great now, 2+ months after the brew date, and I'm going to save a few for long-term conditioning to see how the flavors balance. Yes it's true that you won't get a Guiness head from the bottle, but to me that doesn't matter a bit. It tastes better after you let this beer "flatten" out a while, i.e. after the pour head mostly dissipates. If you're not kegging, don't be upset about the lack of head retention. It's not going to affect the flavor, only the mouth-feel, which will be a bit thinner, but not enough to put you off of this beer.
You will not regret buying this kit. (Posted on 4/10/10)

Good brew Review by zk

Rating

I decided to brew my own beer, since the cost of a good beer keeps going up. This was my first kit. It turned out really great, and it did not last long at all. 1 week in primary at 68 degrees, 1 week in secondary at 57 degrees. Bottled, and basically began drinking immediately. Of course there was no carb at first, but by 2 weeks in the bottle, this beer had a decent head, and tasted great. I will purchase this kit again FOR SHO! (Posted on 4/6/10)

The Best Sout on Earth Review by Gabriel

Rating

Ok that might be a little much. But this is one smooth beer. I love the taste and will be ordering this every order. (Posted on 3/20/10)